ya kho يا خو

Algerian Darja · interjection

“ya kho” (يا خو) is an interjection in Algerian Darja meaning bro, mate (address).

Meanings

1. bro, mate (address)
2. hey, come on (insistence)

Usage

Ya kho is a familiar form of address, typical of Algiers and very widespread among young people. It is addressed to a man, even a stranger, in a friendly tone: it is used to get attention, ask for a favour or call on someone as a witness. Ya kho can also express annoyance or insistence ("ya kho khellini !", leave me alone!). The full form is "ya khouya" (oh my brother). For a woman, one says "ya khti". It is oral and informal, to be avoided in formal settings.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “ya kho” but also “ya khou” and “ya kh”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “ya kho” on the Arabic keyboard