ta3ben تعبان
Tunisian Derja · adjective
“ta3ben” (تعبان) is an adjective in Tunisian Derja meaning tired, exhausted.
Meanings
- tired, exhausted
- unwell, in bad shape
Usage
Ta3ben means tired. The feminine and plural forms are ta3bena and ta3benin. It is used for physical tiredness after work or effort: rani ta3ben barcha, "I'm very tired." It is also used for a slight feeling of being unwell, when you feel bad without being truly sick. The word is heard throughout the region, but it is completely common in Tunisia. It can also describe something in poor condition. The register is neutral, informal or everyday.
Example
روّحت تعبان برشا من الخدمة
rawa7t ta3ben barcha mel khedma
“I came home very tired from work.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “ta3ben” but also “ta3ban”, “taaben”, “t3ben” and “ta3bene”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 3 is ayn (ع), a voiced sound from deep in the throat with no English equivalent.