Darija Possessives (dyali)
Two Ways to Show Possession
Darija offers two systems for possession. The first uses the standalone word 'dyal' (of) followed by a pronoun suffix. The second attaches a suffix directly to the noun, similar to classical Arabic.
Both are completely correct and used interchangeably. Beginners often prefer 'dyal' because it keeps the noun unchanged, while native speakers switch between the two fluidly.
The dyal System
With 'dyal', you keep the noun with its article and add 'dyal' plus a suffix: 'l-ktab dyali' (my book), 'l-ktab dyalek' (your book), 'l-ktab dyalu' (his book), 'l-ktab dyalha' (her book).
For plurals: 'dyalna' (our), 'dyalkum' (your plural), 'dyalhum' (their). So 'd-dar dyalna' means 'our house'. This method is transparent and easy to parse.
The Attached Suffix System
Alternatively, attach the possessive suffix straight onto the noun: 'ktabi' (my book), 'ktabek' (your book), 'ktabu' (his book), 'ktabha' (her book), 'ktabna' (our book), 'ktabkum' (your plural book), 'ktabhum' (their book).
This is more compact and common with everyday nouns, especially body parts and family. 'Yeddi' (my hand), 'khouya' (my brother), 'mama' (my mom).
Possession with dyal Standing Alone
'Dyal' can also stand between two nouns to link them: 'l-ktab dyal Ahmed' (Ahmed's book), 'l-bicycle dyal weldi' (my son's bicycle). This is the standard way to express 'X's Y' with named owners.
Here 'dyal' works just like the English apostrophe-s or 'of', making it indispensable for talking about who owns what.
Possession of Having: 3and
To express 'to have', Darija uses the preposition '3and' with possessive suffixes: '3andi' (I have), '3andek' (you have), '3andu' (he has), '3andha' (she has), '3andna' (we have).
So '3andi tomobil' means 'I have a car' (literally 'at me a car'). This is distinct from 'dyal' possession but uses the same suffix family, reinforcing the pattern.
Choosing Between the Two
Both systems are correct, but some nouns sound more natural one way. Family and body parts usually take direct suffixes ('khti' = my sister), while objects and longer nouns often prefer 'dyal' ('t-telephone dyali').
When in doubt, use 'dyal' since it always works and keeps the noun clear. As your ear develops, you will naturally pick up which words favor the attached suffix.
| English | Darija | Arabic |
|---|---|---|
| My book | l-ktab dyali | ุงููุชุงุจ ุฏูุงูู |
| Your book | ktabek | ูุชุงุจู |
| Our house | d-dar dyalna | ุงูุฏุงุฑ ุฏูุงููุง |
| Ahmed's book | l-ktab dyal Ahmed | ุงููุชุงุจ ุฏูุงู ุฃุญู ุฏ |
| I have a car | 3andi tomobil | ุนูุฏู ุทูู ูุจูู |
| My sister | khti | ุฎุชู |
Examples
FAQ
What is the easiest way to show possession in Darija?
Use 'dyal' plus a suffix, like 'l-ktab dyali' (my book), because it keeps the noun unchanged and is easy to understand.
Can I attach the possessive directly to the noun?
Yes. You can say 'ktabi' (my book) by adding the suffix -i directly. This is common for family and body-part words.
How do I say someone 'has' something?
Use '3and' with a suffix, like '3andi tomobil' (I have a car), literally 'at me a car'.
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