| Visiting a country is also learning a new language. Morocco has two official languages, Arabic and Amazigh. French is also spoken and understood by almost all Moroccans. Spanish is widely spoken in the northern and southern regions of Morocco. The Amazigh language, whose alphabet is Tifinagh, is the common heritage of all Moroccans. Classical or Literary Arabic is only used in administrative contexts. Darija (Moroccan dialect) is the oral language used in Morocco, which is a mixture of Arabic, Amazigh, French, and Spanish. There are certain words in Darija that you need to know in order to communicate with local inhabitants easily. With this vocabulary, you’ll no longer be a novice visitor, as you’ll prove that you are making an effort to make the most of your stay. Here are some expressions and words that will help you throughout your stay in Morocco : |
Most common words
| ENGLISH | Darija |
| Hello / Good evening | Salam / Msa Lkheir |
| How are you ? | Kidayr, Labas ? |
| Fine, thank you, and you ? | Labas hamdollah, o nta ? |
| Excuse me | Smahli |
| Welcome | Marhba |
| Good bye | Beslama |
| Thank you (very much) | Chokran (bezzaf) |
| Yes / No | ah / La |
| What’s your name ? | Chno Smitek |
Commerce
| ENGLISH | Darija |
| How much is this ? | Bch’hal afak? |
| That’s a good deal | Tamane mezyane |
| That’s less expensive! | R’khiss |
| That’s too expensive! | Ghali bezaf |
| Can you lower the price ? | Nkass tamane Afak |
| Money | Flouss |
| I like it / I hate it | Aâjabni / Maâjabnich |
| I am browsing | Ghir Tanchouf |
Directions
| ENGLISH | Darija |
| Where is …? / How to go to …? | Fin kayn …? / Kifach namchi li …? |
| Bank | Banka |
| Station | Mahatta |
| City centre | Ouasst lamdina |
| Hospital | Sbitar |
| Straight on | Nichane |
| Left / Right | Lissar / Limane |
| North / South / East / West | Chamal / Janoub / Charq / Gharb |
| Road | Triq |
Schedules / Dates and hours
| ENGLISH | Darija |
| What time is it ? | Ch’hal f saâa |
| When ? | Fouqach? |
| Yesterday / Today / Tomorrow | Lbareh / Lyoum / ghedda |
| Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday | Tnine / Tlat / Larbaâ / Khmiss |
| Friday / Saturday / Sunday | Joumouâ / Sabt / al Had |
Health / Emergency / Safety
| english | Darija |
| I need to see a doctor | Bghit nchouf Tbib |
| Call a doctor / ambulance | Âayat l Tbib / lambilance |
| Danger | Khatar |
| Help ! | Âatkouni |
| I’m lost | Tlaft |
| Toilets | Mirhad |
| I feel sick | Ana mrid |
