wech واش اش
Algerian Darja · pronoun
“wech” (واش اش) is a pronoun in Algerian Darja meaning what, what is.
Meanings
- what, what is
- question particle (yes/no)
- hey (greeting)
Usage
Wach is the basic interrogative pronoun in Algeria: "wach rak dir ?" (what are you doing?). The variant ach is heard mainly in Algiers and its surroundings, and in the far west. At the start of a sentence, wach also introduces a yes/no question, like "is it that": "wach jit ?" (did you come?). Used on its own, it works as a casual greeting, which gave rise to the "wesh" of French slang. Pitfall: do not confuse it with chou or chnou, which are rather Moroccan or Eastern. The register is neutral and it is used everywhere.
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “wech” but also “ach”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.