Language and vocabulary
Language and vocabulary
The discovery of a country is also the discovery of its language. Morocco has two official languages, Arabic and Amazigh, but French is widely spoken and understood by practically all Moroccans. Spanish is extensively spoken in the northern and southern parts of Morocco. The Amazigh language, whose alphabet is Tifinagh, is the common heritage of all Moroccans. Classical or literary Arabic is utilised in administrative circles. The language used orally by Moroccans is Darija (Moroccan dialect). It is a combination of Arabic, Amazigh, French and Spanish. To fit in with the locals and make the most of your stay, there are certain words you need to master in Darija. This will help you stand out from the crowd of conventional tourists and indicate that you are invested in the country. Here are some words and phrases that will benefit you throughout your stay in Morocco:
Common words
ANGLAIS |
Darija |
Hello / Good evening |
Salam / Msa Lkheir |
How are you? |
Kidayr, Labas ? |
Very well, thank you, and you? |
Labas hamdollah, o nta ? |
Sorry |
Smahli |
Welcome |
Marhba |
Goodbye |
Beslama |
Thank you (very much) |
Chokran (bezzaf) |
Yes / No |
ah / La |
What’s your name? |
Chno Smitek |
Trade
ANGLAIS |
Darija |
What is the price? |
Bch’hal afak? |
It’s a good deal. |
Tamane mezyane |
It’s cheaper! |
R’khiss |
It’s too expensive! |
Ghali bezaf |
Can you lower the price |
Nkass tamane Afak |
Silver |
Flouss |
I love / hate |
Aâjabni / Maâjabnich |
I’m just watching. |
Ghir Tanchouf |
Directions
ANGLAIS |
Darija |
Where’s the…? – How do I get to…? |
Fin kayn …? / Kifach namchi li …? |
Banka |
Banka |
Train station |
Mahatta |
Downtown |
Ouasst lamdina |
Hospital |
Sbitar |
Straight ahead |
Nichane |
Left / Right |
Lissar / Limane |
North / South / East / West |
Chamal / Janoub / Charq / Gharb |
Route |
Triq |
Schedules/dates and days
ANGLAIS |
Darija |
What time is it? |
Ch’hal f saâa |
When. |
Fouqach? |
Yesterday / Today / Tomorrow |
Lbareh / Lyoum / ghedda |
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday /Thursday |
Tnine / Tlat / Larbaâ / Khmiss |
Friday/Saturday/sunday |
Joumouâ / Sabt / al Had |
Health / emergency / safety
ANGLAIS |
Darija |
I want to see a doctor. |
Bghit nchouf Tbib |
Call a doctor/ambulance |
Âayat l Tbib / lambilance |
Danger |
Khatar |
Help! |
Âatkouni |
I’m lost. |
Tlaft |
Toilets |
Mirhad |
I feel sick |
Ana mrid |
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