makina ماكينة
Tunisian Derja · noun
“makina” (ماكينة) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning machine, mechanical device.
Meanings
- machine, mechanical device
- sewing machine
- hair clippers
Usage
Makina is the everyday word for a machine, whether a household appliance or a workshop or construction-site device. The usual plural is makinet. In the construct state, the word becomes makinet: makinet el-khiata, the sewing machine; makinet el-ḥfir, the drilling machine. Used on its own in a household context, it often means the sewing machine. The word is colloquial and heard in all social circles. Many speakers also use the French word "machine" directly, especially for the washing machine.
Example
الماكينة تعطّلت وما عادش تخدم
el makina t3attlet w ma 3adech tekhdem
“The machine broke down and doesn't work anymore.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “makina” but also “mekina” and “makinet”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Its Arabic spelling is not fixed either: you will find ماكينة and مكينة, all the same word.