Moroccan Arabic, also known as Darija, is the most widely spoken language in Morocco. It’s a unique dialect that blends elements from Classical Arabic, Berber languages, French, and even Spanish. Whether you’re visiting Morocco for tourism, business, or you plan to live there, learning a few basic phrases in Darija can make your experience much more enriching. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most essential and commonly used expressions in Moroccan Arabic that will help you navigate daily conversations with ease.
Why Learn Darija?
Learning Darija is not just about knowing words or phrases. It’s about connecting with the Moroccan people, understanding their culture, and making your stay more enjoyable. Unlike Standard Arabic or French, which are often used in formal settings, Darija is the language spoken on the streets, in markets, in homes, and in casual conversations.
By knowing useful expressions in Darija, you can easily interact with locals, ask for help, and immerse yourself in the culture, making your stay in Morocco much more meaningful. Let’s dive into some of the most common and helpful phrases you’ll need to get around.
Essential Greetings in Darija
1. Salam (سلام) – Hello
In Morocco, the word for “hello” is “Salam,” which means peace. You can use it in almost any situation to greet someone.
- Salam = Hello / Hi
- Salamo 3alaykom (سلام عليكم) = Peace be upon you (A formal greeting)
Response to “Salamo 3alaykom”:
- Wa 3alaykom Salam (وعليكم السلام) = And peace be upon you as well.
This greeting is widely used and it’s a good idea to return it in the same manner.
2. Sba7 Lkhir (صباح الخير) – Good Morning
If you’re starting your day early in Morocco, you can greet people with Sba7 Lkhir, which translates to “Good Morning.”
- Sba7 Lkhir = Good Morning
- Response: Sba7 Nour = Bright Morning
Sba7 means morning and Lkhir refers to good or well-being. The response Sba7 Nour is a common expression wishing the person a bright or light-filled morning.
3. Msa Lkhir (مساء الخير) – Good Evening
When evening falls, you can greet someone with Msa Lkhir, meaning Good Evening.
- Msa Lkhir = Good Evening
- Response: Msa Nour = Bright Evening
Similar to the morning greeting, the response is Sba7 Nour, wishing the evening to be full of light.
Basic Phrases for Everyday Conversations
1. Kidayr? (كيف داير؟) – How are you? (Man)
When greeting a man, you can ask, Kidayr?, which means “How are you?“
- Kidayr? = How are you? (for a man)
2. Kidayra? (كيف دايرة؟) – How are you? (Woman)
If you’re talking to a woman, the word changes slightly to Kidayra?:
- Kidayra? = How are you? (for a woman)
3. Labas? (لاباس؟) – How are you? (Both Genders)
If you’re not sure about the gender, or if you want to ask both a man and woman at once, you can simply say Labas?
- Labas? = How are you? (for both man or woman)
Responses to “How Are You?”:
- Labas = I’m fine / I’m good
- Labas, L7amdolillah (لاباس، الحمد لله) = I’m good, Praise be to God
- Bikhir = I’m very good
- Bikhir, L7amdolillah = I’m very good, Praise be to God
Expressing Gratitude in Darija
1. Chokran (شكراً) – Thank You
When you want to say thank you in Darija, the word to use is Chokran.
- Chokran = Thank you
For a more emphatic thank you, you can add Bzzaf:
- Chokran Bzzaf = Thank you so much
Responses to “Thank You”:
- La Chokran 3ala lwajib (لا شكر على الواجب) = No thanks, it’s my duty
- L3afw (العفو) = You’re welcome / Pardon
Polite Expressions in Darija
In Morocco, being polite is crucial for establishing good relationships. Here are some essential expressions to use:
1. 3afak (عفاك) – Please
When making a request, 3afak means please.
- 3afak = Please
2. Sma7 Li (سمح لي) – Excuse Me (to a Man)
If you need to apologize or get someone’s attention, Sma7 Li is the phrase for you.
- Sma7 Li = Excuse me (to a man)
3. Sam7i Li (سمحي لي) – Excuse Me (to a Woman)
To apologize or ask for attention from a woman, use Sam7i Li:
- Sam7i Li = Excuse me (to a woman)
4. Wakha (واخة) – Okay
When you want to agree to something, you can use Wakha, which is equivalent to “Okay” in English.
- Wakha = Okay
5. Machi Mochkil (ماشي مشكل) – No Problem
If someone thanks you or asks for your help, you can respond with Machi Mochkil, which means “No problem.”
- Machi Mochkil = No problem
6. La (لا) – No
When you want to say no in Darija, simply say La.
- La = No
7. Ah (آه) – Yes
To answer yes, you can use Ah, a simple and common expression.
- Ah = Yes
Asking for Help and Directions
Knowing how to ask for help in Darija can be quite useful when you need assistance.
1. 3awni 3afak (عاوني عفاك) – Help Me Please
When you need help, 3awni 3afak will get you the assistance you need.
- 3awni 3afak = Help me, please
2. Fhamti? (فهمتي؟) – Do You Understand?
If you want to make sure someone understands you, you can ask Fhamti?
- Fhamti? = Do you understand?
Responses to “Do You Understand?”
- Fhamt (فهمت) = I understand
- Ah, Fhamt = Yes, I understand
- La, Mafhamtch (لا، ما فهمتش) = No, I don’t understand
3. Kayn/Kayna…? (كاين/كاينة؟) – Is There…?
If you want to ask if something is available or present, use Kayn (for masculine items) or Kayna (for feminine items).
- Kayn …? = Is there …? (for a masculine object)
- Kayna …? = Is there …? (for a feminine object)
For example:
- Kayn lma? (كاين الماء؟) = Is there water?
- Kayna mat3a? (كاينة الماكلة؟) = Is there food?
4. 3ndk…? (عندك…؟) – Do You Have…?
To ask someone if they have something, use 3ndk.
- 3ndk …? = Do you have …? (Singular, addressing one person)
For plural:
- 3ndkoum …? = Do you have …? (Plural, addressing a group)
Fun and Unique Expressions in Darija
1. 7chouma (حشومة) – Shame
If someone does something inappropriate or shameful, you can say 7chouma, which translates to Shame on you.
- 7chouma = Shame on you
2. Sir F7alk (سير فحالك) – Go Away (to a Male)
If you want to tell a man to go away, you can say Sir F7alk.
- Sir F7alk = Go away (to a male)
3. Siri F7alk (سيري فحالك) – Go Away (to a Female)
To tell a woman to go away, you would say Siri F7alk.
- Siri F7alk = Go away (to a female)
Conclusion: Moroccan Darija
Learning useful expressions in Moroccan Arabic (Darija) can greatly enhance your experience when visiting or living in Morocco. From greetings to polite expressions, and from asking for help to shopping, these phrases will allow you to interact comfortably with locals and dive deeper into the Moroccan culture. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep using these phrases until they become second nature!