Darija for Shopping: Essential Phrases for Moroccan Markets
Darija for Shopping: Essential Phrases for Moroccan Markets
Introduction
Shopping in Morocco isn’t just about buying things — it’s an experience full of colors, sounds, and friendly conversation! Whether you’re walking through the souks of Marrakech, exploring Fes Medina, or visiting a local grocery store, knowing a few Darija (Moroccan Arabic) phrases can make your experience easier — and a lot more fun.
In this guide, you’ll learn useful Darija expressions for shopping, bargaining, and asking questions — everything you need to shop confidently like a local. 🇲🇦
Basic Shopping Phrases in Darija
| English | Darija (Transliteration) |
|---|---|
| How much is this? | Bsh7al hada (m) /hadi (f) ? |
| It’s too expensive | Ghali bezaf |
| Can you make it cheaper? | N9es shwiya |
| I’ll take it | Ghadi nakhdo |
| I’m just looking | Ghir kanshof |
| That’s good | Mazyan |
| I like it | 3jabni (m) / 3ajbatni (f) |
Tip: When bargaining, smile! Negotiation in Morocco is friendly and part of the culture — not a fight.
Common Words You’ll Hear in the Souk
| English | Darija (Transliteration) |
|---|---|
| Shop | 7anout |
| Market | Sou9 |
| Seller | Moul l7anout |
| Customer | Zaboun |
| Money | Laflous |
| Bag | Mika / Sak |
| Gift | Hdiya |
Cultural note: Many shop owners will call you “Sahbi” (my friend) — it’s their way of being friendly!
Bargaining in Moroccan Arabic
Bargaining (mfaṣṣal) is part of the fun! Here are some useful Darija expressions for negotiation:
| English | Darija (Transliteration) |
|---|---|
| That’s too expensive! | Ghali bezaf! |
| Give me a good price | Dir m3aya taman zwin |
| What’s your best price? | Shnu akhir taman? |
| Okay, I’ll take it | Wakha, ghadi nakhdo |
| Thank you | Shukran |
Tip: Sellers often expect you to negotiate — it’s part of Moroccan market culture.
At the Food Market
| English | Darija (Transliteration) |
|---|---|
| I want one kilo | Bghit kilo |
| Half kilo | Nes kilo |
| Fresh? | Wash tri? |
| This one | Hada |
| That one | Hadak |
| Too ripe | Tayb bezaf |
| Looks good! | Zwin! |
Fun fact: In Moroccan markets, fruits and vegetables are often sold by the kilo — and vendors love when you use Darija!
Buying Souvenirs
| English | Darija (Transliteration) |
|---|---|
| I’m looking for gifts | Kan9aleb 3la lkadowat |
| Do you have this in another color? | Wash 3andek hada f loun akhor? |
| I want traditional clothes | Bghit 7wayj ta9lidiyin |
| Handmade? | Masnou3 b lyed? |
Cultural note: Artisans in Morocco take pride in their craft — showing interest or appreciation goes a long way!
Useful Polite Expressions
| English | Darija (Transliteration) |
|---|---|
| Please | 3afak |
| Thank you | Shukran |
| You’re welcome | Mrahba |
| No problem | Mashi moshkil |
Tip: Politeness makes everything smoother — “3afak” (please) and “shukran” (thank you) always make a difference.
Why Learning Darija for Shopping Matters
Knowing how to speak Darija in markets doesn’t just help you buy what you want — it helps you:
✅ Connect with locals
✅ Avoid tourist prices
✅ Experience Moroccan life more authentically
“ When you speak a little Darija, you stop being just a tourist — you become part of the conversation. ”
Learn Darija the Smart Way
If you want to go beyond simple phrases, join the Daily Darija Courses, where you’ll:
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Learn Darija step-by-step with video lessons, audios, and transcripts
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Master real-life situations (shopping, food, travel, family…)
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Understand Moroccan culture while learning to speak naturally
🎯 Start your Moroccan Arabic journey today: Daily Darija courses
