dhorf ظرف

Tunisian Derja · noun

“dhorf” (ظرف) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning span of time (fi dhorf: within).

Meanings

1. span of time (fi dhorf: within)
2. circumstance, situation
3. envelope

Usage

Dhorf appears mainly in the phrase fi dhorf followed by a length of time: fi dhorf jom3a, "within a week", "a week from now". In the plural, dhrouf means circumstances or conditions: dhrouf ș3iba, "a difficult situation", dhrouf el-khedma, "working conditions". This sense has a somewhat formal tone, that of the press or administration. Dhorf also means the envelope of a letter, and by extension a sum of money handed over discreetly. Note: this word has nothing to do with dhrif, which means "kind" or "cute".

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “dhorf” but also “dharf”, “dhourouf” and “dhrouf”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “dhorf” on the Arabic keyboard

In Moroccan Darija

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “circumstance, situation”; “envelope”: derf in Moroccan.