How to say “why” in Darija
In Moroccan, you say “3lach”, “3lah”, “lach” and “3layach”; in Algerian, “3lah”, “3lach” and “3lash”; in Tunisian, “3lech”, “3leh” and “lech”.
In Moroccan Darija
3lach علاش
An adverb meaning “why”; “on what, about what”.
و علاش لا ?: “And why not?”
3lah علاه
An adverb meaning “why”.
علاه ما جيتيش البارح؟: “Why didn't you come yesterday?”
lach لاش
An adverb meaning “why”; “for what, what for”; “no reason to (makayn lach)”.
مكاين لاش تخاف: “There's no reason to be afraid.”
3layach علياش
An adverb meaning “why, for what reason”; “something to, reason to”.
كانتسنّا فيك ت فسّر ليا علياش هاد لمشروع دايرو: “I'm waiting for you to explain to me why you did this project.”
In Algerian Darja
3lah علاه
An adverb meaning “why”.
علاه ما عيطتليش البارح؟: “Why didn't you call me yesterday?”
3lach علاش
An adverb meaning “why (question)”; “that's why, this is why”.
علاش ما جيتش البارح؟: “Why didn't you come yesterday?”
3lash علاش لاش
An adverb meaning “why”; “that's why”.
علاش ما جيتش البارح؟: “Why didn't you come yesterday?”
In Tunisian Derja
3lech علاش
An adverb meaning “why”; “for (having done), after 'regret'”; “what for (reproach)”.
يا محموصة قل لي علاش: “O Mahmoussa, tell me why.”
3leh علاه
An adverb meaning “why”.
علاه ما جيتش البارح؟: “Why didn't you come yesterday?”
lech لاش
An adverb meaning “why”; “what for”.
لاش ما كلمتنيش البارح؟: “Why didn't you call me yesterday?”