w nass و نص

Algerian Darja · expression

“w nass” (و نص) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning half past (for the time).

Meanings

1. half past (for the time)
2. and a half

Usage

W nass is added after the hour to indicate the half hour: "l'wahda w nass" (half past one), "f s-sab3a w nass" (at half past seven). It is the normal way of telling the time in speech, along with "w rbe3" (quarter past) and "ghir rbe3" (quarter to). It is also used outside of telling the time for a quantity and a half: "kilo w nass" (a kilo and a half). The "w" is pronounced very briefly and often attaches to the following word. Careful: "nass" on its own means "half".

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “w nass” but also “w nes”, “ou nass”, “wnos” and “w nos”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “w nass” on the Arabic keyboard

In Moroccan Darija

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “half past (hour)”; “and a half (quantity)”: o ness in Moroccan.

In Tunisian Derja

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “half past (the hour)”; “and a half more”: w nos in Tunisian.