mlek ملك
Tunisian Derja · noun
“mlek” (ملك) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning property, possession.
Meanings
- property, possession
- civil marriage contract
- king (malek)
Usage
This word is pronounced in different ways depending on the meaning. Mlek refers to what one owns: "el dar mlek bouh" (the house belongs to his father). In Tunisia, el mlek also refers to the signing of the marriage contract, which often precedes the wedding celebration. "3amlou el mlek" means they signed the contract. Malek, finally, means "king", especially in historical contexts or in tales. The verb mlek (to own) exists, but it is more natural to say "3andi" (I have).
Example
هالأرض ملك عايلتو من زمان
hal ardh mlek 3aylet'ou men zmen
“This land has belonged to his family for a long time.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “mlek” but also “mlk”, “malek” and “mlak”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.