yendjem ينجم
Algerian Darja · verb
“yendjem” (ينجم) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to be able to, can.
Meanings
- to be able to, can
- may, to be possible
Usage
Yendjem is the Darja verb for "can". It is very frequent. It takes a second conjugated verb directly, with no infinitive: "nendjem nji" (I can come). It expresses ability, but also possibility: "yendjem ykoun" means "it may be". The negation is "ma nendjemch". For total impossibility you also hear "ma nendjem 3la…" (I can't stand…). The participle nadjem means "capable". Not to be confused with the homonymous verb of Standard Arabic, which means "to result from".
Example
ما نجمش نجي غدوة، عندي الخدمة.
ma nendjemch nji ghodwa, 3andi lkhedma.
“I can't come tomorrow, I have work.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “yendjem” but also “yenjem” and “yanjam”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.