yez3af يزعف
Algerian Darja · verb
“yez3af” (يزعف) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to get angry.
Meanings
- to get angry
- to be upset, offended
Usage
Yez3af is the imperfective form of z3af, a very common verb for "to get angry" or "to get worked up". The person one is angry with is introduced by men: z3af menni, "he got angry with me". The verb also covers being offended, sulking, and annoyance arising from disappointment. The corresponding noun is z3af, "anger", and the adjective is za3fan, "angry, upset". It is often used in the negative to reassure: ma tez3afch, "don't be angry". The register is informal but neutral, usable anywhere.
Example
ما تزعفش مني، كنت نضحك برك
ma tez3afch menni, kount nedhak brk
“Don't be angry with me, I was only joking.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “yez3af” but also “yaz3af”, “yezaaf” and “yez3ef”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 3 is ayn (ع), a voiced sound from deep in the throat with no English equivalent.