na9ch نقش
Tunisian Derja · noun
“na9ch” (نقش) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning engraving, chiselled pattern.
Meanings
- engraving, chiselled pattern
- carved decorative stucco
- henna design
Usage
Na9ch refers to a pattern engraved, chiselled or carved in metal, wood, stone or plaster. In Tunisia it mainly refers to na9ch 7dida, hand-carved stucco adorning the ceilings and walls of traditional houses. By extension, it also refers to henna designs on the bride's hands and feet. The verb n9ach means "to engrave" or "to chisel", and the participle man9ouch means "engraved". The register is neutral. The word is common in craft and wedding vocabulary.
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “na9ch” but also “naqch” and “nakch”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 9 is qaf (ق), a k pronounced at the back of the throat.