Directions in Darija: How to Ask & Understand in Moroccan Arabic
Aug 07, 2025
Directions in Darija: How to Ask & Understand in Moroccan Arabic
Whether you're exploring the medina in Marrakech or trying to catch a taxi in Casablanca, knowing how to ask for directions in Darija is a must. This beginner-friendly guide will teach you how to ask, understand, and give basic directions in Moroccan Arabic. 🧭
Common Questions to Ask for Directions
| English | Darija | |
|---|---|---|
| Where is…? | Fin kayn/a…? | |
| How can I get to…? | Kifash namshi l…? | |
| Is it far? | Wash b3id? | |
| Is it near? | Wash 9rib? | |
| Can you show me on the map? | Momkin twarini f lkharita? |
🏙️ Places You Might Ask About
Zan9
| English | Darija | |
|---|---|---|
| The market | Sou9 | |
| The mosque | Jam3 | |
| The station | Lma7ta | |
| The hospital | Sbitar | |
| The street | Zan9a | |
| The square | Sa7a |
🧭 Directional Words
| English | Darija | |
|---|---|---|
| Left | Lisr | |
| Right | Limn | |
| Straight ahead | Nishan | |
| Turn | Dor | |
| Go back | Rja3 | |
| Stop here | 7bas hna |
🛻 In a Taxi
When in a petit taxi, these phrases will help:
-
Wsalni l... 3afak. = Take me to... please.
-
Sh7al f lkontor? = How much is the meter?
-
7bas hna, 3afak. = Stop here, please.
-
3afak, dor 3la limn. = Please, turn right.
Always check if the meter ( Lkontor ) is on, or negotiate the price ahead!
🧠 Pro Tip: Listen for Landmarks
Locals often give directions using landmarks, not street names. Listen for:
-
7da lma7al dyal l7alwa = near the pastry shop
-
7da jam3 = next to the mosque
-
9bal lma7ta = across from the station
📝 Practice: Ask a Friend or a Local
Try this role-play:
👤 You: Fin kayn sou9, 3afak?
👥 Local: Dor 3la limn, kayn 7da jam3 wa7d shwiya.
(Turn right, it's a little bit near the mosque.)
Challenge yourself to do this in the real world or with a language partner online.
📲 Keep Learning with Daily Darija
👉 Get the free Darija Travel Phrasebook PDF
📚 Or enroll in our Darija for Travelers Mini Course (coming soon!)
🔊 Follow @dailydarija for audio clips and real-world examples!