tsamma تسمى

Tunisian Derja · verb

“tsamma” (تسمى) is a verb in Tunisian Derja meaning to be appointed (to a post).

Meanings

1. to be appointed (to a post)
2. to be called, to be named
3. that is to say, so (tsemma)

Usage

Tsamma is the passive form of samma (to appoint, to name). It is used for an official appointment: tsamma wzir (he was appointed minister), tsamma mdir. It is also used in the sense of "to be called": ech tsamma? (what was he called?). In the imperfect, yetsamma is very often used as a discourse marker to rephrase or conclude, close to "that means" or "so": yetsamma ma jech? (so he didn't come?). This last use, very frequent in speech, often puzzles learners who look for a sense of "appoint".

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “tsamma” but also “tsama”, “tsemma”, “tsamme” and “tsema”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “tsamma” on the Arabic keyboard