How to Say Hello in Moroccan Arabic (Darija)
Introduction
If you’re learning Moroccan Arabic (Darija), one of the first things you’ll want to master is how to say hello.
In Morocco, greetings are more than just words — they’re an important part of respect, warmth, and connection.
In this quick guide, you’ll learn how to say hello in different ways, when to use each one, and how greetings reflect Moroccan culture.
The Classic Darija Greeting: Salam o 3alaykum
The most common greeting in Morocco is:
Salam o 3alaykum — Peace be upon you
It’s a traditional Arabic greeting used across Morocco by everyone, in both formal and casual settings.
The typical reply is:
Wa 3alaykum o salam — And peace be upon you too
💡 Tip: This greeting is universal — you can use it in any context: when meeting friends, elders, or strangers.
Casual Hellos You’ll Hear Every Day
Moroccans also use more informal ways to greet each other, especially among friends and family:
| Darija | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Labas? | How are you? | Casual and friendly |
| Kidayer / kidayera? | How’s it going? (m/f) | With friends or people your age |
| Kolshi bikhir? | Everything good? | Relaxed and common |
| Ash khbarak? | What’s new? | Friendly and informal |
- Example mini-dialogue 👇
A: Salam o 3alaykum! Labas?
B: Wa 3alaykum o salam! Kolshi bikhir, lhamdullah.
English:
A: Peace be upon you! How are you?
B: And peace be upon you! Everything’s good, thank God.
Time-Specific Greetings
In Moroccan Arabic, you can greet people differently depending on the time of day:
| Darija | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Sbah lkhir | Good morning | Morning |
| Msa lkhir | Good evening | After sunset |
| Tasbah 3la khir | Good night | When parting at night |
| Bsa7a / beslama | Take care / Goodbye | When leaving |
💡 Cultural Tip: Moroccans usually combine time-based greetings with “Labas?” or “Kolshi bikhir?” for extra warmth.
Regional & Friendly Expressions
You might also hear these fun local versions depending on where you are:
| Darija | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Salam sahbi/sahbti! | Hey my friend! (m/f) |
| Ahlan / Mrahba! | Welcome! (common in shops or homes) |
| Shno khbarak? | What’s up? |
These add a personal and friendly tone to your greetings.
Cultural Note: Greetings Are Important!
In Moroccan culture, greetings show respect and friendliness.
It’s common to shake hands, smile, and sometimes even kiss on the cheeks (especially between same-gender friends or relatives).
If you’re visiting someone’s home, a greeting like Salam o 3alaykum, kidayer? goes a long way!
Learn More Darija With Daily Darija
Ready to go beyond greetings?
In the Daily Darija Beginner Course, you’ll learn how to start conversations, ask questions, and speak naturally like locals do.
👉 Join the Daily Darija Course to start your Moroccan Arabic journey today!
