If you’re learning Moroccan Arabic (Darija), greetings are the best place to start. Whether you're visiting Morocco or connecting with Moroccan friends or family, knowing how to say “hello” will instantly earn you a smile.

In this post, you’ll learn the most common ways to greet someone in Darija, when to use them, and how to pronounce them correctly.

👋 1. Salam – " Hello / Peace "

📖 Darija: Salam
🗣️ Pronunciation: salaam
🧠 Meaning: “Peace” – a universal and polite greeting.

✅ Use it anytime — morning, evening, formal or casual.
👉 Example:
      A: Salam!
     B: Salam, labas? (Hello, how are you?)

🌞 2. Sbah Lkhir – "Good morning"

📖 Darija: Sbah Lkhir
🗣️ Pronunciation: sbaḥ l-kheer
🧠 Meaning: “Morning of goodness”

✅ Use in the morning until around noon.

👉 Reply: Sbah nour – “Morning of light”

🌙 3. Msa Lkhir – "Good evening"

📖 Darija: Msa Lkhir
🗣️ Pronunciation: msa l-kheer
🧠 Meaning: “Evening of goodness”

✅ Use after around 4pm or evening time.

👉 Reply: Msaa nour – “Evening of light”

 

🙋 4. Labas? – "How are you?"

📖 Darija: Labas?
🗣️ Pronunciation: la-baas?
🧠 Meaning: Literally “no harm?” — It means “Are you okay?” or “How are you?”

✅ Very common and informal.

👉 Example:
A: Salam, labas?
B: Labas, shukran! (I’m good, thanks!)

 

🤝 5. Ash khbark? – "How are you? (What’s your news?)"

📖 Darija: Ash khbark?
🗣️ Pronunciation: ash khbark?
🧠 Meaning: “What’s your news?” – another way to ask how someone is doing.

✅ More casual and friendly.

🔁 Variations:

• To a man: Ash khbark?

• To a woman: Ash khbarkī?
  
  

🗣️ Bonus Tips on Greeting Etiquette in Morocco:

• Handshakes and cheek kisses: Between same-gender people, handshakes and cheek kisses (left-right-left) are common. Between opposite genders, a simple Salam and smile is safer unless invited.

• Always smile. Greetings are very important in Moroccan culture — people may exchange greetings even with strangers in shops or taxis.

• Use “ Baslama” to say goodbye!

📌 Summary: Quick List of Greetings in Darija