i7tiram احترام
Tunisian Derja · noun
“i7tiram” (احترام) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning respect, regard for someone.
Meanings
- respect, regard for someone
- politeness, good manners
Usage
I7tiram is the usual word for respect, borrowed from Standard Arabic but fully integrated into Tunisian speech. You hear it in "qellet i7tiram" (lack of respect), a frequent reproach to a cheeky child or for rude behavior. The phrase "m3a l-i7tiram" (with all due respect) often precedes a criticism, as in English. The corresponding verb is "i7tirem" (to respect), but many speakers say "9adder" or "3ta l-qima" instead. The register is neutral, usable in the family as well as in more formal settings.
Example
لازمك تعطي الاحترام للكبار.
lazmek ta3ti l-i7tiram lel kbar.
“You must show respect to the elderly.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “i7tiram” but also “e7tiram”, “ihtiram”, “a7tiram” and “i7tirem”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 7 is ha (ح), a breathy h from the throat.