mafroudh مفروض
Tunisian Derja · adverb
“mafroudh” (مفروض) is an adverb in Tunisian Derja meaning normally, in principle.
Meanings
- normally, in principle
- supposed to, should
- imposed, mandatory
Usage
Used at the start of a sentence, mafroudh expresses what should normally happen: "normally", "in principle", "I'm supposed to". It combines directly with a verb in the imperfective: mafroudh nemchi, "I'm supposed to leave". With the article (el mafroudh), it takes on a nuance of norm or reproach: el mafroudh ta3mel hakka, "you should have done it this way". It often introduces a disappointed expectation, followed by ama (but). The literal sense "imposed, mandatory" also exists, in a more formal register. Do not confuse it with lazem, which marks a firmer obligation.
Example
مفروض نوصل الساعة خمسة، أما الكار تعطلت.
mafroudh nousel essa3a khamsa, ama el car t3atlet.
“I was supposed to arrive at five o'clock, but the coach broke down.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “mafroudh” but also “mafroud” and “mafrod”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.