Introduction

If you want to move from learning single words to speaking full sentences in Darija, you’ll need to understand verb conjugation. Don’t worry — Moroccan Arabic grammar is simpler than it looks. In this post, we’ll break down the present tense conjugation so you can start using verbs in real-life conversations right away.

1. The Basics of Conjugation in Darija

In Darija, verbs change depending on who is doing the action (I, you, he, she, we, they). The present tense is formed by adding prefixes (and sometimes suffixes) to the verb root.

2. Personal Pronouns in Darija

Here are the subject pronouns you’ll need:

• Ana  – I

• Nta  – You (m)

• Nti  – You (f)

• Huwa  – He

• Hiya  – She

• Hna  – We

• Ntuma  – You (plural)

• Huma  – They

3. Conjugation of a Regular Verb: Ktab (to write)

4. Common Patterns in the Present Tense

• Ana → kan-

• Nta/Nti → kat-

• Huwa → kay-

• Hiya → kat-

• Hna → kan-…-u

• Ntuma → kat-…-u

• Huma → kay-…-u

5. Practice With Other Verbs

Try conjugating these in the same way:

• 9ra (to read/study) → Ana kan9ra, Hiya kat9ra

• Shaf (to see) → Huwa kayshof, Hna kan-shofo

• Bgha (to want) → Nti katbghi, Huma kaybghiw

Tips for Beginners

• Focus first on the present tense before moving to past and future.

• Use everyday verbs like kla (eat), shrab (drink), msha (go).

• Practice with short sentences daily: Ana kanmshi lsou9. (I go to the market).

Conclusion

With just a few prefixes and patterns, you can conjugate most Darija verbs in the present tense. Once you master this, you’ll be ready to move on to past and future tenses.

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