jmar جمر
Tunisian Derja · noun
“jmar” (جمر) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning embers, live coals.
Meanings
- embers, live coals
- something burning hot or very spicy
- embers, live coals
Usage
Jmar refers to embers, especially those of the kanoun (brazier) used to cook or heat tea, incense, or grilled meat. The word is collective: one speaks of the jmar as a mass, and a single ember is called a jamra. Figuratively, a very spicy dish, something burning hot, or an excessive price is described as "jmar". Poetry and songs also use it for passion or pain. Common register.
Example
حطّ الجمر في الكانون وخلّيه يشعل
7ott ejjmar fel kanoun w 5allih yech3el
“Put the embers in the kanoun and let them catch.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “jmar” but also “jmer” and “jamr”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Its Arabic spelling is not fixed either: you will find جمر and جمار, all the same word.