i7tirem احتيرام
Tunisian Derja · noun
“i7tirem” (احتيرام) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning respect, consideration.
Meanings
- respect, consideration
- politeness, deference
Usage
The spelling i7tirem reflects the Tunisian pronunciation of the noun i7tirem (respect). The word is very common in speech and writing, often in polite formulas before a criticism: "ma3a kamel i7tirami" (with all my respect). It is also used to reproach someone for a lack of deference: "ma 3andouch i7tirem" (he has no respect). The associated verb is i7tram (to respect). Note: as in English, the formula "with all my respect" usually introduces a disagreement.
Example
مع كامل احتيرامي يا سيّدي ال مسؤول ,
ma3a kemil i7tirami ya seyidi el mes2oul ,
“With all my respect, sir, official in charge…”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “i7tirem” but also “e7tirem”, “i7tiram” and “ihtiram”. 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.