How to say “be useful” in Darija
In Moroccan, you say “tnfe3” and “sle7”; in Algerian, “tenfa3” and “nfa3”.
In Moroccan Darija
tnfe3 تنفع
A verb meaning “to be useful, to serve”; “to suit, to do”.
عمرك جربتي تبتكر شي حاجة تنفع بلادك: “Have you ever tried to invent something useful for your country?”
sle7 صلح
A verb meaning “to be of use”; “to suit, be fitting”; “to repair (form ṣelleḥ)”.
هاد الموس ما كيصلح لوالو.: “This knife is good for nothing.”
In Algerian Darja
tenfa3 تنفع
A verb meaning “to be useful, to serve”; “to suit, to do the job”.
هاد الدوا ما تنفعش، روح للطبيب.: “This medicine is no use, go see the doctor.”
nfa3 نفع
A verb meaning “to be useful, to serve a purpose”; “to benefit someone, do good”.
هاد الدوا ما نفعنيش: “This medicine didn't work for me.”