behichi باهيشي
Tunisian Derja · expression
“behichi” (باهيشي) is an expression in Tunisian Derja meaning is that OK?, is that fine?.
Meanings
- is that OK?, is that fine?
- well then (transition marker)
Usage
Behichi is formed from "behi" (good, okay) and the question marker "-chi" (or "-ch"). It is used to ask for approval: "behichi hakka?" (is it OK like this?). It is used at the end of a task or an explanation to check that the other person is satisfied. In spoken storytelling, it can also act as simple punctuation to move the story on. The register is informal. Note: without "-chi", "behi" is a statement (okay), whereas "behichi" is a question.
Example
باهيشي هكّة ولا نزيد نبدّل؟
behichi hakka walla nzid nbaddel?
“Is it fine like this, or should I change it again?”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “behichi” but also “behich”, “bahichi” and “bahich”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.