amala امالا
Tunisian Derja · conjunction
“amala” (امالا) is a conjunction in Tunisian Derja meaning so, then, in that case.
Meanings
- so, then, in that case
- what else? (rhetorical)
Usage
Amala is used to draw a conclusion or to restart the conversation: "so", "then", "in that case". It goes at the start of a sentence: amala nemchiw (so let's go). It is frequent in irony: amala chnoua? (so what?), amala kifech? (so how?). It can express obviousness or irritation, depending on intonation. The register is informal and spoken, very common in conversations and on social media. Do not confuse it with ama (but), which marks opposition rather than consequence.
Example
ما جاش؟ امالا نمشيو وحدنا
majech? amala nemchiw wa7adna
“He didn't come? Then we'll go on our own.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “amala” but also “emala”, “amela”, “amalla” and “amalaa”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.