mahma مهما
Tunisian Derja · conjunction
“mahma” (مهما) is a conjunction in Tunisian Derja meaning whatever, no matter.
Meanings
- whatever, no matter
- however, no matter how
Usage
Mahma introduces a general concession. It is used mostly in set phrases like mahma ken (be that as it may) or mahma sar (whatever happens). It is followed by a verb: mahma t9oul (whatever you say), mahma 3mel (whatever he did). It comes from Standard Arabic but is well established in everyday use. In casual conversation, kifech ma or chnouwa ma is often preferred: chnouwa ma 9olt (whatever I said). It belongs to a fairly neutral register.
Example
مهما صار، نبقى معاك
mahma sar, nob9a m3ak
“Whatever happens, I'm staying with you.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “mahma” but also “mahmaa” and “mehma”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.