How to say “my uncle” in Darija
In Moroccan, you say “3mi” and “khali”; in Algerian, “3ammi” and “khali”; in Tunisian, “3ammi” and “khali”.
In Moroccan Darija
3mi عمي
A noun meaning “my paternal uncle”; “sir (to an older man)”.
مرات عمي عيانة: “My uncle's wife is tired.”
khali خالي
A noun meaning “my maternal uncle”; “affectionate term for an older man”.
راه جا خالي: “My uncle has come.”
In Algerian Darja
3ammi عمي
A noun meaning “paternal uncle”; “sir (respectful address to older man)”; “uncle on the father's side”.
صح عمي، قداش هاد الطماطم؟: “Hello, sir, how much are these tomatoes?”
khali خالي
A noun meaning “my maternal uncle”; “empty, vacant (place)”; “uncle (respectful address)”.
خالي ساكن في وهران: “My maternal uncle lives in Oran.”
In Tunisian Derja
3ammi عمي
A noun meaning “my paternal uncle”; “sir (respectful address to an older man)”.
عمي ساكن في صفاقس مع مرتو وصغارو.: “My uncle lives in Sfax with his wife and children.”
khali خالي
A noun meaning “my maternal uncle”; “address to an older man”.
خالي جاي من فرنسا الصيف هذا: “My maternal uncle is coming from France this summer.”