taqa طاقة
Algerian Darja · noun
“taqa” (طاقة) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning window, small window.
Meanings
- window, small window
- energy
Usage
In Algerian speech, notably in Algiers and several cities, taqa means a window, often a small opening in the wall. It is used alongside the common term tâqa or words such as chebbak and douriya depending on the region. The meaning "energy" comes from Standard Arabic. It is very frequent today in expressions like taqa ijabiya (positive energy), especially in writing and on social media. Context distinguishes the two senses: with hell (to open) or sedd (to close), it is a window. Common plural: twaq or taqat depending on the sense.
Example
حل الطاقة راهي السخانة
hell taqa, rahi skhana
“Open the window, it's hot.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “taqa” but also “ta9a”, “taka” and “tagua”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 9 is qaf (ق), a k pronounced at the back of the throat.
Type “taqa” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “energy, strength”; “energy (electricity, fuel)”: ta9a in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “energy, physical strength”; “energy (electricity, solar, etc.)”: ta9a in Tunisian.