3oum عوم
Tunisian Derja · verb
“3oum” (عوم) is a verb in Tunisian Derja meaning to swim.
Meanings
- to swim
- swimming, bathing (noun)
Usage
3am, imperfect y3oum, is the usual verb for swimming; 3oum is its imperative (swim!). The noun 3oum also means swimming or bathing: nemchiw lel 3oum (we're going for a swim). The question ta3ref t3oum? (can you swim?) is very common in summer. The swimmer is called 3awwem. The word often comes up in connection with the beach and holidays. For "to dive", one says ghtas or ghatas.
Example
تعرف تعوم ولا لا؟
ta3ref t3oum walla le?
“Can you swim or not?”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “3oum” but also “3am” and “3oom”. 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.