Top 10 Moroccan Expressions You Can’t Translate (But Should Know)

Darija, or Moroccan Arabic, is full of expressions that don’t have a direct translation — but they say so much about Moroccan culture, humor, and daily life.

These are the kinds of phrases you’ll hear in markets, homes, taxis, and cafés — and once you learn them, you’ll sound much more like a local!

Let’s explore 10 of the most iconic, funny, and heartfelt expressions in Darija 🇲🇦👇

🥇 1. Nta o zahrak!

"You and your luck!"

➡️ Said when something works out (or doesn’t) based on pure chance.

🗣️ Example:

Ghadi tal9a taxi? — Nta o zahrak!

You will find a taxi? — You and your luck!

🥈 2. Koun ghir skati!

"You better not say that again!"

➡️ Used to warn someone not to repeat something silly, wrong, or disrespectful.

🗣️ Like saying: “Don’t even think about it!”

🥉 3. L7amdulilah 3la slamtak

"Thank God for your safety"

➡️ Said to someone who just arrived from a trip, left the hospital, or came back from any difficult situation.

🗣️ Response: Allah ysalmak (May God keep you safe too)

4. Sli 3la rassk

"Finish what you’re doing first!"

➡️ Literally: "Pray over your head."
Figuratively: Focus, don’t rush!

5. 7shuma!

"Shame on you!" / "That’s not okay!"

➡️ A powerful one-word reaction to something impolite or inappropriate — from bad manners to breaking social rules.

6. 3la slamatkom / slamatna!

"Congrats on the recovery / welcome back!"

➡️ Used when someone gets a haircut, comes back from the hammam, or buys something new.
You respond: Allah ysalmak

7. Mat lik l7ot!

"You can’t win!" / “Don’t bother!”

➡️ Literally: " Your fish died."

➡️ Used jokingly when someone tries to argue or change your mind. Kind of like: “Give it up!”

8. Sir ta7sham!

"Go be ashamed!"

➡️ A harsh way to call someone out. Used when someone’s acting inappropriately or being rude.

🛑 Be careful — this is strong and should only be used in specific (heated) moments.

9. Wakha!

"Okay!" / "Even though..."

➡️ A super common word that means both “Okay” and “Even if” depending on the sentence.

🗣️ Example:

• Wakha ta3ya, khasak tkamal – Even if you're tired, you must finish.

• Wakha, mezyan! – Okay, sounds good!

10. Baraka!

"Enough!"

➡️ A polite (or serious) way to say stop, whether you’re talking about food, noise, or behavior.

🗣️ Example:

baraka mn l7alwa! – Enough sweets!

🎯 Why These Expressions Matter

These sayings are part of daily life in Morocco. You won’t find them in most textbooks, but learning them will help you:

✅ Sound more natural
✅ Understand jokes & reactions
✅ Connect more deeply with Moroccans
✅ Avoid social misunderstandings

📲 Keep Learning with Daily Darija

🎧 Want to hear how these are pronounced? DM me on Instagram for audio clips!
🔗 Follow @dailydarija for videos, flashcards, and weekly slang.

📝 Next Post: Darija Phrases You’ll Hear During Ramadan in Morocco — coming soon!