tej تاج
Tunisian Derja · noun
“tej” (تاج) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning crown.
Meanings
- crown
- person one honours
Usage
Tēj means crown. In Tunisia, the word is often pronounced with an "a" leaning toward "è". Beyond the literal meaning, it is mostly used in expressions of esteem and respect. Tēj fou9 rassi or tēj 3la rassi ("a crown on my head") means that you hold someone in very high esteem. It is said to a parent, an elderly person or someone you are thanking. It is an affectionate and respectful phrase, fairly widespread, with nothing ironic about it.
Example
أمّي تاج فوق راسي
ommi tej fou9 rassi
“My mother is a crown on my head (I hold her in the highest esteem).”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “tej” but also “taj” and “tèj”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “tej” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “crown”; “cherished person, pride (figurative)”: taj in Moroccan.
In Algerian Darja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Algerian Darja, where it means “crown”; “(figurative) the very best”: taj in Algerian.