3ass عس
Tunisian Derja · verb
“3ass” (عس) is a verb in Tunisian Derja meaning to watch over, keep an eye on.
Meanings
- to watch over, keep an eye on
- to be careful, take care
- to keep watch
Usage
The verb 3ass means to watch over someone or something to prevent a problem. It takes 3la: "3ass 3lih" (keep an eye on him). The expression "3ass 3la rou7ek" means "look after yourself", "take care", often said to someone who is leaving or taking a risk. The register is informal and common. It is mostly heard in the imperative: 3ass, 3assi, 3assou. It does not mean police or hostile surveillance. It is rather a protective vigilance, like that of a parent over a child or a neighbour over a house.
Example
عس على الصغير وأنا نجيب الخبز
3ass 3al sghir w ana njib el khobz
“Keep an eye on the little one while I go get the bread.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “3ass” but also “3as”, “3es” and “aass”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
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.