Learn Moroccan Arabic Phrases: Darija, is what Moroccans speak, and it’s a bit different from regular Arabic. It’s a unique blend of Arabic, Berber, Spanish, and French spoken by Moroccans.
Why Learn Moroccan Arabic?
Of course, you may be wondering if Morocco is the same as Arabic, Morocco has a special language called Darija.
Also, It’s not like the regular Arabic you might know.
Because, it’s like a mix of Arabic, Berber, Spanish, and French. That makes it unique and exciting!
Also, The accent differs from the Arabic spoken in the previously mentioned areas.
But still, it includes a high number of Arabic words.
Moroccan Arabic: Is it Easy to Learn?
Moroccan Arabic, despite its unique blend of influences, is surprisingly easy to learn.
Despite its mix with French, Spanish, and Amazigh languages, Moroccan Arabic is still easy to master, akin to any other language.
In this section you will learn the following Moroccan Arabic phrases:
- How to Say Yes in Morocco.
- How to Say No in Morocco.
- How to Say Thanks in Morocco.
- How to Say Okay
- How to Say Goodbye
- How to say No problem
- How to Say When
Essential Moroccan Arabic Phrases: Learn Moroccan Arabic – Your Gateway to Cultural Conversations
Greetings and Politeness
- Hello/Hi: Assalamou Alaikum (Peace be upon you)
- Response: Wa Alaikum Assalam (And unto you peace)
Learning how to greet in Moroccan Arabic is your first step to meeting awesome people in Morocco.
| English | Moroccan Darija |
| Please | Afak |
| Thanks / Thank you | Chukran |
Essential Moroccan Arabic Vocabulary for Better Communication
Learn the Moroccan Arabic words mentioned below and you will have good communication with Moroccans once you arrive.
| English | Moroccan Darija |
| Yes | Ah |
| Okay | Wakha |
| Good | Mzian |
| No problem | Machi Mouchkil |
| Goodbye | Bslama |
| When | Meach |
Getting Around: Navigating the Streets of Morocco – Learn Moroccan Arabic for Better Exploration
Now, let’s talk about moving around the city and want to take transport in Casablanca.
You’ll need to learn the Moroccan Arabic phrases mentioned below when you’re on the go.
| English | Moroccan Darija |
| Bus | Tubis |
| where can I find the bus, please? | Fin kayin tubis afak |
| I want to go to the “downtown” | Bghit nmchi “mdina” |
| take me to Hayatt regency hotel, please | dini l-hotel hayat regency afak |
| wait for me please | tsenani afak |
| can you pick me up at 5pm? | tqder tji thazni mea 5pm afak |
| I’m waiting | ana kantsna |
These words will make sure you don’t get lost!
Master the Art of Negotiation When Shopping in Morocco
Here I will help you learn some Moroccan Arabic negotiation phrases, like how to say how much in Morocco because Getting a good deal is all about negotiation
Here’s what you need to know when you’re shopping in Morocco.
| English | Moroccan Darija |
| How much | Bchehal ? |
| too much | Bzaf |
| can you reduce the price please? | Nqos chwia afak |
| expensive | Ghali |
| I want it, thank you | Bghito, chukran |
These Darija phrases will help you get the best deals!
Dining and Food
You may want to go to a restaurant and order delicious Moroccan food, and you want to know how to order in Darija.
Menu Terms of Moroccan Food
Tajine is a famous Moroccan dish that is varied, and maybe fish, meat, or chicken.
Tagine It is a large vessel made of clay and is known to add a wonderful flavor to the plate.
Kafta machouia (Grilled kofta)
There are many places you can go and taste grilled kofta, beef kofta, camel kofta, and tajines and they are famous.
The most famous is situated in albaladia, Derb Sultan Souq Jmiaa.
Leham b-barqoq (meat with plum) This dish is often cooked and served in a tagine، It is a mixture of salty and sweet taste because the plum is honeyed with cinnamon.
Couscous is a Moroccan dish with semolina, vegetables, and many other ingredients.
A quick tip: Couscous is prepared every Friday in any restaurant.
Pastilla is a Moroccan dish that takes various shapes. It can be made with three or more types of fish and are spicy.
Pastilla with chicken is sweet and contains almonds, chicken, and honey.
Rfissa is a dish prepared with Msemen (a traditional flatbread in Moroccan cuisine) and delicious spiced soup, chicken, lentils, and ghee, prepared every Wednesday at Afoud Restaurant.
Glovo Delivery service is available.
Dining Etiquette
Include polite expressions for dining, such as “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) before a meal.
To learn Moroccan Arabic phrases requires that you learn first the dining etiquette, and one of the most important ones is bismillah which Moroccans say before every meal.
| English | Moroccan Darija |
| give me more, please | Zidni, afak |
| Could I have some more water, please? | bghit lma afak |
| May I have the bill, please?: | etini nkhallas, Afak |
| Please, pass the salt | Afak, kayn l-melh |
| Do you have vegetarian options? | Wach kayn makla nabatiya? |
| Excuse me, where is the restroom? | Afak, fin toilette |
| that is enough | Baraka |
| This meal is delicious | had makla Bnina |
These words will help you enjoy every bite!
Emergencies
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s what you can say when you need a hand.
If you get into trouble and want to ask for help, go to the nearest police station, or if the matter is simple and you want to ask someone for help, you may say:
| English | Moroccan Darija |
| Can you help me find a police station? | tqder taawni nlqa poste dial bulis |
| can you call an ambulance | Tqderi tsoni l-ambulance |
| I’ve had an accident | dert ksida |
| Can you help me find my way | Tqderi twerrini trik |
| I lost my passport | wddert paspori |
| please, help me | Afak, Awni |
These words might come in handy in tricky situations!
In Conclusion, your Amazing Moroccan Adventure It is important to learn basic Darija words for a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience in Morocco.
Also, there are other resources or language-learning apps that you can use to enhance your understanding of Darija further.
Try using apps like “Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook” which will help you learn Moroccan Arabic.
Check out “Learn with Tayeb Lmouden” on YouTube for fun lessons.
If you want to know more about travel to Morocco check out these articles!
1- The cost of living in Morocco
2- your guide to shopping in Casablanca
3- a guide for solo female traveler to Morocco