samma سمى
Tunisian Derja · verb
“samma” (سمى) is a verb in Tunisian Derja meaning to name, give a first name.
Meanings
- to name, give a first name
- to say "bismillah" before acting
Usage
Samma (with a doubled consonant) is used first of all to give a name, especially to a child. One says "sammewh 3la jeddou" for "they named him after his grandfather". It also means to say "bismillah" before eating, starting work, or setting off on a journey. The imperative "sammi!" is a familiar invitation to begin, for instance at the table. The passive "tsamma" means "to be named". Pitfall for an English speaker: arabizi rarely marks the doubling, and "sama" (sky) is often written the same way. Only context distinguishes the two.
Example
سمّاوه على جدّو
sammewh 3la jeddou
“They named him after his grandfather.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “samma” but also “sama”, “sammi” and “semma”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “samma” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “to name, give a name to”; “to say bismillah before acting”: semma in Moroccan.