yra9a3 يرقع
Algerian Darja · verb
“yra9a3” (يرقع) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to patch, to mend.
Meanings
- to patch, to mend
- to patch up, to botch
- to smooth things over, make up for
Usage
Yra9a3 literally means "to put a patch" on a garment, a tire or a holed object; the noun ter9i3 refers to this mending. It is very often used figuratively for a temporary or sloppy repair: yra9a3 fiha, "he's patching it up". It is also used for someone who tries to make up for a blunder or a clumsy remark with explanations. The nuance is then often ironic or critical. The object is direct: yra9a3 sserwal, "he patches the trousers". The register is common and informal.
Example
يما راهي ترقعلي السروال
yemma rahi tra9a3li sserwal
“My mother is patching my trousers for me.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, it is written “yra9a3”. 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; 9 is qaf (ق), a k pronounced at the back of the throat.