a5le9 اخلاق
Tunisian Derja · noun
“a5le9” (اخلاق) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning morals, good character.
Meanings
- morals, good character
- good manners, upbringing
- ethics (of a field)
Usage
A5le9 is a plural used as a collective noun. It refers to the whole of a person's moral qualities: honesty, respect, politeness. The most common expression is negative: "ma3andouch a5le9", "he has no morals" or "he is ill-mannered". It is a severe reproach. Conversely, "3andou a5le9" or "a5le9ou behya" is a compliment, often said of a future son-in-law or an artist the public likes. The word also belongs to a more formal register (a5le9 el mihna, professional ethics). Note: it does not mean "morale" in the sense of mood.
Example
الولد هذا عندو أخلاق، ديما يسلّم على الناس.
el weld hedha 3andou a5le9, dima ysallem 3la ennes.
“This boy is well brought up, he always greets people.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “a5le9” but also “akhla9”, “a5la9”, “akhlek” and “a5lak”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 5 is kha (خ), like the ch in Scottish loch; 9 is qaf (ق), a k pronounced at the back of the throat.
Type “a5le9” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “morals, moral values”; “manners, etiquette”: akhla9 in Moroccan.
In Algerian Darja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Algerian Darja, where it means “good manners, upbringing”; “moral values, morality”: akhla9 in Algerian.