ma7boub محبوب

Tunisian Derja · adjective

“ma7boub” (محبوب) is an adjective in Tunisian Derja meaning loved, liked by people.

Meanings

1. loved, liked by people
2. likeable, endearing

Usage

Ma7boub describes a person whom others like: "ma7boub barcha fil 7ouma" (very well-liked in the neighbourhood). It is often used for a popular artist, sportsperson or presenter, and often in the negative: "mouch ma7boub" (not liked). The feminine is "ma7bouba" and the plural "ma7boubin". Note: it is also a first name and a surname in Tunisia, so it should not be translated when it refers to a specific person. The meaning is close to "popular", but with a nuance of affection rather than fame.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “ma7boub” but also “mahboub”, “ma7bob” and “mahbub”. 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.

Type “ma7boub” on the Arabic keyboard

In Moroccan Darija

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “loved, well-liked”; “popular, well regarded”: m7boub in Moroccan.

In Algerian Darja

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Algerian Darja, where it means “loved, well-liked”; “endearing, likeable”: mahboub in Algerian.