tsemma تسما

Algerian Darja · particle

“tsemma” (تسما) is a particle in Algerian Darja meaning that is, in fact.

Meanings

1. that is, in fact
2. so, then
3. supposedly

Usage

Tsemma is a very common connecting word in speech, close to ya3ni. It is used to rephrase, clarify or draw a conclusion, like "that is", "in fact" or "so": tsemma f 3omrou tlatin sna, "so he is thirty years old". It also punctuates speech as a simple hesitation, like "like" in English. In an ironic tone, it can take the sense of "supposedly" and signal doubt. It goes at the start of a sentence or before the element being clarified. The register is informal and spoken, and it should not be overused in formal writing.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “tsemma” but also “tssemma”, “tsema”, “tesma” and “tssema”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “tsemma” on the Arabic keyboard