ya3ni يعنى
Tunisian Derja · expression
“ya3ni” (يعنى) is an expression in Tunisian Derja meaning that is to say.
Meanings
- that is to say
- um, well (filler)
- more or less, sort of
Usage
Ya3ni is one of the most frequent words in speech. Its first use is to reformulate or clarify what has just been said. It is also used as a filler while looking for words. On its own, said in a doubtful tone, it means "so-so, meh". Chnowa ya3ni? means "what does that mean?". Ya3ni bech... introduces a conclusion along the lines of "so, you mean that...". The spelling with a final ى is typical of Egypt: in Tunisia it is more usually written يعني. The word itself is common to the whole Arab world.
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “ya3ni” but also “ya3nii”. 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.