Arabic Glossary - Moroccan Darija

Introduction

Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is the colloquial Arabic dialect spoken in Morocco. It differs significantly from Modern Standard Arabic and includes influences from Berber, French, and Spanish. This glossary focuses on practical phrases and vocabulary for travelers.

Essential Greetings & Phrases

Basic Greetings

السلام عليكم (As-salamu alaykum)

• Pronunciation: ah-sah-LAH-moo ah-LAY-koom
• Definition: Peace be upon you (formal greeting)
• Usage: Use when meeting anyone, at any time of day
• Response: وعليكم السلام (Wa alaykum as-salam) - "And peace be upon you"
• Cultural Note: This is the most respectful greeting in Muslim countries

صباح الخير (Sbah el khir)

• Pronunciation: sbah el-KHEER
• Definition: Good morning
• Usage: Morning greeting, informal or formal
• Response: صباح النور (Sbah en-noor) - "Morning of light"
• Related: مساء الخير (Msa el khir) - Good evening

لا باس (La bas)

• Pronunciation: lah-BAHSS
• Definition: How are you? / Everything okay?
• Usage: Very common informal greeting
• Response: لا باس، الحمد لله (La bas, hamdullah) - "Fine, thank God"
• Variations: لا باس عليك؟ (La bas 'alik?) - "Are you okay?"

بسلامة (B'slama)

• Pronunciation: b-slah-MAH
• Definition: Goodbye (lit. "with safety")
• Usage: When leaving or ending conversation
• Alternative: الله إيسهل (Allah y'sahel) - "May God make it easy"
• Informal: سير بخير (Sir b'khir) - "Go well"

شكراً (Shukran)

• Pronunciation: SHOOK-ran
• Definition: Thank you
• Usage: Standard thanks
• Enhanced: بزاف شكراً (Bezzaf shukran) - "Thank you very much"
• Response: بلا جميل (Bla jmil) - "You're welcome" (lit. "without favor")

Polite Expressions

من فضلك (Min fadlak/fadlik)

• Pronunciation: min FAHD-lak (m) / FAHD-lik (f)
• Definition: Please
• Usage: When requesting something
• Formal: من لطفك (Min lutfak) - "From your kindness"
• Example: من فضلك، واحد القهوة (Min fadlak, wahed l'qahwa) - "One coffee, please"

عفواً (Afwan)

• Pronunciation: AHF-wan
• Definition: Excuse me / Sorry / You're welcome
• Usage: Multi-purpose polite expression
• Context: Apologizing, getting attention, or responding to thanks
• Alternative: سمح ليا (Smeh liya) - "Forgive me"

إن شاء الله (Inshallah)

• Pronunciation: in-shah-AH-lah
• Definition: God willing / If God wills
• Usage: When discussing future plans or hopes
• Cultural Note: Used constantly in conversation, shows humility
• Example: نشوفك غدا، إن شاء الله (Nshoufek ghedda, inshallah) - "See you tomorrow, God willing"

الحمد لله (Alhamdulillah)

• Pronunciation: al-HAM-doo-lil-lah
• Definition: Praise be to God / Thanks to God
• Usage: Expressing gratitude, responding to "how are you?"
• Context: Used for good and bad situations (acceptance of God's will)
• Example: كيف الحال؟ الحمد لله (Kif l-hal? Alhamdulillah) - "How are you? All thanks to God"

بالصحة (B'saha)

• Pronunciation: b-SAH-hah
• Definition: To your health / Enjoy (when eating/drinking)
• Usage: Said to someone eating or drinking
• Response: الله يعطيك الصحة (Allah y'atik s-saha) - "May God give you health"
• Related: بالهناء والشفاء (B'hana w shifa) - "With pleasure and healing"

Numbers

Cardinal Numbers

واحد (Wahed) - 1

• Pronunciation: WAH-hed
• Usage: One item, first
• Example: واحد كاس (Wahed kas) - "One glass"

جوج (Jouj) - 2

• Pronunciation: ZHOOZH
• Usage: Two items, pair
• Example: جوج تيكيات (Jouj tikiyat) - "Two tickets"

تلاتة (Tlata) - 3

• Pronunciation: t-LAH-tah
• Example: تلاتة دراهم (Tlata drahem) - "Three dirhams"

ربعة (Reb'a) - 4

• Pronunciation: REB-ah
• Example: ربعة كيلو (Reb'a kilo) - "Four kilos"

خمسة (Khamsa) - 5

• Pronunciation: KHAM-sah
• Example: خمسة أيام (Khamsa ayam) - "Five days"

ستة (Setta) - 6

• Pronunciation: SET-tah

سبعة (Seb'a) - 7

• Pronunciation: SEB-ah

تمنية (Tmenya) - 8

• Pronunciation: t-MEN-yah

تسعود (Tse'ud) - 9

• Pronunciation: t-SEH-ood

عشرة ('Ashra) - 10

• Pronunciation: ASH-rah

حداش (Hdash) - 11

• Pronunciation: h-DAHSH

طناش (Tnash) - 12

• Pronunciation: t-NAHSH

عشرين ('Ashrin) - 20

• Pronunciation: ash-REEN

تلاتين (Tlatin) - 30

• Pronunciation: t-lah-TEEN

ربعين (Arb'in) - 40

• Pronunciation: ar-BEEN

خمسين (Khamsin) - 50

• Pronunciation: kham-SEEN

مية (Miya) - 100

• Pronunciation: MEE-yah
• Example: مية درهم (Miya derhem) - "100 dirhams"

ألف (Alf) - 1000

• Pronunciation: ALF
• Example: ألف درهم (Alf derhem) - "1000 dirhams"

Ordinal Numbers

لول (Lewwel) - First

• Pronunciation: lew-WEL
• Example: النهار لول (N'har lewwel) - "The first day"

تاني (Tani) - Second

• Pronunciation: TAH-nee
• Example: الطابق التاني (T'tabaq t-tani) - "The second floor"

Days of the Week

الإثنين (L'tnin) - Monday

• Pronunciation: l-t-NEEN
• Literal: "The two" (second day)

التلاتاء (T-tlat) - Tuesday

• Pronunciation: t-t-LAHT
• Literal: "The three" (third day)

الأربعاء (L'arb'a) - Wednesday

• Pronunciation: l-ar-BAH
• Literal: "The four" (fourth day)

الخميس (L'khmis) - Thursday

• Pronunciation: l-KHMEES
• Literal: "The five" (fifth day)

الجمعة (J'jum'a) - Friday

• Pronunciation: zh-ZHOOM-ah
• Cultural Note: Holy day in Islam, day of communal prayer
• Related: صلاة الجمعة (Salat j'jum'a) - Friday prayer

السبت (S-sebt) - Saturday

• Pronunciation: s-SEBT
• Related to: سوق السبت (Souk s-sebt) - Saturday market

الحد (L'had) - Sunday

• Pronunciation: l-HAHD
• Literal: "The one" (first day of week)

Months

Gregorian Months (French-influenced)

يناير (Yanayir) - January فبراير (Febrayer) - February مارس (Mars) - March أبريل (Abril) - April ماي (May) - May يونيو (Yunyu) - June يوليوز (Yulyuz) - July غشت (Ghusht) - August شتنبر (Shtamber) - September أكتوبر (Uktober) - October نونبر (Nunber) - November دجنبر (Dujamber) - December

Islamic Calendar

محرم (Muharram) - 1st month

• Sacred month, Islamic New Year

صفر (Safar) - 2nd month

ربيع الأول (Rabi' al-awwal) - 3rd month

• Month of Prophet Muhammad's birth

رمضان (Ramadan) - 9th month

• Holy month of fasting
• Related: صيام (Siyam) - Fasting
• Related: إفطار (Iftar) - Breaking fast
• Related: سحور (Suhoor) - Pre-dawn meal

شوال (Shawwal) - 10th month

• Contains Eid al-Fitr

ذو الحجة (Dhu al-Hijjah) - 12th month

• Month of Hajj pilgrimage
• Contains Eid al-Adha

Directions & Locations

Basic Directions

فين؟ (Fin?) - Where?

• Pronunciation: FEEN
• Example: فين الحمام؟ (Fin l-hammam?) - "Where is the bathroom?"
• Related: من فين؟ (Men fin?) - "From where?"

هنا (Hna) - Here

• Pronunciation: h-NAH
• Example: حط هنا (Hott hna) - "Put it here"

هناك (Hnak) - There

• Pronunciation: h-NAHK
• Example: المطعم هناك (L-mat'am hnak) - "The restaurant is there"

نيشان (Nishān) - Straight

• Pronunciation: nee-SHAN
• Usage: Giving directions
• Example: سير نيشان (Sir nishān) - "Go straight"

اليمين (L-ymin) - Right

• Pronunciation: l-yuh-MEEN
• Example: دور على اليمين (Dur 'la l-ymin) - "Turn right"

الليسر (L-liser) - Left

• Pronunciation: l-lee-SEHR
• Example: دور على الليسر (Dur 'la l-liser) - "Turn left"

فوق (Fuq) - Up / Above / Upstairs

• Pronunciation: FOOK
• Example: الطابق فوق (T'tabaq fuq) - "The floor above"

تحت (Taht) - Down / Below / Downstairs

• Pronunciation: TAHT
• Example: تحت (Taht) - "Downstairs"

قدام (Quddam) - In front

• Pronunciation: kood-DAHM
• Example: قدام المسجد (Quddam l-masjid) - "In front of the mosque"

ورا (Wara) - Behind

• Pronunciation: wah-RAH
• Example: ورا المدينة القديمة (Wara l-mdina l-qdima) - "Behind the old city"

قريب (Qrib) - Near / Close

• Pronunciation: k-REEB
• Example: قريب من هنا (Qrib men hna) - "Near here"

بعيد (Be'id) - Far

• Pronunciation: beh-EED
• Example: بعيد بزاف (Be'id bezzaf) - "Very far"

Places

مدينة (Mdina) - City / Old town

• Pronunciation: m-DEE-nah
• Cultural Note: Usually refers to the old medina (walled city)
• Example: المدينة القديمة (L-mdina l-qdima) - "The old city"

سوق (Souk) - Market

• Pronunciation: SOOK
• Plural: أسواق (Aswaq)
• Types: سوق الخضرة (Souk l-khodra) - Vegetable market
• Example: سوق القريعة (Souk l-qria'a) - Pottery market

جامع (Jame') - Mosque

• Pronunciation: ZHA-meh
• Alternative: مسجد (Masjid)
• Example: جامع الفنا (Jame' el Fna) - Djemaa el-Fna

فندق (Funduq) - Hotel

• Pronunciation: fun-DOOK
• Historical: Also means "caravanserai" or "inn"
• Example: فندق خمس نجوم (Funduq khams njoum) - "Five-star hotel"

رياض (Riad) - Traditional house with courtyard

• Pronunciation: ree-YAHD
• Literal: "Garden"
• Cultural Note: Traditional Moroccan townhouse with interior garden
• Related: دار (Dar) - House

قصر (Qasr) - Palace / Castle

• Pronunciation: KAHS-r
• Plural: قصور (Qsour)
• Example: قصر الباهية (Qasr el Bahia) - Bahia Palace

قصبة (Qasbah/Kasbah) - Fortress / Citadel

• Pronunciation: KAHS-bah
• Definition: Fortified dwelling or fortress
• Example: قصبة الوداية (Qasbah l-Oudaya)

حمام (Hammam) - Bathhouse / Bathroom

• Pronunciation: ham-MAHM
• Context determines meaning
• Traditional: بيت النار (Bit n-nar) - "House of fire" (steam bath)
• Modern: توالت (Twalet) - Bathroom/toilet

محطة (Mahatta) - Station

• Pronunciation: mah-HAT-tah
• Types: محطة القطار (Mahattalt-qitar) - Train station
• Example: محطة الطوبيس (Mahatta t-tobis) - Bus station

Shopping & Bargaining

Money & Prices

درهم (Dirham) - Moroccan currency

• Pronunciation: deer-HEM
• Plural: دراهم (Drahem)
• Abbreviation: MAD, DH
• Example: خمسين درهم (Khamsin dirham) - "50 dirhams"

فلوس (Flous) - Money

• Pronunciation: fl-OOSS
• Informal/colloquial
• Example: عندي فلوس (Andi flous) - "I have money"

بشحال؟ (Bshhal?) - How much?

• Pronunciation: b-sh-HAHL
• Essential for shopping
• Response: ب... درهم (B...dirham) - "For...dirhams"
• Example: بشحال هاد الجلابة؟ (Bshhal had l-jellaba?) - "How much is this djellaba?"

غالي (Ghali) - Expensive

• Pronunciation: GHAH-lee
• Complaint: غالي بزاف! (Ghali bezzaf!) - "Too expensive!"
• Feminine: غالية (Ghalya)

رخيص (Rkhis) - Cheap / Inexpensive

• Pronunciation: r-KHEESS
• Example: واش كاين شي حاجة رخيصة؟ (Wash kayn shi haja rkhisa?) - "Is there something cheaper?"

تخفيض (Takhfid) - Discount / Reduction

• Pronunciation: takh-FEED
• Formal term
• Colloquial: خصم (Khasm)
• Request: عطيني تخفيض (Atini takhfid) - "Give me a discount"

كريدي (Kridi) - Credit / Credit card

• Pronunciation: kree-DEE
• From French "crédit"
• Question: واش كاتقبل كريدي؟ (Wash kat-qbel kridi?) - "Do you accept credit cards?"

كاش (Cash) - Cash

• Pronunciation: KAHSH
• From French "cache"
• Statement: عندي غير كاش (Andi ghir cash) - "I only have cash"

Shopping Phrases

بغيت (Bghit) - I want

• Pronunciation: b-GHEET
• Essential verb
• Example: بغيت واحد الشاي (Bghit wahed sh-shay) - "I want tea"
• Polite: كنبغي من فضلك (Kanbghi min fadlak) - "I would like, please"

عندك؟ ('Andak/Andik) - Do you have?

• Pronunciation: AHN-dak (m) / AHN-dik (f)
• Question form
• Example: عندك تيكت للطرين؟ (Andak tikat l-train?) - "Do you have train tickets?"

كاين (Kayn) - There is / Is available

• Pronunciation: KAH-yeen
• Negative: ماكاينش (Makaynsh) - "There isn't / Not available"
• Example: كاين شي بلاصة؟ (Kayn shi blasa?) - "Is there a place/seat?"

شوية (Shwiya) - A little / Small amount

• Pronunciation: shwee-YAH
• Can mean "wait a moment"
• Example: شوية ديال السكر (Shwiya dyal s-sukkar) - "A little sugar"
• Wait: شوية، عفاك (Shwiya, afak) - "Wait a moment, please"

بزاف (Bezzaf) - A lot / Very / Too much

• Pronunciation: beh-ZAHF
• Common modifier
• Example: حار بزاف (Har bezzaf) - "Very hot"
• Too much: بزاف على بزاف (Bezzaf ala bezzaf) - "Way too much"

ديال (Dyal) - Of / Belonging to

• Pronunciation: d-YAHL
• Possessive particle
• Example: هادا ديالي (Hada dyali) - "This is mine"
• Example: كتاب ديال السياحة (Ktab dyal s-siyaha) - "Tourism book"

واخا (Wakha) - Okay / Alright

• Pronunciation: WAH-khah
• Agreement
• Emphatic: واخا، ماشي مشكل (Wakha, mashi mushkil) - "Okay, no problem"

ماشي (Mashi) - Not / Isn't

• Pronunciation: MAH-shee
• Negation
• Example: ماشي غالي (Mashi ghali) - "Not expensive"
• Denial: ماشي أنا (Mashi ana) - "Not me"

لا (La) - No

• Pronunciation: LAH
• Direct refusal
• Polite refusal: لا شكراً (La shukran) - "No thank you"

آه/إيه (Ah/Iyeh) - Yes

• Pronunciation: AH / EE-yeh
• Affirmation
• Formal: نعم (Na'am)
• Strong agreement: إيه والله (Iyeh w'allah) - "Yes, by God"

Food & Dining

Meals & Eating

طاجين (Tajine) - Tagine (stew)

• Pronunciation: tah-ZHEEN
• Definition: Traditional slow-cooked stew and the cone-shaped pot
• Types: طاجين الدجاج (Tajine d-djaj) - Chicken tagine
• Related: مرقة (Marqa) - Sauce/broth

كسكس (Couscous) - Couscous

• Pronunciation: koos-KOOS
• Definition: Steamed semolina granules
• Cultural: Traditional Friday lunch dish
• Served: كسكس بالخضر (Couscous bil-khodra) - Couscous with vegetables

الشاي (Sh-shay) - Tea

• Pronunciation: sh-SHAY
• Usually means mint tea (أتاي - Atay)
• Cultural: Symbol of hospitality
• Proper term: أتاي بالنعناع (Atay bin-na'na') - "Mint tea"

قهوة (Qahwa) - Coffee

• Pronunciation: KAH-wah
• Types: قهوة عربي (Qahwa 'arabi) - Arabic coffee
• French style: قهوة فرنساوية (Qahwa fransawiya)
• Related: نوس نوس (Nous-nous) - Half coffee, half milk

الخبز (L-khobz) - Bread

• Pronunciation: l-KHOBZ
• Essential staple
• Types: خبز بلدي (Khobz beldi) - Traditional round bread
• Related: حرشة (Harsha) - Semolina flatbread

لحم (Lehem) - Meat

• Pronunciation: leh-HEM
• General term
• Types: لحم بقر (Lehem baqar) - Beef
• Lamb: غنمي (Ghanmi)

دجاج (Djaj) - Chicken

• Pronunciation: d-ZHAZH
• Common protein
• Dish: دجاج مشرمل (Djaj msharmel) - Caramelized chicken

حوت (Hout) - Fish

• Pronunciation: HOOT
• Coastal specialty
• Fresh: حوت طري (Hout tri)
• Grilled: حوت مشوي (Hout meshwi)

بصل (Bsal) - Onion

• Pronunciation: b-SAHL
• Common ingredient
• Caramelized: بصل مقرمل (Bsal mqarmel)

طماطم (Tomatem) - Tomato

• Pronunciation: toh-MAH-tem
• From French "tomate"
• Sauce: صلصة طماطم (Salsa tomatem)

زيت (Zit) - Oil

• Pronunciation: ZEET
• Types: زيت الزيتون (Zit z-ziton) - Olive oil
• Argan: زيت الأركان (Zit l-argan)

Dietary Terms

حلال (Halal) - Permissible (Islamic law)

• Pronunciation: hah-LAHL
• Applies to food prepared according to Islamic law
• Meat: ذبيحة حلال (Dbiha halal) - Halal slaughter

حرام (Haram) - Forbidden (Islamic law)

• Pronunciation: hah-RAHM
• Prohibited items/actions
• Food: لحم الخنزير حرام (Laham l-khanzir haram) - "Pork is forbidden"

نباتي (Nabati) - Vegetarian

• Pronunciation: nah-BAH-tee
• Modern term
• Request: عندك أكل نباتي؟ ('Andak akel nabati?) - "Do you have vegetarian food?"

بلا لحم (Bla lehem) - Without meat

• Pronunciation: blah leh-HEM
• Practical phrase for vegetarians
• Example: بغيت طاجين بلا لحم (Bghit tajine bla lehem) - "I want tagine without meat"

حار (Har) - Spicy / Hot (temperature)

• Pronunciation: HAHR
• Context determines meaning
• Very spicy: حار بزاف (Har bezzaf)
• Temperature: سخون (Skhoun) - Hot (preferred for temperature)

حلو (Hlu) - Sweet

• Pronunciation: h-LOO
• Describes taste
• Dessert: حلويات (Hlwiyat) - Sweets

مالح (Maleh) - Salty

• Pronunciation: MAH-leh
• Taste descriptor
• Too salty: مالح بزاف (Maleh bezzaf)

مر (Morr) - Bitter

• Pronunciation: MORR
• Taste descriptor
• Example: الشاي مر (Sh-shay morr) - "The tea is bitter"

Dining Phrases

بسم الله (Bismillah) - In the name of God

• Pronunciation: bis-mil-LAH
• Said before eating or beginning tasks
• Full: بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم (Bismillah ar-rahman ar-rahim)
• Cultural: Always say before eating

الله يبارك (Allah y'barek) - God bless / May God bless

• Pronunciation: al-lah y-BAH-rek
• Said to someone eating
• Response: الله يبارك فيك (Allah y'barek fik) - "God bless you too"

بصحة (B'saha) - To your health / Bon appétit

• Pronunciation: b-SAH-hah
• Said to people eating/drinking
• Response: الله يعطيك الصحة (Allah y'atik s-saha) - "May God give you health"

دايم (Dayem) - May it always be so

• Pronunciation: DAH-yem
• Response to compliments about food/home
• Full response: دايم على راسنا (Dayem ala rasna) - "May it always be ours"

شبعت (Shba't) - I'm full

• Pronunciation: shbah-T
• After eating
• Very full: شبعت بزاف (Shba't bezzaf)

بنين (Bnin) - Delicious / Good

• Pronunciation: b-NEEN
• Food compliment
• Very good: بنين بزاف (Bnin bezzaf)
• Alternative: لذيذ (Ldid) - Delicious

الحساب (L-hsab) - The bill/check

• Pronunciation: l-h-SAHB
• Request: من فضلك، الحساب (Min fadlak, l-hsab) - "The bill, please"
• Alternative: لاديسيون (L'addition) - From French

Social Interactions

Meeting People

شنو سميتك؟ (Shnu smitik?) - What's your name?

• Pronunciation: shnoo smee-TEK
• To male: شنو سميتك؟ (Shnu smitek?)
• To female: شنو سميتك؟ (Shnu smitek?)
• Response: سميتي... (Smiti...) - "My name is..."

متشرفين (Metsharfin) - Pleased to meet you

• Pronunciation: met-shar-FEEN
• Formal greeting upon introduction
• Response: أنا كذلك (Ana kadhalik) - "Me too/likewise"

كيف داير؟ (Kif dayer?) - How are you? (to male)

• Pronunciation: KEEF dah-YER
• Informal greeting
• To female: كيف دايرة؟ (Kif dayra?)
• Response: لباس، الحمد لله (Labas, hamdullah)

واش نتا...؟ (Wash nta...?) - Are you...?

• Pronunciation: WAHSH n-TAH
• Question formation
• Example: واش نتا أمريكاني؟ (Wash nta mrikani?) - "Are you American?"

من فين نتا؟ (Men fin nta?) - Where are you from?

• Pronunciation: men FEEN n-TAH
• To female: من فين نتي؟ (Men fin nti?)
• Response: أنا من... (Ana men...) - "I'm from..."

سكن (Sken) - To live / Reside

• Pronunciation: s-KEN
• Where do you live?: فين ساكن؟ (Fin saken?)
• I live in: أنا ساكن في... (Ana saken f...)

عائلة ('Aila) - Family

• Pronunciation: AH-ee-lah
• Important social concept
• Question: كيف العائلة؟ (Kif l-'aila?) - "How is your family?"

صاحب/صاحبة (Saheb/Sahba) - Friend (m/f)

• Pronunciation: SAH-heb / SAH-bah
• Close friend
• Plural: صحاب (Shab) - Friends
• Best friend: صاحب ديالي (Saheb dyali)

Emotions & States

فرحان (Farhan) - Happy

• Pronunciation: far-HAHN
• Masculine form
• Feminine: فرحانة (Farhana)
• Very happy: فرحان بزاف (Farhan bezzaf)

زوين (Zwin) - Beautiful / Nice

• Pronunciation: z-WEEN
• Versatile compliment
• Feminine: زوينة (Zwina)
• Example: المدينة زوينة (L-mdina zwina) - "The city is beautiful"

مزيان (Mezyan) - Good / Fine

• Pronunciation: mez-YAHN
• General positive
• Very good: مزيان بزاف (Mezyan bezzaf)
• Feminine: مزيانة (Mezyana)

خايب (Khayeb) - Bad / Not good

• Pronunciation: KHAH-yeb
• Negative assessment
• Feminine: خايبة (Khayba)
• Very bad: خايب بزاف (Khayeb bezzaf)

تعبان (Ta'ban) - Tired

• Pronunciation: tah-BAHN
• Physical state
• Very tired: تعبان بزاف (Ta'ban bezzaf)
• Feminine: تعبانة (Ta'bana)

مريض (Mrid) - Sick / Ill

• Pronunciation: m-REED
• Health state
• Feminine: مريضة (Mrida)
• Get well: الله يشافيك (Allah y'shafik) - "May God heal you"

سخون (Skhoun) - Hot (feeling)

• Pronunciation: s-KHOON
• Temperature feeling
• I'm hot: أنا سخون (Ana skhoun)
• Weather: الجو سخون (J-jou skhoun) - "The weather is hot"

بارد (Bared) - Cold

• Pronunciation: BAH-red
• Temperature/feeling
• I'm cold: أنا بارد (Ana bared)
• It's cold: بارد (Bared)

جوعان (Jou'an) - Hungry

• Pronunciation: zhoo-AHN
• Physical state
• Very hungry: جوعان بزاف (Jou'an bezzaf)
• Feminine: جوعانة (Jou'ana)

عطشان ('Atshan) - Thirsty

• Pronunciation: aht-SHAHN
• Physical need
• Very thirsty: عطشان بزاف ('Atshan bezzaf)
• Feminine: عطشانة ('Atshana)

Time Expressions

Time of Day

دابا (Daba) - Now

• Pronunciation: DAH-bah
• Immediate present
• Right now: دابا دابا (Daba daba)

غدا (Ghedda) - Tomorrow

• Pronunciation: GHED-dah
• Future day
• Tomorrow morning: غدا الصباح (Ghedda s-sbah)

البارح (L-bareh) - Yesterday

• Pronunciation: l-BAH-reh
• Past day
• Day before: ول البارح (Wel l-bareh)

اليوم (L-yum) - Today

• Pronunciation: l-YOOM
• Current day
• This morning: اليوم الصباح (L-yum s-sbah)

الليلة (L-lila) - Tonight

• Pronunciation: l-LEE-lah
• This evening/night
• Last night: البارح بالليل (L-bareh b'l-lil)

الصباح (S-sbah) - Morning

• Pronunciation: s-S-BAH
• Morning time
• Early morning: الصباح بكري (S-sbah bakri)

العشية (L-'ashiya) - Afternoon/Evening

• Pronunciation: l-ah-SHEE-yah
• Late afternoon
• This evening: هاد العشية (Had l-'ashiya)

الليل (L-lil) - Night

• Pronunciation: l-LEEL
• Nighttime
• At night: بالليل (B'l-lil)

Duration

ساعة (Sa'a) - Hour

• Pronunciation: SAH-ah
• Time unit
• One hour: ساعة وحدة (Sa'a wehda)
• Two hours: ساعتين (Sa'tayn)

دقيقة (Dqiqa) - Minute

• Pronunciation: d-KEE-kah
• Time unit
• Five minutes: خمسة دقايق (Khamsa dqayeq)
• Plural: دقايق (Dqayeq)

ثانية (Tanya) - Second

• Pronunciation: TAH-nyah
• Time unit
• Wait a second: تسنا ثانية (Tsenna tanya)

نهار (Nhar) - Day

• Pronunciation: n-HAHR
• Day period
• All day: النهار كامل (N-nhar kamel)
• Plural: أيام (Ayam) - Days

شهر (Shehr) - Month

• Pronunciation: SHEHR
• Time period
• One month: شهر واحد (Shehr wahed)
• Plural: شهور (Shuhour)

عام ('Am) - Year

• Pronunciation: AHM
• Annual period
• This year: هاد العام (Had l-'am)
• Alternative: سنة (Sena)

بكري (Bakri) - Early

• Pronunciation: BAK-ree
• Time descriptor
• Too early: بكري بزاف (Bakri bezzaf)

معطل (M'attel) - Late

• Pronunciation: m-ah-TEL
• Time descriptor
• I'm late: أنا معطل (Ana m'attel)
• Very late: معطل بزاف (M'attel bezzaf)

Frequency

ديما (Dima) - Always

• Pronunciation: DEE-mah
• Constant occurrence
• Example: ديما كنشرب الشاي (Dima kanshreb sh-shay) - "I always drink tea"

مرة مرة (Merra merra) - Sometimes

• Pronunciation: MER-rah MER-rah
• Occasional
• Alternative: شي مرة (Shi merra)

عمرني (Omerni) - Never

• Pronunciation: oh-mer-NEE
• Complete negation
• Full: ما عمرني (Ma omerni)
• Example: ما عمرني كليت هاد الشي (Ma omerni klit had sh-shi) - "I never ate this"

كل نهار (Kull nhar) - Every day

• Pronunciation: KOOL n-HAHR
• Daily occurrence
• Example: كل نهار كنمشي للسوق (Kull nhar kanmshi l-souk) - "Every day I go to the market"

مرة (Merra) - Once / Time

• Pronunciation: MER-rah
• Single occurrence
• Two times: جوج ديال المرات (Jouj dyal l-merrat)

كثير (Ktir) - Often / A lot

• Pronunciation: k-TEER
• Frequent occurrence
• Example: كثير كنجي لمراكش (Ktir kanji l-Marrakech) - "I often come to Marrakech"

Question Words

شنو/آش؟ (Shnu/Ash?) - What?

• Pronunciation: shnoo / ASH
• General question
• What's this?: شنو هادا؟ (Shnu hada?)

شكون؟ (Shkoun?) - Who?

• Pronunciation: sh-KOON
• Person question
• Who is it?: شكون هادا؟ (Shkoun hada?)

فين؟ (Fin?) - Where?

• Pronunciation: FEEN
• Location question
• Where is...?: فين كاين...؟ (Fin kayn...?)

فقاش؟ (Fuqash?) - When?

• Pronunciation: foo-KAHSH
• Time question
• When are you leaving?: فقاش غادي تمشي؟ (Fuqash ghadi temshi?)

علاش؟ ('Lash?) - Why?

• Pronunciation: ah-LAHSH
• Reason question
• Why not?: علاش لا؟ ('Lash la?)

كيفاش؟ (Kifash?) - How?

• Pronunciation: kee-FAHSH
• Method question
• How do I get to...?: كيفاش نوصل ل...؟ (Kifash noussel l...?)

شحال؟ (Shhal?) - How much/many?

• Pronunciation: sh-HAHL
• Quantity question
• How much time?: شحال من الوقت؟ (Shhal men l-waqt?)

واش؟ (Wash?) - Is/Are? (Yes/no question marker)

• Pronunciation: WAHSH
• Question particle
• Is there?: واش كاين؟ (Wash kayn?)
• Are you?: واش نتا؟ (Wash nta?)

Important Verbs

Basic Actions

مشى (Msha) - To go / To leave

• Pronunciation: m-SHAH
• I go: كنمشي (Kanmshi)
• He went: مشى (Msha)
• Let's go!: يلاه نمشيو! (Yallah nemshiw!)

جا (Ja) - To come

• Pronunciation: ZHAH
• I come: كنجي (Kanji)
• Come here!: عجي هنا! (Aji hna!)
• He came: جا (Ja)

كان (Kan) - To be

• Pronunciation: KAHN
• I am: كنكون (Kankoun)
• He is: كاين (Kayn)
• There is: كاين (Kayn)

دار (Dar) - To do/make

• Pronunciation: DAHR
• I do: كندير (Kandir)
• What are you doing?: شنو كدير؟ (Shnu kadir?)
• Do it!: ديرها! (Dirha!)

كلى (Kla) - To eat

• Pronunciation: k-LAH
• I eat: كناكل (Kanakel)
• Eat!: كول! (Koul!)
• I ate: كليت (Klit)

شرب (Shreb) - To drink

• Pronunciation: sh-REB
• I drink: كنشرب (Kanshreb)
• Drink!: شرب! (Shreb!)
• I drank: شربت (Shrebt)

نعس (N'as) - To sleep

• Pronunciation: n-AHS
• I sleep: كننعس (Kanen'as)
• I'm sleepy: نعسان (N'asan)
• Sleep!: نعس! (N'as!)

فاق (Faq) - To wake up

• Pronunciation: FAHK
• I wake up: كنفيق (Kanfiq)
• Wake up!: فوق! (Fouq!)
• I woke up: فقت (Faqt)

شاف (Shaf) - To see

• Pronunciation: SHAHF
• I see: كنشوف (Kanshouf)
• See you!: نشوفك! (Nshoufek!)
• I saw: شفت (Sheft)

سمع (Sma') - To hear

• Pronunciation: s-MAH
• I hear: كنسمع (Kansma')
• Listen!: سمع! (Sma'!)
• I heard: سمعت (Sma't)

قال (Qal) - To say/tell

• Pronunciation: KAHL
• I say: كنقول (Kanqoul)
• What did you say?: شنو قلتي؟ (Shnu qelti?)
• Say it!: قولها! (Qoulha!)

عرف ('Ref) - To know

• Pronunciation: ah-REF
• I know: كنعرف (Kan'ref)
• I don't know: ما كنعرفش (Ma kan'refsh)
• Do you know?: واش كتعرف؟ (Wash kat'ref?)

فهم (Fhem) - To understand

• Pronunciation: f-HEM
• I understand: كنفهم (Kanfhem)
• I don't understand: ما فهمتش (Ma fhemtsh)
• Understand?: فاهم؟ (Fahem?)

كلم (Kellem) - To speak/talk

• Pronunciation: kel-LEM
• I speak: كنكلم (Kankellem)
• Speak Arabic?: كتكلم العربية؟ (Katkellem l-'arbiya?)
• Don't speak: ما كتكلمش (Ma katkellmesh)

بغى (Bgha) - To want/like/love

• Pronunciation: b-GHAH
• I want: بغيت (Bghit)
• I love: كنبغي (Kanbghi)
• Do you like?: واش كتبغي؟ (Wash katbghi?)

خذا (Khda) - To take

• Pronunciation: kh-DAH
• I take: كناخذ (Kanakhod)
• Take it!: خود! (Khoud!)
• I took: خديت (Khdite)

عطى ('Ta) - To give

• Pronunciation: ah-TAH
• I give: كنعطي (Kan'ti)
• Give me!: عطيني! ('Tini!)
• He gave: عطى ('Ta)

دوز (Douz) - To pass

• Pronunciation: DOOZ
• I pass: كندوز (Kandouz)
• Pass by: دوز من هنا (Douz men hna)

وقف (Wqef) - To stop/stand

• Pronunciation: w-KEF
• Stop!: وقف! (Wqef!)
• I stopped: وقفت (Wqeft)
• Standing: واقف (Waqef)

قعد (Q'ed) - To sit/stay

• Pronunciation: k-AHD
• Sit!: قعد! (Q'ed!)
• I'm sitting: قاعد (Qa'ed)
• Stay here: قعد هنا (Q'ed hna)

تسنى (Tsenna) - To wait

• Pronunciation: t-SEN-nah
• Wait!: تسنى! (Tsenna!)
• I'm waiting: كنتسنى (Kantsenna)
• Wait for me: تسناني (Tsennani)

Travel Vocabulary

سافر (Safer) - To travel

• Pronunciation: SAH-fer
• I'm traveling: مسافر (Msafer)
• Trip: سفر (Safer)
• Traveler: مسافر (Msafer)

طاكسي (Taxi) - Taxi

• Pronunciation: tahk-SEE
• Grand taxi: طاكسي كبير (Taxi kbir) - Shared long-distance taxi
• Petit taxi: طاكسي صغير (Taxi sghir) - City taxi

طوبيس (Tobis) - Bus

• Pronunciation: toh-BEES
• From French "autobus"
• Bus station: محطة الطوبيس (Mahatta t-tobis)
• City bus: الطوبيس ديال المدينة (T-tobis dyal l-mdina)

قطر/ترين (Qitar/Train) - Train

• Pronunciation: kee-TAHR / TREHN
• Train station: محطة القطار (Mahatta l-qitar)
• High-speed: القطار السريع (L-qitar s-sari')

طيارة (Tayyara) - Airplane

• Pronunciation: tay-YAH-rah
• Airport: المطار (L-matar)
• Flight: رحلة (Rihla)

طوموبيل (Tomobil) - Car

• Pronunciation: toh-moh-BEEL
• From French "automobile"
• Alternative: طونوبيل (Tonobil)
• Rental car: طوموبيل للكراء (Tomobil lel-kra)

تذكرة (Tadhkira) - Ticket

• Pronunciation: tahd-KEE-rah
• Also: بيي/تيكي (Biye/Tiki) - From French "billet"
• One ticket: واحد التذكرة (Wahed t-tadhkira)
• Round trip: ذهاب و إياب (Dhihab w iyab)

شنطة (Shanta) - Bag/Suitcase

• Pronunciation: SHAHN-tah
• From French "chante"
• Luggage: بقاج (Bagaj)
• Backpack: ساك آ دوس (Sac à dos)

جواز السفر (Jawaz s-safer) - Passport

• Pronunciation: zhah-WAHZ s-SAH-fer
• Also: باسبور (Passeport)
• Visa: فيزا (Visa)

حجز (Hajz) - Reservation/Booking

• Pronunciation: HAHZH
• I have a reservation: عندي حجز ('Andi hajz)
• To book: حجز (Hajez)

فلوك (Flouka) - Beach

• Pronunciation: FLOO-kah
• Berber origin
• Alternative: الشط (Sh-shatt) - Beach/shore
• Seaside: الساحل (S-sahel)

Weather & Nature

الجو (J-jou) - Weather

• Pronunciation: zh-ZHOO
• How's the weather?: كيف الجو؟ (Kif j-jou?)
• The weather is...: الجو... (J-jou...)

شمس (Shemsh) - Sun

• Pronunciation: SHEMSH
• Sunny: مشمش (Mshemesh)
• Sunshine: ضو الشمس (Dou sh-shemsh)

شتا (Shta) - Rain / Winter

• Pronunciation: sh-TAH
• It's raining: كتشتي (Katshti)
• Rainy: مشتي (Meshti)

ريح (Rih) - Wind

• Pronunciation: REEH
• Windy: ريح (Rih)
• Strong wind: ريح قوية (Rih qwiya)

ثلج (Telj) - Snow

• Pronunciation: TELZH
• Snowy: مثلج (Metlej)
• It's snowing: كتثلج (Kattelj)

سحاب (Sahab) - Clouds

• Pronunciation: sah-HAHB
• Cloudy: مسحب (Msaheb)
• Overcast: السما مسحبة (S-sma msahba)

جبل (Jbel) - Mountain

• Pronunciation: zh-BEL
• Mountains: جبال (Jbal)
• High Atlas: جبال الأطلس (Jbal l-Atlas)

واد (Wad) - River/Valley

• Pronunciation: WAHD
• Dry riverbed: واد يابس (Wad yabes)
• Common in place names

صحرا (Sahra) - Desert

• Pronunciation: SAH-rah
• Sahara Desert: الصحراء الكبرى (S-sahra l-kubra)
• Sand dunes: عرق (Erg)

غابة (Ghaba) - Forest

• Pronunciation: GHAH-bah
• Cedar forest: غابة الأرز (Ghaba l-arz)
• Woods: غابة (Ghaba)

بحر (Bhar) - Sea

• Pronunciation: b-HAHR
• Ocean: المحيط (L-muhit)
• Mediterranean: البحر المتوسط (L-bahr l-mutawassit)

Colors

لون (Loun) - Color

• Pronunciation: LOON
• What color?: شنو اللون؟ (Shnu l-loun?)

أبيض (Abyad) - White

• Pronunciation: ab-YAHD
• Casablanca: الدار البيضاء (D-dar l-bayda) - "The white house"

كحل (K'hel) - Black

• Pronunciation: k-HEL
• Dark: غامق (Ghameq)

أحمر (Ahmar) - Red

• Pronunciation: ah-MAR
• Marrakech means "red" in Berber

أخضر (Akhdar) - Green

• Pronunciation: akh-DAR
• Vegetables: الخضر (L-khodra)

أزرق (Azraq) - Blue

• Pronunciation: az-RAK
• Sky blue: أزرق سماوي (Azraq smawi)

أصفر (Asfar) - Yellow

• Pronunciation: as-FAR
• Golden: ذهبي (Dhahabi)

برتقالي (Bortoqali) - Orange

• Pronunciation: bor-toh-KAH-lee
• From برتقال (Bortoqal) - Orange fruit

بني (Bunni) - Brown

• Pronunciation: BOON-nee
• Earth-colored: لون التراب (Loun t-turab)

رمادي (Ramadi) - Gray

• Pronunciation: rah-MAH-dee
• From رماد (Ramad) - Ash

وردي (Wardi) - Pink

• Pronunciation: war-DEE
• From ورد (Ward) - Rose/Flowers

Additional Essential Phrases

الله إخليك (Allah y'khallik) - Please (lit. "May God keep you")

• Pronunciation: al-lah y-KHAL-leek
• Polite request
• Very common in Morocco
• Alternative: الله إرحم الواليدين (Allah y'rahem l-walidin) - "For the sake of your parents"

الله إعاونك (Allah y'awnek) - May God help you

• Pronunciation: al-lah y-aw-NEK
• Encouragement
• Response to hard work
• Sympathy expression

ما مشكل (Ma mushkil) - No problem

• Pronunciation: mah moosh-KEEL
• Common response
• Also: ماكاين مشكل (Makayn mushkil)

معقول (Ma'qoul) - Reasonable / Makes sense

• Pronunciation: mah-KOOL
• Agreement
• Logical: منطقي (Mantiqi)

غير هكاك (Ghir hakak) - Just like that / That's all

• Pronunciation: gheer hah-KAHK
• Confirmation
• Nothing else: غير هاد الشي (Ghir had sh-shi)

كاع (Ka') - All / Everything

• Pronunciation: KAH
• Emphatic
• Everyone: الكل (L-koul)
• Everything: كلشي (Koulshi)

حتى حاجة (Htta haja) - Anything

• Pronunciation: HET-tah HAH-zhah
• In questions
• Nothing: حتى حاجة (Htta haja) with negation

هادا/هادي (Hada/Hadi) - This (m/f)

• Pronunciation: HAH-dah / HAH-dee
• Demonstrative
• That: هاداك/هاديك (Hadak/Hadik)

هنا/هناك (Hna/Hnak) - Here/There

• Pronunciation: h-NAH / h-NAHK
• Location
• Over there: هناك (Hnak)

واخا/واخا خا (Wakha/Wakha kha) - Even if / Although / Okay

• Pronunciation: WAH-khah
• Versatile word
• Permission: واخا (Wakha) - "It's okay"

Cultural Notes

1. Greetings: Always greet people before beginning a conversation. السلام عليكم is the most respectful.

2. Hand gestures: The right hand is preferred for eating, shaking hands, and giving/receiving items.

3. Inshallah: Used constantly when discussing future plans. Not using it may seem presumptuous.

4. Bargaining: Expected in souks. Polite negotiation is part of the cultural experience.

5. Tea culture: Accepting tea is accepting hospitality. Refusing can be seen as rude.

6. Formality: Use formal language with elders and strangers. Informal Darija is for friends and peers.

7. Religious phrases: Common in daily speech regardless of religiosity. They show respect for culture.

8. Patience: Rushing is considered rude. Allow time for proper greetings and pleasantries.

Regional Variations

Northern Morocco (Tangier, Tetouan):

• Spanish influence
• Different pronunciation: "sh" sometimes becomes "s"
• More Spanish loanwords

Marrakech:

• Berber influence strong
• Rural migrants bring diverse dialects
• Tourist-adapted phrases common

Fes:

• Traditional, classical influence
• Considered prestigious dialect
• More conservative language use

Sahara regions:

• Hassaniya Arabic influence
• Berber substrate
• Desert-specific vocabulary

Casablanca:

• Urban, modern
• More French loanwords
• Fast-paced speech

Pronunciation Guide

ح (h): Breathy h, like exhaling خ (kh): Like Scottish "loch" ر (r): Rolled r **ع ('): Guttural, from throat ق (q): Deep k from throat (often becomes 'g' in Moroccan) غ (gh): Like French r

Grammar Notes

Gender: Adjectives and verbs change for masculine/feminine

• Masculine often ends in consonant
• Feminine often adds -a

Negation: Sandwich negative

• ما...ش (Ma...sh)
• Example: ماكنعرفش (Ma kan'refsh) - "I don't know"

Present continuous: كا/كن/كت (Ka/Kan/Kat) + verb

• أنا كنمشي (Ana kanmshi) - "I am going"

Past tense: Suffix changes

• مشيت (Mshit) - "I went"
• مشى (Msha) - "He went"

Possession: ديال (Dyal) - "of"

• الكتاب ديالي (L-ktab dyali) - "My book"