Language/Algerian-arabic/Vocabulary/Family

Algerian Arabic Vocabulary - Family

Hi Algerian Arabic learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn vocabulary related to family in Algerian Arabic. Family is an integral part of Algerian culture and society. Algerians hold their families in high regard and they are a source of emotional support and identity.

Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Say Hello and Greetings in Algerian Arabic, Basic Phrases in Algerian Arabic, Essencial Phrases in Algerian Arabic & Health.

Basic Family Vocabulary

Here are some of the most common words used to describe family members in Algerian Arabic:

Algerian Arabic	Pronunciation	English
Baba/Babouch/Bab	Baa-baa / Baabooch / Baab	Father/Dad/Daddy
Mama/Mamou	Maama / Maamoo	Mother/Mom/Mommy
Bin/Bingtii	Been / Been-tee	Son
Bnt/Bntii	Bint / Bint-tee	Daughter
Khoya	Khooya	Brother
Ukht	Ookht	Sister
Jdoudi	J-dou-di	Grandfather
Jdouda	J-dou-da	Grandmother

Example dialogue:

• Person 1: Baba, hadi sifet Hammoudi? (Dad, what's Hammoudi's profession?)
• Person 2: Hammoudi haran yqdou kima prof dyalou, chhal tsa9sin dik sifet? (Hammoudi is still studying, how important is his profession?)

Extended Family

In Algerian culture, family extends beyond parents, siblings, and grandparents. Here are some other family members:

Algerian Arabic	Pronunciation	English
3amm	Aam	Uncle (paternal)
Khalti	Khaal-tee	Aunt (paternal)
9oddam	Qod-dam	Uncle (maternal)
Lkhouya	L-khou-ya	Cousin (male)
Lkhayta	L-khay-ta	Cousin (female)
3ammeti	Aam-me-ti	Aunt (maternal)

Example dialogue:

• Person 1: Wilh yezzina khalti 9alha 3ammeti tan3raf Almas namek? (Wow, your Aunt is so beautiful, does your mother's sister know your name?)
• Person 2: Aywaa, laken ma yfar9ek bnte ta3 khalti, khatina nkhoukom na9essou bach ydawwik bikoum. (Yes, but my cousin from my aunt's side doesn't remember your names, let's introduce ourselves properly.)

Married Life

Marriage is highly valued in Algerian culture, as it represents the formation of a new family. Here are some terms related to marriage:

Algerian Arabic	Pronunciation	English
zawej/zawjate	zawiij / zawjatee	Spouse (male/female)
M3ah/M3aha	Ma3a / Ma3aha	Husband/Wife
Jbala	Jebaala	Father-in-law
Hmaiim	Hmaaim	Mother-in-law
Jdamna	Jdaamna	Engagement

Example dialogue:

• Person 1: Dkhoul hadi bligla houma sa3ib ila zawjatha? (Do you think this girl is a friend or his wife?)
• Person 2: Berahcouni? Hiya m3aha. (Seriously? She's his wife.)

Adoption and Foster Care

In Algerian culture, adoption and foster care are less common than in Western societies. Here are some terms to describe these concepts in Algerian Arabic:

Algerian Arabic	Pronunciation	English
Mezyen/Mezyena	Mzyen / Mzyena	Adopted son/daughter
Qorna/Qorna	Qorna / Qorna	Orphan
Salel/Salela	Saalel / Saalela	Foster son/daughter

Example dialogue:

• Person 1: Chehal manzeltou fl dar? (How many children do you have?)
• Person 2: Laken mazeltich tfahminiya, manzeltou salela, li kanat qorna. (But you don't understand me, we have a foster daughter who used to be an orphan.)

Conclusion

In this lesson, we learned vocabulary related to family in Algerian Arabic. Practice these words with your own family and friends. To improve your Algerian Arabic Vocabulary, you can use Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions! Don't forget to check the Vocabulary page to learn more words in Algerian Arabic.

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➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Sources

• Algerian culture
• Family in the Arab world
• Marriage in the Arab world
• Adoption in Arab countries

With this lesson finished, you may want to explore these additional pages: Pronouns in Algerian Arabic, Days of the Week & Drinks.

Other Lessons

• Seasons
• Verbs in Algerian Arabic
• Drinks
• Count to 10
• Camping
• Basic Phrases in Algerian Arabic
• Weather
• Dinner Table
• Feelings and Emotions