7kim حكيم
Tunisian Derja · adjective
“7kim” (حكيم) is an adjective in Tunisian Derja meaning wise, prudent.
Meanings
- wise, prudent
- doctor (dated)
Usage
7kim (or 7akim) describes a wise, level-headed person who gives good advice, often an older person or a respected leader. The word belongs to a rather formal or laudatory register: it is found in tributes, tales and proverbs. In daily life, people more often say "3a9el" or "3andou mokh". The old meaning of "doctor" survives among older people, but the common word is tbib. The first name Hakim is also very widespread.
Example
جدّي راجل حكيم، الكل يشاورو.
jeddi rajel 7kim, elkol ychawrou.
“My grandfather is a wise man; everyone consults him.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “7kim” but also “hkim”, “7akim” and “hakim”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 7 is ha (ح), a breathy h from the throat.