Tunisians Say These Words Every Day — They're Actually Turkish! (زَوَّالِي · أَمَانْ)

Added: 2026-05-21

[00:00:00]You think Tunisian dialect is Arabic.

[00:00:02]Some of it is, but some words are actually Turkish. My son will say them.

[00:00:06]See if you can guess what they mean.

[00:00:08]First one.

[00:00:08]>> Zuweli. A poor man, a humble man.

[00:00:11]Tunisians say it every day. Sometimes with pity, sometimes with pride. Turkish origin. Next.

[00:00:17]>> Yezzrb. To hurry up, to rush. Turkish origin. Next.

[00:00:20]>> Idoulish. To hang out or walk around aimlessly for leisure, fresh air, or entertainment. Also Turkish. Next.

[00:00:27]>> Ibosh. To be in serious trouble. Deep trouble, no way out. Still Turkish. Last one. Pay attention.

[00:00:34]>> Yeshleq. That moment when something suddenly clicks, when you catch on.

[00:00:38]Turkish. Now, the one that will blow your mind.

[00:00:40]>> Aman.

[00:00:41]>> In Tunisia, we say it when we're shocked, overwhelmed, amazed. But in Turkish, it means safety and mercy and please. One tiny word, three feelings.

[00:00:50]That's 300 years of Ottoman history living in your mouth. Which word surprised you most? Drop it in the comments. Follow Speak Tunisian. There's more where that came from.