sa7n صحن
Tunisian Derja · noun
“sa7n” (صحن) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning plate.
Meanings
- plate
- dish, served portion
Usage
The word sa7n is the usual term for "plate". By extension, it also refers to the food served on it: sa7n kosksi (a plate of couscous), sa7n ma9rouna (a plate of pasta). The plural is s7oun. It is also used for a dish that is shared or taken to neighbours, a frequent practice during Ramadan or holidays. Pitfall: one word covers both the container and the cooked dish.
Example
جيب صحن آخر للضيف
jib sa7n e5er lel dhif
“Bring another plate for the guest.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “sa7n” but also “sahn”, “sa7en” and “sa7an”. 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.