ch3alen شعلان
Tunisian Derja · adjective
“ch3alen” (شعلان) is an adjective in Tunisian Derja meaning on fire, burning.
Meanings
- on fire, burning
- burning, ardent (with passion)
- blazing, dazzling
Usage
Ch3alen describes what burns or blazes. Figuratively, it describes a heart consumed by love or desire, common in songs. It often appears in the intensive expression "tech3el ch3alen": "it blazes", "it's dazzling". This expression applies to a piece of jewelry, a spotless house, or a bright light. For a simple lit lamp, "cha3el" is used instead. The feminine is ch3alna.
Example
الحطب شعلان، ما تقربش
el 7tab ch3alen, ma tqarrabch
“The wood is on fire, don't go near it.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “ch3alen” but also “cha3lan”, “ch3elen” and “chaalen”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 3 is ayn (ع), a voiced sound from deep in the throat with no English equivalent.