Language/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.
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.
➡ 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
Related Lessons
- Seasons
- Verbs in Algerian Arabic
- Drinks
- Count to 10
- Camping
- Basic Phrases in Algerian Arabic
- Weather
- Dinner Table
- Feelings and Emotions