a7la احلى
Tunisian Derja · adjective
“a7la” (احلى) is an adjective in Tunisian Derja meaning nicer, more beautiful.
Meanings
- nicer, more beautiful
- the best, the nicest
- the nicest, the best
Usage
A7la is the comparative and superlative form of 7lou ("beautiful, good, sweet"). It is invariable. Followed by a noun, it expresses the superlative: a7la 7aja ("the nicest thing"), a7la wa7da ("the best one"). Followed by min, it expresses the comparative: a7la menha ("nicer than her"). It is used a lot in compliments and good wishes, for example a7la tasbi7a ("a very good night"). Note that the meaning goes beyond physical beauty and covers anything pleasant, good or successful.
Example
هاذي أحلى حاجة صارتلي اليوم
hedhi a7la 7aja saretli lyoum
“This is the nicest thing that has happened to me today.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “a7la” but also “ahla”, “a7le”, “a7lé”, “7la” and “a7laa”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Its Arabic spelling is not fixed either: you will find احلى and احلا, all the same word.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 7 is ha (ح), a breathy h from the throat.