mithel مثال
Tunisian Derja · noun
“mithel” (مثال) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning example, illustrative case.
Meanings
- example, illustrative case
- model to follow
Usage
Mithel refers to an example, especially to illustrate an explanation. The word is common at school, in debates and in online comments. One says "a3tini mithel" for "give me an example". To introduce an example within a sentence, "methlan", "for example", is used instead. Tunisian pronunciation tends towards "mithel", while the written form remains that of Standard Arabic. The word can also mean a model of conduct, but this sense belongs to a more formal register. It is not colloquial.
Example
اعطيني مثال باش نفهم
a3tini mithel bech nefhem
“Give me an example so that I understand.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “mithel” but also “mithal”, “methel”, “mthel”, “mithell” and “mitheli”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “mithel” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “example”; “proverb, saying”: mital in Moroccan.
In Algerian Darja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Algerian Darja, where it means “example, illustrative case”; “role model”: methal in Algerian.