Ways to say it
| Algerian Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ماكاش مشكل | makach mochkel | |
| ماشي مشكل | machi mochkel | |
| والو | walou | it's nothing |
ماشي مشكل (machi mochkel) means exactly the same thing and is used interchangeably. For a lighter 'it's nothing', Algerians say والو (walou), literally 'nothing at all'.
What does it mean word for word?
ماكاش is a negation meaning 'there isn't', and مشكل means 'problem', so the phrase literally says 'there is no problem'.
Which one should you use?
ماكاش مشكل and ماشي مشكل are fully interchangeable. والو is shorter and more casual, closer to brushing something off entirely.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
All three are informal and used constantly in daily speech, from replying to an apology to agreeing to a small favor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
ماكاش as a negation is distinctly Algerian, built differently from the Moroccan ماكاينش for the same idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
مشكل does not change form here, since the whole phrase functions as a fixed expression.
How do you pronounce it?
ماكاش is said as one smooth word, with the stress on the second syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Saying لا مشكلة, the Standard Arabic version, is understood but sounds more formal than the everyday ماكاش مشكل.
When do people say it?
ماكاش مشكل is often the reply to شكرا, used the way English speakers say 'no worries' rather than a formal 'you're welcome'.
Did you know?
- ماكاش, the Algerian way to say 'there isn't', is built differently from the Moroccan ماكاينش, even though both dialects share most of their other vocabulary.
- والو, meaning 'nothing at all', is also used on its own as an answer to 'what happened', meaning simply 'nothing'.
Examples in context
- ماكاش مشكل، نديرها غدوة.makach mochkel, nedirha ghodwa.No problem, I will do it tomorrow.
- والو، ما كانش داعي للسماح.walou, ma kanch da3i lessmah.It's nothing, no need to apologize.
- ماشي مشكل، نعاونك.machi mochkel, n3awnek.No problem, I will help you.
Example conversation
Omar apologizes to his friend Bilal for being late.
- Omarسمحلي، تأخرت شوية.samahli, takhart chwiya.Sorry, I am a bit late.
- Bilalماكاش مشكل، راني غير جيت.makach mochkel, rani ghir jit.No problem, I just got here too.
- Omarشكرا على الصبر.shukran 3la ssabr.Thanks for your patience.
- Bilalوالو، نبداو دابا.walou, nebdaw daba.It's nothing, let's start now.
