lzem لزم
Tunisian Derja · verb
“lzem” (لزم) is a verb in Tunisian Derja meaning to be necessary, must.
Meanings
- to be necessary, must
- to be obliged to
Usage
Lzem is used mainly impersonally: "yelzem" (it is necessary) followed by a conjugated verb, with no infinitive, for example "yelzem temchi" (you have to leave). In the past, "lzem" means "it was necessary" or "it had to be". To express a personal obligation, Tounsi often prefers "lazem", "lazmek" or "lazmni" (you must, I must). The second verb always carries the person marking; there is no infinitive. The register is neutral and common.
Example
القليان هو السر يلزم تسخّن الزيت وبعد طفّي عليه خلّيه يدفى
Il9alyen houwa esser yelzem tsakhen ezzit wba3d tafi alih khalih yedfei
“Frying is the secret: you have to heat the oil, then turn off the heat and let it cool to lukewarm.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “lzem” but also “yelzem”, “ylzem”, “lezem” and “yalzem”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.