macha ما شاء
Tunisian Derja · interjection
“macha” (ما شاء) is an interjection in Tunisian Derja meaning expression of admiration and protection.
Meanings
- expression of admiration and protection
- well done, what a success
Usage
Macha is almost always followed by Allah: macha allah, often written as one word (mashallah). The phrase is used to admire someone or something: a child growing up, a success, a beautiful house. It is also used to ward off the evil eye, and people readily say it when paying a compliment. Followed by 3lik / 3lih, it is addressed to the person: macha allah 3lik. It should not be confused with in cha allah, "God willing", which concerns the future.
Example
ما شاء الله عليك، كبرت!
macha allah 3lik, kbert !
“God bless you, how you've grown!”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, it is written “macha”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.