Free traveler's phrasebook · Updated 2026
Learn Moroccan Arabic: Your Free Darija Phrasebook
Speak Darija like a local before your trip — greetings, souk bargaining, food, taxis, directions and emergencies, each with plain-English pronunciation you can actually say out loud.
Speak like a local
Why learn Moroccan Arabic (Darija) before your trip
Moroccan Arabic — known locally as Darija (الدارجة) — is the everyday language of Morocco's 37 million people. Unlike Modern Standard Arabic taught in schools, Darija is what you'll actually hear in the souks of Marrakech, the cafés of Fez and the streets of Casablanca. It's a beautifully layered dialect shaped by Amazigh (Berber), French and Spanish influences, unlike any other Arabic dialect in the world.
Insider tip from Gateway2Morocco: Speaking even five words of Darija instantly transforms how locals treat you — you'll negotiate better prices, receive warmer hospitality, and access authentic experiences most tourists never see.
Whether you're planning a private Morocco tour, a fully tailor-made itinerary, or independent travel through the imperial cities and Sahara, this guide gives you every phrase you need — in English, Moroccan Arabic and a simple pronunciation guide anyone can follow. Skim it before you go, save it on your phone, and you'll be speaking like a local within days.
Pronunciation key
Greetings
Greetings & polite expressions
The foundation of Moroccan culture — always greet before asking anything.
Getting by
Essential travel questions in Darija
Navigate any situation with these key phrases.
In the souk
Shopping & souk bargaining phrases
Bargaining is expected and respected — these phrases will save you money.
At the table
Food & restaurant phrases
Order like a local and enjoy Morocco's world-famous cuisine.
On the move
Transport & directions
Get around Morocco's cities and countryside with ease.
At your riad
Accommodation & riad phrases
From riads to hotels — check in and get settled comfortably.
Just in case
Emergency & safety phrases
Essential phrases we hope you never need — but should always know.
Counting
Numbers in Moroccan Arabic
Master numbers to shop, bargain and navigate with confidence.
Combine numbers easily: "Jouj w 3ashrin" = 22 (two and twenty). Say the price in Darija and vendors know you're serious. Dirham = MAD — always carry small bills for the medina.
Quick lookup
Common Darija word meanings
The Moroccan Arabic words travelers most often search for, explained.
"Nice to meet you" — said warmly after being introduced. Literally means "honored," the standard polite response when meeting someone new.
"Outside" or "go outside." Often used casually between friends to mean "let's head out." Common in everyday conversation.
"Go take a walk" / "get lost" — a dismissive slang phrase between friends. Use with caution; tone matters.
"A lot" or "very." A top Darija intensifier: "Bnin bezzaf" (very tasty), "Ghaliya bezzaf" (very expensive).
"OK," "alright," or "agreed" — the universal Moroccan agreement word, heard dozens of times a day.
"God willing." Said any time the future is mentioned — from "see you tomorrow" to "the taxi will come soon."
"Praise be to God" — the all-purpose positive reply when asked how you are, the food, or your trip.
"Good" or "nice." Describes food, weather, a place — anything pleasant. "Mzyan bezzaf" = very good.
"Enough" or "that's it." Useful in souks ("safi, choukran"), at the table, or to end a chat politely.
"Let's go" or "hurry up." Heard from taxi drivers, friends and guides every day in Morocco.
"Shame" or "shameful" — used playfully or seriously for something socially inappropriate. A core cultural concept.
"Beautiful" / "handsome" — Zwin (masc.), Zwina (fem.). Compliment a riad, a landscape, or a plate of food.
Etiquette
Moroccan cultural etiquette & customs
Understanding context is as important as vocabulary.
Always greet first
Launching into a question without greeting is considered rude. Open with "Salam" or "Salaam alaikum" before any transaction.
Accept mint tea
When offered atay, accept graciously. Refusing is impolite — the tea ceremony is a sign of hospitality and respect.
Right hand rule
Use your right hand to eat, receive items, or greet. The left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
Bargaining is expected
The first price is never the final price. Start at 40–50% of the asking price and meet in the middle — keep it friendly.
Respect prayer times
Prayer is called five times a day. Some businesses pause briefly at Friday midday prayer. Mosques are generally not open to non-Muslims.
Dress respectfully
Cover shoulders and knees at mosques, shrines and in rural areas. Cities are relaxed, but modest clothing always earns respect.
Ask before photographing
Always ask permission before photographing people: "Imken ndir lik tswira?" Many say yes — and appreciate you asking.
Ramadan awareness
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight out of respect. Many restaurants still serve tourists inside.
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Good to know
Frequently asked questions about Moroccan Arabic
What is Moroccan Arabic called?
Moroccan Arabic is called Darija (الدارجة), which literally means "the dialect." It is a spoken dialect distinct from Modern Standard Arabic, shaped by centuries of Amazigh (Berber), French and Spanish influence — the true everyday language of Morocco.
How do you say hello in Moroccan Arabic?
The most respectful greeting is "Salaam alaikum" (سلام عليكم), "Peace be upon you." The reply is "Wa alaikum salam." For a casual hello, say "Salam" or "Ahlan." In the north you may also hear "Hola" (Spanish influence).
What does msharfin mean in Moroccan Arabic?
Msharfin (مشرفين) means "Nice to meet you." It is said warmly after being introduced to someone — literally "honored." A friendly reply is "Msharfin bik."
What does bezzaf mean in Darija?
Bezzaf (بزاف) means "a lot" or "very," one of the most-used Darija intensifiers. Examples: "Choukran bezzaf" = thank you very much; "Ghaliya bezzaf" = very expensive; "Bnin bezzaf" = very tasty.
What does 3la bara mean?
3la bara (على برا) literally means "outside" or "go outside." It is most often used casually between friends to mean "let's head outside."
How do you say thank you in Moroccan Arabic?
Thank you is "Choukran" (شكرا), pronounced chook-rahn. For "thank you very much," say "Choukran bezzaf." You can also say "Baraka Llahou fik" (God bless you) as a heartfelt thanks.
Is Moroccan Arabic (Darija) difficult to learn?
Darija is one of the more challenging Arabic dialects because of its blend of Arabic, Amazigh, French and Spanish. But travelers don't need fluency — learning 50–100 key phrases is achievable in a week, and locals deeply appreciate any effort.
Can I get by with French in Morocco?
Yes — French is widely spoken in cities, government and tourism. But speaking a few words of Darija shows respect and consistently results in warmer hospitality, better prices and more authentic experiences. Think of French as a backup and Darija as your golden key.
How do you bargain in a Moroccan souk?
Greet the seller warmly (Salam alaikum), ask the price (Bshal hada?), and if it's high say Ghaliya bezzaf! then propose your counter with Gha n3tik [amount]. Never get angry — bargaining is friendly and expected. A smile and some Darija go further than any tactic.
What languages are spoken in Morocco?
Morocco's official languages are Modern Standard Arabic and Tamazight (Amazigh/Berber). Most people speak Darija day to day. French is the language of business and much of the media, and Spanish is common in northern cities like Tétouan, Chefchaouen and Tangier.
How do you count to 10 in Moroccan Arabic?
1 = Wahad, 2 = Jouj, 3 = Thlata, 4 = Rb3a, 5 = Khamsa, 6 = Stta, 7 = Sb3a, 8 = Tmnya, 9 = Ts3ud, 10 = 3ashra. See the full numbers table above for pronunciations and shopping tips.
What should I avoid saying or doing in Morocco?
Avoid criticising religion or the monarchy. Don't use your left hand to eat or pass items. Avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking publicly in daylight. Never photograph people without permission.
Is Morocco safe for travelers?
Morocco is consistently ranked among North Africa's safest destinations for tourists. Major attractions in Marrakech, Fez, Chefchaouen and the Sahara are well-frequented. As anywhere, exercise normal awareness in crowded medinas. Our private guided tours add an extra layer of comfort for first-time visitors.
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