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50+ essential Darija phrases with pronunciation, language tips, French vs Arabic guide, and everything you need to communicate confidently across Morocco.
Morocco is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. On a single walk through a Marrakech medina, you might hear Darija (Moroccan Arabic), Amazigh, French, Spanish, and English — sometimes in the same conversation. This rich linguistic tapestry reflects centuries of trade, conquest, and cultural exchange.
For travelers, navigating Morocco's languages can seem daunting, but the good news is that Moroccans are incredibly patient and appreciative when visitors attempt even a few words in Darija. A simple “Salam” or “Shukran” can transform a transaction into a genuine human connection and often opens doors that remain closed to those who rely only on English.
This guide gives you 50+ essential Darija phrases organized by situation, pronunciation tips for tricky Arabic sounds, advice on when to use French versus Darija, recommended language apps, and body language cues that will help you communicate even when words fail you.
Morocco's linguistic landscape is shaped by Arabic, Amazigh, French, Spanish, and English.
The mother tongue of most Moroccans. A blend of Arabic, Amazigh, French, and Spanish vocabulary that differs greatly from Modern Standard Arabic. This is what you hear in medinas, taxis, and homes.
Used in news broadcasts, government documents, religious contexts, and formal speeches. All Moroccans learn it in school, but nobody speaks it in everyday life.
Morocco recognized Amazigh as an official language in 2011. Three main dialects exist: Tashelhit (south), Tamazight (Middle Atlas), and Tarifit (Rif mountains). Roughly 40% of Moroccans speak an Amazigh language.
A legacy of the French protectorate (1912-1956), French remains the dominant language of business, higher education, and government administration. Most urban Moroccans are fluent in French.
Widely spoken in Tangier, Tetouan, Nador, and the northern Rif region due to historical Spanish influence. Also spoken in Saharan cities like Laayoune. Many northern Moroccans prefer Spanish over French.
Increasingly popular, especially among younger Moroccans and those in the tourism industry. Major tourist cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Essaouira have many English speakers. Still less widespread than French.
Greetings are the foundation of every interaction in Morocco. Start every encounter right.
Salam Alaikum
sa-LAHM a-LAY-kum
Peace be upon you (formal hello)
Wa Alaikum Salam
wa a-LAY-kum sa-LAHM
And peace be upon you (response)
La bes?
la-BESS
How are you? / Are you well?
La bes, hamdullah
la-BESS, ham-DOO-lah
I am fine, praise God
Sbah el kheir
SBAH el KHAYR
Good morning
Msa el kheir
MSA el KHAYR
Good evening
Bslama
b-SLA-ma
Goodbye
Tsbah ala kheir
ts-BAH ala KHAYR
Good night
Merhba
MER-hba
Welcome
Smiti...
SMI-tee
My name is...
Shno smitk?
SHNO smit-ek
What is your name?
These polite expressions will make you a welcomed guest everywhere in Morocco.
Shukran
SHOO-kran
Thank you
Shukran bezef
SHOO-kran beh-ZEFF
Thank you very much
Afak
ah-FAHK
Please
Smehli
SMEH-lee
Excuse me / Sorry
Iyyeh
ee-YEH
Yes
La
la
No
Inshallah
in-SHA-lah
God willing
Bismillah
bis-MIL-lah
In the name of God (before eating)
Hamdullah
ham-DOO-lah
Praise God (after eating / I am fine)
Barak Allahu fik
BA-rak al-LA-hu feek
May God bless you (deep thanks)
Essential for shopping, taxis, and restaurant bills. Knowing numbers helps immensely when haggling.
Wahid
WA-hid
1
Jouj
JOOJ
2
Tlata
TLA-ta
3
Rbaa
r-BAA
4
Khmsa
KHUM-sa
5
Stta
SET-ta
6
Sbaa
s-BAA
7
Tmnya
TMEN-ya
8
Tsaoud
TSAH-ood
9
Ashara
ASH-ra
10
Mia
MEE-ya
100
Alf
ALF
1,000
Master these phrases to negotiate like a local in Morocco's famous souks and markets.
Bshhal?
b-SHHAL
How much?
Ghali bezef
GA-lee beh-ZEFF
Too expensive
Nqqes shwiya
n-QQES SHWEE-ya
Lower the price a little
Akher taman?
AH-kher ta-MAN
Last price? / Final price?
Maashi
MAA-shee
Okay / Deal
Shukran, la
SHOO-kran, la
Thank you, no
Bghit had shi
BGHEET had SHEE
I want this
Ma bghitsh
ma BGHEET-sh
I do not want it
Start by asking “Bshhal?” then offer around 30-40% of the asking price. If the vendor says the price is too high for you, smile and say “Ghali bezef” and begin walking away. They will often call you back with a better price. Always haggle with humor and respect — it is a social interaction, not a confrontation.
Order food, ask for the bill, and compliment the chef with these essential dining phrases.
Bghit natghedda
BGHEET nat-GHED-da
I want to eat lunch
Bghit atay
BGHEET a-TAY
I want tea
Bghit lma
BGHEET l-MA
I want water
Zwin bezef!
ZWEEN beh-ZEFF
Very delicious!
L-hsab, afak
el-HSAB, ah-FAHK
The bill, please
Bla lhem
BLA l-HEM
Without meat (vegetarian)
Andi hassasiya
AN-dee has-sa-SEE-ya
I have an allergy
Navigate taxis, ask for directions, and get around Morocco with confidence.
Fin kayn...?
FEEN kayn
Where is...?
Bghit nmshi l...
BGHEET NEM-shee l
I want to go to...
Baal shhal?
b-AAL SHHAL
How far?
Dir el compteur
DEER el komp-TUR
Turn on the meter (taxi)
Wqef hna, afak
WQEF HNA, ah-FAHK
Stop here, please
Limen
lee-MEN
Right
Liser
lee-SER
Left
Nishan
nee-SHAN
Straight ahead
In cities, always ask the taxi driver to use the meter (“Dir el compteur”). For longer trips between cities, negotiate the fare before getting in. Having your destination written in Arabic on your phone is extremely helpful when language barriers arise.
Phrases you hope you never need, but should know just in case. Morocco's emergency number is 19 (police) and 15 (ambulance).
Awnuni!
aw-NOO-nee
Help me!
Aytni tabib
AYT-nee ta-BEEB
Get me a doctor
Ana mrid(a)
ANA mreed/MREE-da
I am sick (m/f)
Fin kayna sbiatar?
FEEN KAY-na sbi-YTAR
Where is the hospital?
Fin kayna pharmacie?
FEEN KAY-na far-ma-SEE
Where is the pharmacy?
Ayyit al-bolis
AY-yit al-bo-LEES
Call the police
Tsrquli!
TSER-qoo-lee
I have been robbed!
Police: 19 | Ambulance: 15 | Fire: 15 | Tourist Police (Marrakech): +212 524 384 601. Save these numbers in your phone before traveling. Most operators speak French; some speak English. Your hotel or riad staff can also help communicate in emergencies.
Darija has several sounds that do not exist in English. Master these key sounds to be understood.
A raspy sound from the back of the throat, like the "ch" in Scottish "loch" or German "Bach." Found in words like "kheir" (good) and "khmsa" (five).
A softer, gargling version of "kh," similar to the French "r" in "Paris." The sound is produced deep in the throat.
A deep, emphatic "a" sound made by tightening the throat. Has no English equivalent. Practice by saying "ah" while tensing the muscles at the back of your throat.
A deep "k" sound from the very back of the throat, deeper than a regular "k." In casual Darija, many speakers pronounce it as a glottal stop.
A breathy "h" similar to English but can also be a stronger, more emphatic sound. Context determines which is used. The emphatic version is more forceful than English "h."
Exactly like English "sh" in "shoe." Very common in Darija and easy for English speakers to pronounce correctly.
Knowing which language to use in each situation makes navigating Morocco much smoother.
Starting in Darija earns respect and better prices. Most vendors also speak French and basic English.
Staff at tourist accommodations typically speak English. Boutique riads often have French-speaking staff.
Menus are often in French and Arabic. Upscale restaurants usually have English menus. Local eateries may be Darija-only.
Most taxi drivers speak Darija and basic French. Few speak English. Having your destination written in Arabic helps.
English is rare in villages. Amazigh may be the primary language in Atlas Mountain and desert communities.
In Tangier, Tetouan, and the Rif, Spanish is often more useful than French due to historical ties.
Start learning before your trip with these recommended apps and resources.
Offers a specific Moroccan Arabic course with audio from native speakers. Gamified lessons make learning engaging.
Audio-focused language learning with a Moroccan Arabic course. Great for pronunciation practice during commutes.
Purpose-built app for Darija learners with real conversational phrases and cultural context.
Useful for basic Arabic but limited for Darija specifically. Camera mode can translate signs in Arabic script.
Free channels like "Learn Darija with Simo" and "Moroccan Arabic with Maha" offer video lessons.
Create or download community Darija flashcard decks for spaced repetition learning.
When words fail, body language speaks. Understanding Moroccan gestures avoids misunderstandings.
Use your right hand for greetings, eating, and passing items. The left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
Placing your hand on your heart after a handshake is a sign of sincerity and warmth.
Avoid pointing with your index finger. Use an open hand or tilt your chin in the direction instead.
Showing the soles of your feet or shoes to someone is considered disrespectful.
Men holding hands is a common sign of friendship and carries no romantic connotation.
Maintain eye contact during conversation as it shows respect and engagement.
A slight nod or touching the forehead means "I understand" or shows acknowledgment.
Beckoning someone with your palm facing down (fingers curling inward) is the polite way to call someone over.
Tapping the side of your nose can mean "be careful" or "I know what you are up to" depending on context.
Kissing your fingertips after touching food signifies that it tastes wonderful.
Answers to the most common questions about languages and communication in Morocco.
Morocco has two official languages: Modern Standard Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). However, the everyday spoken language is Darija, a Moroccan dialect of Arabic that differs significantly from Modern Standard Arabic. French is widely spoken in business, government, and education, especially in cities. Spanish is common in northern Morocco (Tangier, Tetouan, Nador). English is increasingly spoken by younger Moroccans and those working in tourism.
No, Darija (Moroccan Arabic) is significantly different from Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Darija has incorporated many words from Amazigh, French, and Spanish, making it largely unintelligible to Arabic speakers from the Middle East without exposure. The grammar is simplified compared to MSA, and the pronunciation differs considerably. Moroccans learn MSA in school and can understand it, but they speak Darija in daily life.
Yes, French is widely spoken in Moroccan cities, government offices, upscale hotels, restaurants, and shops. Most educated Moroccans speak French fluently. However, in rural areas, small villages, and traditional medinas, French may be less useful and Darija becomes more important. In northern Morocco, Spanish is often more useful than French. Learning even a few Darija phrases will greatly enhance your experience everywhere.
English is growing in Morocco but is not as widely spoken as French. You will find English speakers in major tourist areas like Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, and Essaouira, especially among younger Moroccans, hotel staff, and tour guides. Outside tourist zones, English proficiency drops significantly. Having some French or Darija phrases is highly recommended as a backup.
Several apps can help you learn Moroccan Darija. Mondly and Pimsleur offer Moroccan Arabic courses. The app "Speak Moroccan" is specifically designed for Darija learners. YouTube channels like "Learn Darija with Simo" provide free lessons. Google Translate works for basic phrases but can be unreliable for Darija specifically, as it primarily supports Modern Standard Arabic. A physical phrasebook is still useful as a backup.
Thank you in Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is "Shukran" (SHOO-kran). For "thank you very much," say "Shukran bezef" (SHOO-kran beh-ZEFF). You can also say "Barak Allahu fik" (may God bless you), which is a more formal and deeply appreciated expression of gratitude. In French-speaking contexts, "Merci" is also perfectly understood and commonly used.
For shopping and haggling, learn the numbers wahid (1) through ashara (10), then mia (100), and alf (1000). Most prices in souks are quoted in dirhams (MAD), and knowing numbers helps enormously when haggling. You can also use French numbers, which most vendors understand. Many vendors will type prices on a calculator to show you, but knowing the numbers in Darija earns respect and can help you get better prices.
You do not need to be fluent, but learning 20-30 basic Darija phrases will significantly improve your travel experience. Moroccans deeply appreciate any effort to speak their language, even if your pronunciation is imperfect. Essential phrases like greetings (Salam), thank you (Shukran), please (Afak), how much (Bshhal), and numbers will help you navigate souks, restaurants, and taxis with more confidence and often better prices.
Moroccans are expressive communicators. Important body language cues include: use your right hand for greetings, eating, and passing items (the left is considered unclean). Placing your hand on your heart after a handshake shows sincerity. Avoid pointing with your index finger; use an open hand instead. Showing the soles of your feet is disrespectful. Men may hold hands as a sign of friendship. Maintaining eye contact during conversation shows respect and engagement.
Starting a negotiation in Darija immediately earns respect and can lead to better prices. Key haggling phrases include "Bshhal?" (how much?), "Ghali bezef" (too expensive), and "Nqqes shwiya" (lower the price a little). However, most souk vendors speak French and many speak English or Spanish. Using Darija shows effort and cultural respect, which vendors appreciate. You can mix languages freely, as most Moroccans do in daily conversation.
Continue learning about Moroccan language and culture with these essential guides.
Comprehensive overview of every language spoken across Morocco with regional breakdowns and history.
Read GuideOver 100 Moroccan Arabic phrases with detailed pronunciation guides for every travel situation.
Read GuideCondensed Moroccan etiquette essentials at a glance for quick reference before your trip.
Read GuideIn-depth guide to Moroccan customs, dress code, dining rules, tipping, haggling, and Ramadan behavior.
Read GuideDeep dive into Moroccan traditions, festivals, arts, music, and the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom.
Read GuideYou do not need to be fluent — even a few words in Darija will transform your Morocco experience. Moroccans deeply appreciate the effort, and every “Shukran” and “Salam” opens a door to genuine warmth and hospitality.
Darija pronunciation varies by region across Morocco. The phonetic guides above represent the most widely understood pronunciations. Information on this page is current as of March 2026.