rta7 رتاح
Tunisian Derja · verb
“rta7” (رتاح) is a verb in Tunisian Derja meaning to rest, to relax.
Meanings
- to rest, to relax
- to feel relieved, at ease
Usage
Rtêḥ (or rta7) is the common verb for resting after an effort or a day's work: "rtaht chwaya" (I rested a bit). It also expresses mental relief, for instance when a worry disappears or a matter is settled: "taw rtaht" (now I'm at ease). It takes "men" for what one is rid of: "rta7 menou" (he's rid of it). The imperative "rtêḥ!" means "relax, calm down". Neutral register, used everywhere, in speech and informal writing.
Example
خدمت النهار الكل، توا نحب نرتاح شوية
khdemt ennhar lkol, taw nheb nerta7 chwaya
“I worked all day, now I want to rest a little.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “rta7” but also “rtah”, “irta7” and “rte7”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 7 is ha (ح), a breathy h from the throat.