Darija phrases are the fastest way to make friends in Morocco. Darija is the everyday language of Moroccans, and a few words in it bring a smile in a shop, a taxi or a riad. This guide gives you Darija phrases for greetings, the souk, food, directions and numbers, written the way they sound.
What Is Darija?
Darija is the Moroccan dialect of Arabic. People speak it in the street, at home and in the market. You can read about it as Moroccan Arabic. It differs from the formal Arabic you see on signs and in the news. Berber languages are also spoken across the country, especially in the mountains and the desert.
Many people who work with travelers also speak English, French or Spanish. You can always get by without Darija. Still, Darija phrases show respect, and people notice.
Darija Phrases for Greetings and Politeness
Start with these Darija phrases. You will use them every day.
Basic Darija Phrases: Yes, No and Okay
Safi is one of the most useful Darija phrases. It can mean okay, enough or done, depending on your voice.
Darija Phrases for the Souk
In the souks you bargain, and these Darija phrases make it fun. Smile, stay polite and never rush. Our guides on cash in Morocco and tipping in Morocco explain how to pay.
Darija Phrases for Food and Tea
Mint tea is part of every welcome in Morocco. These Darija phrases help you order and thank your host. Our Moroccan food guide lists the dishes to try.
Darija Phrases for Getting Around
Taxi drivers and shopkeepers give directions in Darija. These words help you follow them. For the trip from the airport, read our guide to airport transfers in Morocco.
Counting With Darija Phrases
Numbers help you with prices and with taxis. Learn these ten Darija phrases first.
How to Greet People in Morocco
A greeting in Morocco is rarely short. People often ask about your day, your health and your family before they talk about anything else. A handshake is common, and many people then touch the right hand to the chest. Take your time, and answer in the same warm way.
Between men and women, it is polite to wait and see whether the other person offers a hand. If not, a smile and a nod are enough. In a shop or a riad, a quick salam before your question is always welcome.
Mistakes to Avoid With Your First Words
Do not rush
Greet first, then ask. Starting with a question and no hello can feel cold, even if your words are correct.
Do not worry about the accent
Darija changes from city to city, and from the north to the south. Locals will understand you, and they will often teach you their own way to say a word.
Tips for Using Darija Phrases
Smile and try
People enjoy it when travelers try. Do not worry about your accent. A small mistake makes the moment friendlier.
Learn five Darija phrases first
Start with salam, shukran, afak, bshal and la, shukran. Those five Darija phrases cover most of a day.
Listen and repeat
Your driver-guide, your host and the people in the shops are your best teachers. Ask how to say a word, and repeat it back.
Darija Phrases in the Desert and the Mountains
In the south, many families also speak Berber languages, and our guides move between Darija, Berber, English and Spanish. Read our story of a day in the life of a Berber nomad to meet the people of the desert. Use your these phrases at camp, and read about a night in a Sahara desert camp before you go.
Learn Darija Phrases on a Tour With Us
The best way to practice these words is on the road. Our 3 and 4 day desert tours give you time with local people. Send us a message on WhatsApp at +212 609 490 681 or use the contact page, and we will plan your trip.
Want a local guide who speaks Darija with you?
Message us on WhatsAppDarija Phrases FAQ
What is Darija?
Darija is the Moroccan dialect of Arabic, spoken in everyday life across Morocco.
Is Darija the same as Arabic?
No. Darija is different from the formal Arabic in books and on the news, and it is not the same as the Arabic of other countries.
Do I need Darija phrases in Morocco?
No. Many people in tourism speak English, French or Spanish. them are a friendly extra.
How do you say thank you in Darija?
Say shukran. For thank you very much, say shukran bzaf.
How do you ask the price in Darija?
Say bshal? It means how much.
Navigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family. We will be glad to help you with your first these phrases and your trip.
More Navigate Morocco guides: the best time to visit Morocco, riad vs hotel in Morocco, what to pack for the Sahara, Morocco in your 20s, a camel ride in Merzouga, things to do in Merzouga.
