Moroccans are warm hosts, and a few words of Moroccan Arabic, called Darija, are always appreciated. Even a simple greeting opens doors and brings smiles.
This guide gives you the most useful phrases, with simple spellings.
Salam alaykum is the standard greeting, answered with Wa alaykum salam. Say Labas? to ask how someone is, and Labas, hamdullah to answer well. Say Shukran for thank you, Afak for please, and Smahli to say excuse me or sorry.
Ask Bshhal? for how much. Say Ghali for expensive and Wakha for okay. La, shukran means no, thank you, and is a polite way to decline an offer. See our Marrakech souks shopping guide for more tips.
Say Bismillah before eating, which is a friendly custom. Mezyan means good, and Bnin means delicious. Ask for water with Ma, afak. Learn about local dishes in our weather by season guide for when to travel.
Yallah means let us go. Fin? means where, and Ymin and Ysar mean right and left. Say Bslama for goodbye. Your driver-guide will always help with directions.
Saying Inshallah (God willing) is common and polite. Learn more in our guide to Moroccan culture and our etiquette and culture tips.
Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and Amazigh languages, with French widely used as well.
Yes, in tourism and in hotels, but a few Darija words are appreciated.
Salam alaykum, or simply Salam.
Shukran.
No, but a few phrases make your trip warmer.
Our private driver-guides speak several languages and love sharing the local way of life with you.
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