dima ديما
Tunisian Derja · adverb
“dima” (ديما) is an adverb in Tunisian Derja meaning always, all the time.
Meanings
- always, all the time
- constantly, nonstop
- often, regularly
Usage
Dima is the common adverb for "always" in the sense of "all the time, habitually". It usually goes before the verb or adjective: "dima yemchi" (he always goes there), "dima ta3ban" (always tired). It often carries a reproach or a weary observation: "dima m3attel" (always late). It does not mean "still" ("he is still there"). For that sense, say mazél: "mazél houni". The cry "dima!" is also used to cheer on, notably among supporters ("dima Tounes").
Example
ها \' النقاشات ال بيزنطيّة هاذية ديما تعمل شوشرة
h \' anni9achet el bizantiya hadhiya dima ta3mel chawchra
“These Byzantine discussions always make a racket.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “dima” but also “diima”, “dyma”, “deima”, “dimaa” and “deymaa”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Its Arabic spelling is not fixed either: you will find ديما and دايما and ديمة and ديمه, all the same word.
Type “dima” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “always, all the time”; “forever (support slogan)”: dima in Moroccan.
In Algerian Darja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Algerian Darja, where it means “always”; “often, constantly”: dima in Algerian.