tbesima تبسيمة
Tunisian Derja · noun
“tbesima” (تبسيمة) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning smile.
Meanings
- smile
Usage
Tbesima is the usual word for "a smile". It derives from the verb tbassem, "to smile". It is feminine and is built with 3mel: "3mel tbesima", "to give a smile". The term is affectionate and common in songs, messages and compliments, as in "tbesimtek tahbel", "your smile drives me crazy". It is distinct from dhahka, which refers to a hearty laugh. The plural tbesimet is rare. The word belongs to a familiar, warm register.
Example
عملتلي تبسيمة ونسيت التعب الكل
3meltli tbesima w nsit et3ab el kol
“She gave me a smile and I forgot all my tiredness.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “tbesima” but also “tbassima”, “tebsima”, “tbisma” and “tbesma”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.