Essential language and vocabulary
*Language & Essential Vocabulary*
Discovering a country also means discovering its language.
Morocco has two official languages: *Arabic and Amazigh*. However, *French* is also widely spoken and understood by almost all Moroccans.
*Spanish* is common in the northern and southern regions of Morocco.
The *Amazigh language*, whose alphabet is *Tifinagh*, is the shared heritage of all Moroccans.
*Classical or Literary Arabic* is used in administrative settings.
The language spoken orally by Moroccans is *Darija* (Moroccan dialect). It is a mix of Arabic, Amazigh, French, and Spanish.
To connect with the local people and fully enjoy your stay, there are a few words in Darija you should master. This will help you stand out from typical tourists and show that you are making an effort in the country.
Here are some expressions and words that will help you throughout your stay in Morocco:
*Common Words*
| English | Darija |
|---|---|
| Hello | Salam / Msa Lkheir |
| How are you? | Kidayr, Labas ? |
| Fine Thanks ? | Labas hamdollah, o nta ? |
| Sorry | Smahli |
| Welcome | Marhba |
| See you | BeslamaqTh |
| Thanks | Chokran (bezzaf) |
| Yes / No | ah / La |
| What your name? | Chno Smitek |
Commerce
| Français | Darija |
|---|---|
| C'est combien ? | Bch'hal afak? |
| C'est un bon marché | Tamane mezyane |
| Ce n'est pas cher! | R'khiss |
| C'est trop cher! | Ghali bezaf |
| Pouvez-vous baisser le prix? | Nkass tamane Afak |
| Argent | Flouss |
| J'aime / je n'aime pas | Aâjabni / Maâjabnich |
Directions
| Français | Darija |
|---|---|
| Où est ...? / Comment aller à...? | Fin kayn ...? / Kifach namchi li ...? |
| Banque | Banka |
| Gare | Mahatta |
| Centre-ville | Ouasst lamdina |
| Hôpital | Sbitar |
| Tout droit | Nichane |
| Gauche / Droite | Lissar / Limane |
| Nord / Sud / Est / Ouest | Chamal / Janoub / Charq / Gharb |
| Route | Triq |
Horaires / Dates et jours
| Français | Darija |
|---|---|
| Quelle heure est-il? | Ch'hal f saâa |
| Quand? | Fouqach? |
| Hier / Aujourd'hui / Demain | Lbareh / Lyoum / ghedda |
| Lundi / Mardi / Mercredi / Jeudi | Tnine / Tlat / Larbaâ / Khmiss |
| Vendredi / Samedi / Dimanche | Joumouâ / Sabt / al Had |
Santé / Urgence / Sécurité
| Français | Darija |
|---|---|
| Je veux voir un médecin | Bghit nchouf Tbib |
| Appelez un medecin / ambulance | Âayat l Tbib / lambilance |
| Danger | Khatar |
| Au secours | Âatkouni |
| Je suis perdu(e) | Tlaft |
| Les toilettes | Mirhad |
| Je me sens malade | Ana mrid |
