Moroccan Darija: The Most Useful Moroccan Phrases to Learn
Par Jessie de Daytrips, le 1er juillet 2024
So, you’re after some useful Moroccan phrases to learn for your travels. But if you’re like most of the friends who bid me farewell, you might be asking – what language do Moroccans speak? Well now, take a seat my friend.
Street of Tamraght.
Firstly, if you ever find yourself in need of a little humbling (important from time to time in my opinion), try asking a Moroccan how many languages they speak. It’s my foolproof trick for knocking yourself down a peg or two.
The two official languages of Morocco are Darija (otherwise known as Moroccan Arabic), and Amazigh (or Berber).
Most Moroccans can also understand classical Arabic.
At least half of the population can speak French – thanks to France’s past colonial rule.
And in the north of Morocco, Spanish is widely spoken. Again, due to Spain’s stint at colonisation.
Annnd with growing popularity, particularly among young people – the good majority of people you meet in Morocco will likely also speak some English.
That makes an easy six. If you happen to ask a Moroccan working in the tourism industry, they’ll probably bump that number up a few with some passable German, Dutch or Latvian. Impressive to say the least.
Whilst Amazigh remains the mother tongue of many indigenous communities in Morocco, Darija is the most widely spoken language. So when looking for some useful Moroccan phrases to learn, Darija is your go-to.
Do You Need To Learn The Local Language?
Tamri, Morocco.
So why should you bother learning Darija? Well for starters, if Moroccans are putting in that much effort to foster conversation, it’s kind of the least you could do.
Secondly, I think it shows respect. Learning the local language is one small but meaningful way to honour the Moroccan people, their culture, and their wisdom. Plus, it’s one small defence against cultural erosion.
But, if neither of those arguments appeal to you, then know that just by learning a few simple words and greetings, your travels are going to be so much smoother. Your interactions with locals will be infinitely improved, you’ll make far more connections, and you’ll delight every shopkeeper and taxi driver you meet.
Be warned though, if your intellectual ego is already hanging on by a thread then trying to learn Moroccan Darija could be your downfall. Nonetheless, I have shared below the most useful Moroccan phrases to make your travels that little bit breezier.
The Most Useful Moroccan Phrases
Local souk in Tamraght. Your one stop shop for the freshest fruit and veg.
Darija Greetings
Moroccans tend to follow a certain script when greeting one another. It’s normal for one person to rattle off, “Ki dayr? Labas? Bikhir? Kulshi mzyan?” all in one breath. Whilst the other person races to get their lines in. I often get so caught up in trying to spit out all the pleasantries to the shopkeeper that I’ll forget the eggs I came for.
Darija Basics
Once you’ve done the dance of Darija greetings – these are the most useful Moroccan phrases to have an actual, practical conversation.
Darija Numbers
Veeeery handy when shopping at the markets or bartering with taxi drivers. Combine these with my guide on catching taxis and your trip just got ten times smoother. At least.
Jemaa el-Fnaa. The main square in Marrakech medina.
Learning Darija as a native English speaker is pretty tricky. But just by nailing a few basic greetings and useful Moroccan phrases you’ll infinitely improve the interactions you have with locals. Moroccans are so eager to help you learn and will delight in any attempts you make.
If you learn just one phrase, let it be salam a3likum. Truly the least you could do.
Bslama, thala frask.