za3ma زعما
Algerian Darja · particle
“za3ma” (زعما) is a particle in Algerian Darja meaning supposedly, allegedly.
Meanings
- supposedly, allegedly
- like, I mean, for example
- as if
Usage
Za3ma is a very frequent discourse particle. It is used first to cast doubt or to be ironic: "za3ma rah mrid", supposedly he is ill. It is also used as a simple marker to rephrase or give an example, like "like" or "I mean" in casual English. On its own, said with a questioning tone ("za3ma ?"), it means "oh really?" or "really?". The register is spoken and informal. Tone is often decisive: depending on intonation, the word can express mockery or simple hesitation.
Example
زعما راه يخدم، وهو قاعد غير في الدار
za3ma rah yekhdem, w howa ga3ed ghir f'dar
“Supposedly he's working, when he's just sitting at home.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “za3ma” but also “zaama”, “za3maa”, “z3ma” and “z3ama”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Its Arabic spelling is not fixed either: you will find زعما and زعمى, all the same word.
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.
Type “za3ma” on the Arabic keyboard
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “supposedly, so-called”; “I mean, like, actually”: za3ma in Tunisian.