balkchi بلكشي
Tunisian Derja · adverb
“balkchi” (بلكشي) is an adverb in Tunisian Derja meaning maybe, perhaps.
Meanings
- maybe, perhaps
- in case, lest
Usage
Balkchi is a very common adverb in spoken language. It expresses a supposition or a possibility: "balkchi yji", he might come. It usually appears at the start of a clause and often opens an uncertain hypothesis, sometimes tinged with worry ("in case..."). It is close to "yomken", which is more neutral and closer to standard Arabic. It is also used alone as a reply: "balkchi!", "maybe so". The register is informal but not vulgar at all. The word is used in all regions.
Example
بلكشي يجي اليوم، استناه شوية
balkchi yji lyoum, estenneh chwaya
“He might come today, wait for him a bit.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “balkchi” but also “belkchi” and “balkchy”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.