Top 20 Darija Phrases Every Traveler Needs

01

of 07

Why Learn Darija for Travel?

While some Moroccans speak French or English, especially in tourist areas, Darija is the heart of local communication. Using it shows respect, builds rapport, and often earns you a smile—or a better price! These 20 phrases cover greetings, shopping, travel, and emergencies, making them perfect for any traveler’s toolkit.

02

of 07

The Top 20 Darija Phrases

Here’s your go-to list, organized by situation, with easy transcriptions to help you pronounce them like a local.

Greetings and Politeness

1. Salam 3likom
   • Meaning: Peace be upon you (Hello)
   • Pronunciation: s-sa-la-moo eh-lai-koom
   • Use: A standard greeting for any time of day. Respond with “wa 3likom salam” (and upon you, peace).
2. Labas 3lik?
   • Meaning: How are you?
   • Pronunciation: la-bas eh-lik
   • Use: This is a friendly way to ask about someone’s well-being. Reply with “labas” (I’m fine).
3. choukran Bzzaf
   • Meaning: Thank you very much
   • Pronunciation: shoo-kran bz-zaf
   • Use: Show gratitude after a meal, purchase, or help, etc.
4. Bslama
   • Meaning: Goodbye
   • Pronunciation: b-sla-ma
   • Use: A casual farewell when leaving a shop or conversation, etc.
5. Smahli
   • Meaning: Excuse me / Sorry
   • Pronunciation: smah-lee
   • Use: Apologize or get someone’s attention politely.

Shopping and Bargaining

6. Bchhal Hada?
   • Meaning: How much is this?
   • Pronunciation: b-sh-hal ha-da
   • Use: Point at an item in the souk to ask its price.
7. Bghit Kilu Wahid or just Bghit Kilu
   • Meaning: I want one kilo
   • Pronunciation: b-gheet kee-loo wa-hid
   • Use: Request a specific amount (swap “kilu” for “nss” for half).
8. Gali! Bzzaf!
   • Meaning: Expensive! Too much!
   • Pronunciation: ga-lee bz-zaf
   • Use: Start bargaining when the price feels high.
9. Ghadi n3tik 20 dh
   • Meaning: I’ll give you twenty (dirhams)
   • Pronunciation: gha-di n3tik 3a-chrin dirhams.
   • Use: Counteroffer during haggling—adjust the number as needed.
10. Chhal L-Kilu?
    • Meaning: What’s the price per kilo?
    • Pronunciation: sh-hal l-kee-loo
    • Use: Clarify costs for produce or bulk items.

Food and Dining

11. Bghit Nachrb Atay
    • Meaning: I want to drink tea
    • Pronunciation: b-gheet nash-rb a-tay
    • Use: Order Morocco’s famous mint tea in a café.
12. Fin Kayna toilet?
    • Meaning: Where’s the bathroom?
    • Pronunciation: feen ka-yna toilet
    • Use: Ask this in a restaurant or a café
13. Hadchi bnin bezzaf
    • Meaning: This is very delicious
    • Pronunciation: ha-dchi bnin bezzaf
    • Use: Compliment a meal to please your host or waiter.

Travel and Direction

14. Fin kayn tobis?
    • Meaning: Where’s the bus?
    • Pronunciation: feen kayn -toh-bees
    • Use: Find public transport—swap “tobis” for “taksi” for a taxi.
15. Bghit Nchri Tikiy
    • Meaning: I want to buy a ticket
    • Pronunciation: b-gheet n-shree tee-kee
    • Use: At a bus or train station.
16. chnu smit Had L-Mdina?
    • Meaning: What’s the name of this city?
    • Pronunciation: sh-noo smit had l-mdee-na
    • Use: Ask about the name of the city.
17. Mn L-Ymin / Mn L-Ysar
    • Meaning: To the right / To the left
    • Pronunciation: mn l-ya-meen / mn l-ya-sar
    • Use: Understand directions when someone guides you.

Emergencies and Help

18. chnu Smitek?
    • Meaning: What’s your name?
    • Pronunciation: sh-noo smi-tyk
    • Use: Build rapport or clarify who you’re speaking to in a pinch.
19. 3awni!
    • Meaning: Help me!
    • Pronunciation: eh-ow-nee
    • Use: Call for assistance in an urgent situation.
20. Fin L-Bolis?
    • Meaning: Where’s the police?
    • Pronunciation: feen l-bo-lees
    • Use: Locate help if you’re in trouble.

03

of 07

Pronunciation Tips

Darija has unique sounds that might feel unfamiliar:

• “H” is throaty, like clearing your throat (e.g., “Hada”).
• “3” is a deep “a” sound (e.g., “3likom”).
• “ch” sounds like “sh” in “shoe” (e.g., “choukran”). Practice in the GoDarija app to nail the accent!

04

of 07

Cultural Tips for Using These Phrases

• Greet First: Always start with “Salam 3likom” before asking a question—it’s polite and expected.
• Smile and Be Patient: Moroccans value friendliness, so pair your phrases with a warm attitude.
• Haggle Playfully: Bargaining is a game—keep it light with “Ghali!” and a grin.
• Learn Local Variations: Darija can shift slightly by region (e.g., north vs. south), so listen and adapt.

05

of 07

How to Practice

1. Flashcards: Write each phrase on a card with its meaning and practice daily.
2. Role-Play: Pretend you’re in a souk or café—say the phrases aloud.
3. Use on the Go: Try one phrase per day on your trip and build from there.
4. Download the GoDarija App: Listen to pronunciation, quiz yourself, practice, and more.

06

of 07

Sample Traveler’s Dialogue

Imagine you’re in a Marrakech souk buying oranges:

• You: “Salam 3likom bchhal limun?”
  • (Hello! How much are the oranges?)
• Vendor: “Wa 3likom salam, 15dh lkilou”
  • (Hello! Fifteen dirhams per kilo.)
• You: “Ghali, ghadi n3tik 10 dirhams .”
  • (Expensive! I’ll give you ten dirhams.)
• Vendor: “Marhba, tfadel”
  • (You’re welcome, here you go.)
• You: “Choukran bzzaf! Bslama!”
  • (Thank you very much! Goodbye!)

07

of 07

Conclusion

These 20 Darija phrases are your passport to a richer Moroccan adventure. From greeting vendors to finding your way, they’ll help you connect with locals and navigate with ease. Start practicing now, and when you land in Morocco, you’ll be ready to say “Choukran bzzaf” with confidence. Safe travels—bslama!

Hey, before you go, if you want to learn more, download the GoDarija app:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.godarija.app

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/godarija-learn-moroccan-arabic/id6741084589