hni هني
Tunisian Derja · adverb
“hni” (هني) is an adverb in Tunisian Derja meaning here, in this place.
Meanings
- here, in this place
- at that moment, then
Usage
Hni is the usual adverb of place in Tunisia for "here". It is neutral and used in all registers: "ija hni" (come here), "hni w ghadi" (here and there). It is also heard with an article, "l-hni", or in the variant hnè. As in English, it can mark a moment in a story: "hni nfhemt" (that's when I understood). Note: the same Arabic spelling can also write hni, "enjoy your meal", in the phrase "hni w 3afia", said to someone who is eating. Context resolves the ambiguity.
Example
تعالى هني نوريك حاجة
ta3ala hni nwarik 7aja
“Come here, I'll show you something.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “hni” but also “hne” and “hnè”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.