Introduction

Traveling to Morocco is an unforgettable experience — from the colorful souks of Marrakech to the blue streets of Chefchaouen and the Sahara dunes of Merzouga. But one challenge many travelers face is the language barrier. While French and English are spoken in tourist areas, Darija (Moroccan Arabic) is the key to connecting with locals.

In this guide, you’ll learn essential Darija phrases that will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re shopping in the souk, ordering food, or asking for directions, these expressions will help you feel more at home.

1. Basic Greetings

• Salam o 3alaykum  – Hello / Peace be upon you

• Wa 3alaykum salam  – Response to hello

• Sbah lkhir  – Good morning

• Msa lkhir  – Good evening

• Baslama – Goodbye

💡 Tip: Greetings are very important in Morocco. Always start a conversation with one.

2. Polite Expressions

• Shukran – Thank you

• 3afak  – Please

• Sme7 liya  – Excuse me / Sorry

• La shukran  – No, thank you

3. At the Souk (Market)

• Bsh7al?  – How much?

• Ghali bezaf  – Too expensive

• N9as shwiya  – Lower the price a little

• 3tini had shi  – Give me this

4. In a Café or Restaurant

• Bghit wa7d atay bna3na3  – I want a mint tea

• Bghit lma  – I want water

• Shnu kayn f lcmenu? – What’s on the menu?

• La7sab, 3afak  – The bill, please

5. Getting Around

• Fin kayn …?  – Where is …?

• Bghit namshi l…  – I want to go to …

• W9af hna, 3afak  – Stop here, please (for taxis)

• Sh7al taman dyal taxi? – How much is the taxi fare?

6. Emergencies & Help

• 3awni 3afak  – Help me, please

• Ana mwadar – I’m lost

• Fin kayn sbitar?  – Where is the hospital?

• Kayn shi bolisi?  – Is there a police officer?

Tips for Using Darija as a Traveler

• Even if you only use a few words, locals will appreciate your effort.

• Don’t stress about pronunciation — just try your best.

• Pair Darija with gestures and smiles for smoother communication.

Conclusion

Learning just a handful of Darija phrases will transform your trip to Morocco. From ordering mint tea to navigating the souk, you’ll not only get what you need but also build warm connections with locals.

👉 Want to practice more? Follow us on Instagram @dailydarija  for daily tips and mini-lessons.