The use of shi

One word that I found very interesting was the word “shi”. As I am in the early stages of learning Darija I find myself trying to literally trying to translate every word to an English equivalent. The problem is that not every word translates to an English counterpart. Some words even multiple meanings. The word shi is one of those words. From my research it can mean the following: a, some, about, around or thing.

What makes this word even more complex is that if combined with other words it can other meanings as well. For example haja shi means something. Also kayn shi had means anyone (literally this translates to there is a one). Understanding the meaning is one thing but trying to figure out how to use it in a sentence is an entirely different level of complexity.

In my understanding Arabic or Darija didn’t have the word a used to denote an indefinite object. For instance a book is translated to ktab, which is understood as a book. Now that we have introduced shi into the vocabulary would I say shi ktab or just use ktab? When would it be needed in a sentence?

I tried asking my fiancé but she couldn’t explain it to me. I guess its one of those things where if you grew up with the language you just say it automatically. In the end I feel its just going to take trial and error to figure this one out. Eventually with practice I’m hoping I understand and can use this word appropriately in day to day conversation.

Word list

Verb list