Moroccan Arabic (Darija) Phrasebook

Darija (also written “Dariija”, or called Moroccan Arabic) is the colloquial spoken language of over 30 million Moroccans. People speak it at home, in cafes, at the souk and on the street. It grew out of Classical Arabic but has taken in so much Amazigh (Berber), French, Spanish and some Portuguese that it is now a separate language.

If you have studied Modern Standard Arabic (MSA, or Fusha), Darija will sound familiar and baffling at once. The script is the same (when written in Arabic) and many basic words are shared, but pronunciation, vocabulary and grammatical shortcuts make it hard for speakers of Gulf, Egyptian or Levantine Arabic to follow without exposure. Think of the gap between Portuguese and Spanish: related, but far from identical.

You do not need Darija to travel in Morocco. French is widely spoken in cities, and more people in tourism speak English every year. A few phrases still make a difference: Moroccans are proud of their language, and a simple “Labas?” or “Shukran bzaf” from a visitor gets a warmer response than French or English.

Key differences: Darija vs. Modern Standard Arabic

Vowel reduction

Darija drops many short vowels, creating consonant clusters. “Kitab” (book) in MSA becomes “ktab” in Darija.

French loanwords

Everyday words like “tomobil” (car), “telfaza” (TV) and “la carte” come straight from French.

Amazigh substrate

Words like “azul” (hello) and “aghrum” (bread) from Tamazight are used across Morocco.

Verb conjugation

Darija simplifies MSA verb patterns and adds the prefix “ka-” or “ta-” for the present tense.

Negation

Darija wraps verbs in “ma...sh” (“ma fhemtsh”, I did not understand) instead of MSA “la”.

Spanish influence

Northern Darija includes Spanish words like “simana” (week, from “semana”) and “cuzina” (kitchen, from “cocina”).

Darija (Moroccan Arabic)

~30 million speakers. The lingua franca of Morocco, spoken by nearly everyone as a first or second language. Used in daily life, media, music, comedy and informal settings. Written in Arabic script formally, and more and more in Latin script with numbers on social media.

Amazigh / Tamazight

~10 million speakers. The indigenous language of North Africa, with three main Moroccan varieties: Tachelhit (south and High Atlas), Tamazight (Middle Atlas) and Tarifit (Rif mountains). An official language since the 2011 constitution. Written in Tifinagh script.

French

~12 million (second language). The language of business, higher education, government administration and the professions. Most educated Moroccans are fluent. Street signs, menus and official documents are often in French alongside Arabic.

Spanish

~5 million speakers. Widely spoken in the north (Tangier, Tetouan, Nador, Al Hoceima) through historical ties with Spain. Many northern Moroccans watch Spanish television and switch easily between Darija and Spanish.

English in Morocco

English is spreading, above all among younger Moroccans and people working in tourism. In Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira and Chefchaouen many locals speak conversational English, and hotel staff, tour guides and upscale restaurant staff usually speak it well.

Outside tourist hubs, English is much less common. In rural areas, small towns and non-tourist neighbourhoods, French and Darija may be your only options, which is where a few Darija phrases pay off. Young Moroccans learn English from YouTube, social media and online courses, so you will meet English speakers in unexpected places.

Greeting etiquette

• Same-gender greetings often include a handshake, sometimes followed by touching your heart with your right hand.
• Close friends and family may exchange kisses on both cheeks.
• For opposite-gender greetings, wait for the Moroccan person to offer their hand first.
• Greetings are never rushed. It is normal to exchange several “Labas?” back and forth before getting to the point.
• Always greet shopkeepers, taxi drivers and servers before asking for anything.

Number tips for travelers

• French numbers are widely understood, especially for prices. Vendors switch between Darija and French numbers freely.
• When in doubt, show the price on your phone calculator. It avoids misunderstandings.
• Some older Moroccans still count in “ryal”, an old unit where 1 dirham = 20 ryals. If a price sounds far too high, they may be quoting in ryals.
• Compound numbers follow the pattern ones + “u” (and) + tens: 25 is “khmsa u ashrin” (five and twenty).

Haggling strategy

1. 1

   Browse first.

   Walk through the souk to get a feel for prices before buying anything.
2. 2

   Ask the price casually.

   “Bshhal hada?” in a relaxed tone.
3. 3

   Counter at 30-40% of the asking price.

   The vendor expects it.
4. 4

   Negotiate playfully.

   Smile, joke and keep it friendly.
5. 5

   Be ready to walk away.

   “Bslama!” on your way out often produces the best price.
6. 6

   Agree or leave.

   Once you agree on a price, the deal is done. Do not negotiate further.

Petit taxi tips

• Insist on the meter (“compteur”) in city taxis. Say “Compteur, afak” firmly but politely.
• If the driver refuses the meter, agree on a price before you get in.
• Petit taxis (small, coloured by city) work within cities. Grand taxis (larger, usually beige Mercedes) run between cities.

Useful destinations

Medina

Old town, the historic centre

Gare

Train station (from French)

Matar

Airport

Mahatta dial tobis

Bus station

Suq / Souk

Market

Dining etiquette

• Say “Bismillah” before eating and “Hamdullah” after finishing.
• Eat with your right hand only. The left hand is considered unclean.
• From a shared tagine, eat from the section directly in front of you.
• Refusing tea is impolite. Accept at least one glass.
• A tip (pourboire) of 10-15% is customary in restaurants.

Emergency numbers

Police

19 (city) / 177 (Gendarmerie)

Ambulance

15

Fire

15

Tourist police

Available in major cities

Safety

Most emergencies travelers meet in Morocco are minor scams or stomach trouble. Save your embassy’s number in your phone and know your riad or hotel address in both French and Arabic.

Pharmacies

Moroccan pharmacies (“pharmacie”) are good, and many medicines that need a prescription in Western countries are sold over the counter. Pharmacists often speak French and can recommend treatments. A “pharmacie de garde” (duty pharmacy) is always open, 24/7, on a rota.

Riad etiquette

• A riad is a traditional house built around an interior garden courtyard. The name comes from “ryad”, garden.
• Take your shoes off on carpeted areas or when invited to sit on floor cushions.
• Most riads include a Moroccan breakfast (ftur): msemen, baghrir, bread, olive oil, jam, eggs and mint tea.
• The rooftop terrace (stah) is often the best spot in the riad for evening tea over the medina.
• A “Sbah lkhir” to the staff each morning goes a long way.

Accommodation types

Riad

Traditional courtyard house

Dar

Smaller traditional house (dar = house)

Kasbah

Fortified residence, often in the south

Bivouac

Desert camp with tents

Gite

Rural mountain lodge (from French)

Days of the week

Letnin

Monday

Ltlat

Tuesday

Larb3a

Wednesday

Lkhmis

Thursday

Ljm3a

Friday (from “jm3a”, gathering or mosque)

Ssbt

Saturday

Lhdd

Sunday

Moroccan time

Appointments, meetups and departures in Morocco are often approximate. Relationships and the moment come before the schedule, and nobody means it as rudeness.

If someone says “Ghda inshallah” (tomorrow, God willing), it may mean tomorrow, the day after, or “eventually”. Adding “inshallah” to a time has become a gentle way of saying the plan is flexible.

Practice exercises

1. 1
   Say “Salam alaykum” ten times, keeping the end soft and unhurried.
2. 2
   Practise “Shukran” with the stress on the first syllable and a light rolled r: SHOO-krahn.
3. 3
   For the ain (3), say “aah” while gently tightening your throat. Do not force it: Moroccans will understand you without a perfect ain.
4. 4
   Say “Labas, hamdullah” as one unit. It is the most common answer to “how are you?”.

Stress and intonation

Stress

Usually on the last heavy syllable (a long vowel, or a syllable ending in two consonants). When in doubt, stress the second-to-last syllable.

Questions

Yes/no questions rise at the end, as in English. “Labas?” rises to become a question.

The “wesh” prefix

“Wesh” at the start of a sentence turns it into a question: “Wesh hada bnin?” (Is this delicious?).

Consonant clusters

Words like “ktab” (book), “khra” (other) and “tqder” (you can) start with clusters. Take them slowly.

Do not aim for a native accent. Moroccans do not expect one from visitors, and a clumsy “Bshhal hada?” still gets you the price.

Cultural expressions

Bismillah

Literally “In the name of God”. Said before beginning any activity -- eating, entering a home, starting work, or a journey. Universal. Say it before meals to show respect.

Inshallah

Literally “If God wills it”. Used when talking about future plans or hopes. Can also be a polite way to say "maybe" or "we will see." Extremely common. "See you tomorrow?" "Inshallah."

Hamdullah

Literally “Praise be to God”. Expression of gratitude and contentment. Used when asked how you are, after a meal, or after good news. "How are you?" "Labas, hamdullah."

Tbarkallah

Literally “God has blessed”. An expression of admiration. Used to compliment someone or something beautiful, often to ward off the evil eye. "Your children are wonderful, tbarkallah!"

Allah y barek fik

Literally “God bless you”. Expression of gratitude deeper than shukran. Used when someone does you a significant kindness. After receiving help, a gift, or genuine hospitality.

B saha

Literally “With health”. Said to someone who has just eaten, bathed, gotten a haircut, or bought something new. Wishing them health to enjoy it. "I just got a new car!" "B saha!"

Allah y 3tik s-s7a

Literally “May God give you health”. A way of thanking someone, especially after they have done physical work or served you food. To a waiter, a taxi driver, or anyone who has served you.

Mashi mushkil

Literally “Not a problem”. The Moroccan "no worries." Used to reassure someone or accept an apology. "Sorry I am late." "Mashi mushkil!"

Yallah!

Literally “Let's go!”. An enthusiastic call to action. Can mean "hurry up," "come on," or "let us go." Extremely common in everyday speech.

Safi

Literally “That's it / Enough / Done”. One of the most versatile words in Darija. Can mean "finished," "stop," "OK," or "enough." "Want more tea?" "Safi, shukran."

Moroccan proverbs (amthal)

“Li fat mat”

What is past is dead. Do not dwell on the past. Move forward.

“Lli bgha l3sel, yesber l qress n-nhal”

He who wants honey must endure bee stings. Good things require patience and effort.

“Yedd wahdha ma katsffq sh”

One hand alone cannot clap. Cooperation is essential. You cannot succeed alone.

“Kul shi bwaqtu zin”

Everything is beautiful in its time. Patience brings beauty. Do not rush things.

“Lli 3ndu flus, yshri lkhla”

He who has money can buy the desert. Money opens all doors.

“Dar bla mra, bhal lqber”

A house without a woman is like a grave. Women are the heart of the Moroccan home.

When Moroccans write Darija in Latin script, on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram or in text messages, they use numbers for Arabic sounds that have no Latin letter. You will see it everywhere, from shop signs to social media.

Why French matters

French is Morocco’s de facto second language, a legacy of the French Protectorate (1912-1956). It remains the language of business, higher education, science and government administration.

Restaurant menus, street signs, pharmacy instructions and hotel paperwork are usually in French, and most city Moroccans speak it fluently and will switch to it if you struggle with Darija.

Many Moroccans mix Darija and French in one sentence: “Mshit l le supermarche bach nshri les courses” (I went to the supermarket to buy groceries).

The heart touch

After a handshake, many Moroccans touch their right hand to their heart, meaning “I greet you sincerely”. You can do the same.

Right hand rule

Use your right hand for eating, greeting, giving and receiving, and pointing. The left hand is traditionally considered unclean.

Shoe soles

Avoid. Do not show the soles of your shoes or feet when sitting, especially in traditional settings. Pointing a sole at someone is deeply disrespectful.

Pointing

Avoid. Do not point at people with your index finger. Use your whole open hand or a nod.

The “wait” gesture

Palm up, fingertips bunched, hand moving up and down means “wait” or “be patient”. You will see it constantly in souks and restaurants.

Head nod

A slight upward tilt of the chin means “no”; a downward nod means “yes”. Watch for it with vendors.

Eye contact

Moderate eye contact is fine; long staring is uncomfortable. Between men and women in conservative settings, brief eye contact is the norm.

Personal space

Moroccans stand closer in conversation than most Westerners. Same-gender friends often walk arm in arm or hold hands, as friends.

Photography

Ask before photographing people: “Wesh ymken lik tsowerr?” (Can I take a photo?). Many prefer not to be photographed, especially women and older people in rural areas.

About the Amazigh people

The Imazighen (Amazigh people, often called “Berbers”) are the indigenous inhabitants of North Africa. In Morocco they make up roughly 40-60% of the population, depending on how identity is measured.

Tamazight became an official language of Morocco in the 2011 constitutional reforms. It is taught in schools and used on some government signage. The Tifinagh script appears on government buildings, banknotes and road signs.

If you are trekking in the Atlas, visiting Amazigh villages or exploring the Souss around Agadir, a few Tamazight phrases are well received.

Mondly

App (iOS and Android). One of the few major language apps with Moroccan Arabic, not just MSA. Lessons with speech recognition. Best for: structured learning with audio.

Peace Corps Morocco Language Guide

Free PDF. A thorough Darija course written for Peace Corps volunteers in Morocco, covering grammar, vocabulary and cultural context. Best for: comprehensive free resource.

YouTube: Darija with Simo

Free video series. Darija taught through everyday conversations, with clear explanations and pronunciation. Best for: visual and auditory learners.

Anki flashcards (Darija decks)

App and community decks. Spaced-repetition flashcards. Search for “Moroccan Arabic” or “Darija” decks. Best for: vocabulary memorization.

Preply / iTalki

Online tutoring. One-to-one sessions with native Moroccan speakers, typically 10-25 USD per hour. Best for: conversation practice with natives.

Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook (Lonely Planet)

Book / eBook. A pocket phrasebook organized by situation (hotel, restaurant, transport, emergencies), with pronunciation. Best for: quick reference while traveling.

A plan for a short trip

1. 1

   Weeks 1-2 before

   Greetings: Salam alaykum, Labas, Shukran, Bslama. Say them aloud daily.
2. 2

   Weeks 3-4 before

   Add shopping phrases (Bshhal hada?, Ghali bzaf) and food words (Atay, Tajine, Lhsab afak).
3. 3

   During your trip

   Use every phrase you know, and save new words in your phone notes.

Moroccan music

Most Moroccan music is sung in Darija. Start with these:

Nass El Ghiwane

Called the “Rolling Stones of Morocco”. Their protest songs defined a generation, with poetic Darija lyrics about social justice and Moroccan identity.

Saad Lamjarred

Morocco’s biggest pop star. Songs like “LM3ALLEM” and “Ghaltane” are good for casual, modern Darija.

Gnawa

Spiritual trance music from Morocco’s sub-Saharan communities, with Darija chanting. On the UNESCO list since 2019.

Chaabi

Popular folk music heard at weddings and celebrations, fast and sung along by everyone.

Moroccan film and TV

Moroccan cinema and television are almost entirely in Darija:

2M TV

Morocco’s second national channel. Its Darija sitcoms and dramas show everyday conversation.

Ramadan series

Every Ramadan, Morocco releases dozens of new series that the whole country watches.

Moroccan YouTube

Channels like “DZjoker” and “Amine Raghib” post comedy, tech reviews and more in Darija.

Podcasts

Search “Moroccan podcast Darija” on Spotify or Apple Podcasts for shows on current events and culture.