maysalech ميسالش
Tunisian Derja · expression
“maysalech” (ميسالش) is an expression in Tunisian Derja meaning it's fine, never mind.
Meanings
- it's fine, never mind
- would it bother you if…? (question)
Usage
Ma ysalech (often written maysalech) has two very frequent uses. Said on its own, it reassures: "it's nothing, don't worry". As a question, followed by a conjugated verb, it is used to ask permission politely: maysalech n7ell ech-chebbek? (would it bother you if I opened the window?). It can also mean "it would be good to…", as in maysalech nenadhfou? (what if we cleaned up?). Tone distinguishes the statement from the question. The expression is neutral and is used with family as well as with strangers.
Example
طاح الكاس؟ ميسالش، نشريو آخر
ta7 el kes? maysalech, nechriw ekhor
“The glass fell? Never mind, we'll buy another one.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “maysalech” but also “mayselech”, “msalech” and “maysaalech”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.