Moroccan Arabic (Darija) Phrases for Travellers
Most people you meet in tourist areas speak French or English, but a handful of Darija words changes the mood of a conversation. Say hello in the local dialect and the next sentence is nearly always warmer. Here is a short list worth learning.
At a glance
- Spoken
- Darija (Moroccan Arabic), Tamazight, French
- Greeting
- Salam alaykum
- Reply
- Wa alaykum salam
- Most useful word
- Shukran (thank you)
In this guide
A note on spelling
Darija is mostly spoken, not written, so there is no single way to spell it in Latin letters. The versions below are how the words sound; the Arabic script is included so you can show it to someone if you are not understood.
Greetings and manners
| English | Darija | Arabic |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (peace be upon you) | Salam alaykum | سلام عليكم |
| Reply | Wa alaykum salam | وعليكم السلام |
| How are you? | Labas? | لاباس؟ |
| I'm fine | Labas, hamdullah | لاباس الحمد لله |
| Thank you | Shukran | شكرا |
| You're welcome / please | Afak | أفاك |
| Yes | Iyeh / Wakha (OK) | إيه / واخا |
| No | La | لا |
| Goodbye | Bslama | بسلامة |
In the souk
- Bsh-hal? (بشحال) How much?
- Ghali bzaf (غالي بزاف) Too expensive.
- Naqs shwiya (نقص شوية) Lower it a little.
- La, shukran No, thank you: the most useful phrase in Morocco.
- Safi (صافي) Enough / that's it.
- Mezyan (مزيان) Good, nice.
Read our shopping guide for how bargaining works.
Getting around
- Fin kayn...? Where is...?
- Liser / limen Left / right.
- Nichan Straight on.
- Wqef hna Stop here.
- Bghit nmshi l... I want to go to...
- Bshwiya Slowly. Useful in a taxi.
Food and drink
- Atay Tea (mint tea is atay b na'na').
- Ma Water. Khobz Bread. Ahwa Coffee.
- Bnin Delicious.
- Bla la7m Without meat.
- L'hisab, afak The bill, please.
More on what to order in our Moroccan food guide.
Numbers 1 to 10
wahed, juj, tlata, rb3a, khamsa, setta, seb3a, tmenya, tes3ud, 3ashra.
Other words you will hear
- Inshallah God willing. Said about nearly any future plan.
- Yalla Let's go.
- Bismillah Said before eating or starting something.
- Azul Hello in Tamazight, the Amazigh language, useful in the Atlas and the south.
- Bonjour, merci, s'il vous plait French is widely understood and helps in the north.
Pronunciation tips
The "3" in numbers is a throat sound; if you cannot make it, nobody will mind. Stress usually falls on the last syllable. Speak slowly and smile, and people will help you. For etiquette beyond words, read Moroccan culture.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak Arabic in Morocco?
No. French and English work in tourist areas, but a few Darija words are appreciated.
Is Moroccan Arabic the same as standard Arabic?
Not exactly. Darija is a dialect with Amazigh, French and Spanish words, and is hard for speakers of other Arabic dialects to follow.
What is the Amazigh word for hello?
Azul.