mrra mrra مرّة مرّة
Moroccan Darija · adverb
“mrra mrra” (مرّة مرّة) is an adverb in Moroccan Darija meaning sometimes, from time to time.
Meanings
- sometimes, from time to time
Usage
Mrra mrra means "from time to time", "sometimes". It is a very common expression in a neutral register, formed by doubling mrra (once). It usually goes at the end of the sentence: "kanchoufo mrra mrra" (I see him from time to time). It indicates an irregular and fairly low frequency. For an even lower frequency, say "chi mrra" or "b3d lmrrat". Do not confuse it with "mrra wa7da" (only once) or "kol mrra" (every time).
Example
كنمشي للبحر مرة مرة
kanmchi lbe7r mrra mrra
“I go to the sea from time to time.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “mrra mrra” but also “mra mra”, “merra merra” and “marra marra”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “mrra mrra” on the Arabic keyboard
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “sometimes, now and then”; “little by little, one at a time”: marra marra in Tunisian.