Moroccan Darija, also called Moroccan Arabic, is the everyday language of over 35 million Moroccans. Quite different from Modern Standard Arabic (fusha), this vibrant language reflects a rich culture that has absorbed Amazigh, French, Spanish and African influences. Whether you are planning a trip to Morocco, have Moroccan roots, or are simply curious, mastering basic Darija expressions will open the doors to a warm and welcoming world.
At Targumi, we offer Moroccan Darija courses with certified native teachers. This guide gives you a taste of what you will learn in our classes.
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1. Greetings and Politeness
Greetings are at the heart of Moroccan culture. You never pass by someone without saying hello, and the formulas are often longer and warmer than in English.
| Arabic |
| Translation |
| -------- |
| ------------- |
| السلام عليكم |
| Peace be upon you (formal) |
| وعليكم السلام |
| And upon you peace (reply) |
| لاباس؟ |
| How are you? |
| لاباس الحمد لله |
| Fine, thank God |
| كيداير/كيدايرة؟ |
| How are you? (masc./fem.) |
| صباح الخير |
| Good morning |
| مساء الخير |
| Good evening |
| تصبح على خير |
| Good night |
| بسلامة |
| Goodbye |
| الله يعطيك الصحة |
| Thank you (lit. may God give you health) |
| Arabic |
| Translation |
| -------- |
| ------------- |
| بشحال هادا؟ |
| How much is this? |
| غالي بزاف |
| Too expensive |
| نقص شوية |
| Lower the price a bit |
| عطيني واحد... |
| Give me one... |
| بغيت ناكل |
| I want to eat |
| زوين بزاف |
| Very beautiful / very good |
| عافاك |
| Please |
| بركة |
| Enough / Stop |
| الحساب عافاك |
| The bill please |
| بنين بزاف |
| Very delicious |
| Arabic |
| Translation |
| -------- |
| ------------- |
| فين كاين...؟ |
| Where is...? |
| سير نيشان |
| Go straight |
| دور على اليمين |
| Turn right |
| دور على اليسار |
| Turn left |
| بعيد ولا قريب؟ |
| Is it far or close? |
| وقف هنا |
| Stop here |
| بغيت نمشي ل... |
| I want to go to... |
| فين الطوبيس؟ |
| Where is the bus? |
| ديني ل... |
| Take me to... |
| تاكسي! |
| Taxi! |
| Arabic |
| Translation |
| -------- |
| ------------- |
| فرحان/فرحانة |
| Happy |
| زعفان/زعفانة |
| Angry |
| تعيان/تعيانة |
| Tired |
| مقلق/مقلقة |
| Stressed / worried |
| كنبغيك |
| I love you |
| وحشتيني |
| I miss you |
| الله يبارك |
| God bless (congratulations) |
| مسكين/مسكينة |
| Poor thing (compassion) |
| خايف/خايفة |
| I am scared |
| ضحكتيني |
| You made me laugh |
| Arabic |
| Translation |
| -------- |
| ------------- |
| إن شاء الله |
| God willing |
| ما شاء الله |
| God preserve it (admiration) |
| الحمد لله |
| Thank God |
| سمح لي |
| Excuse me / Sorry |
| ما فهمتش |
| I did not understand |
| عاود عافاك |
| Repeat please |
| كنتكلم شوية د الدارجة |
| I speak a little Darija |
| واش كتهضر بالإنجليزية؟ |
| Do you speak English? |
| بصح |
| Really / That is true |
| يالاه |
| Let us go / Come on |
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How to Learn Darija Effectively
1. Practice with Native Speakers
The best way to learn Darija is to speak with Moroccans. At Targumi, we connect you with certified native teachers who adapt lessons to your level and goals.
2. Listen to Music and Watch Series
Moroccan music (Saad Lamjarred, Fnaire, Hatim Ammor) and Moroccan TV series are excellent ways to train your ear. YouTube is full of Darija content.
3. Immerse Yourself Daily
Even without traveling to Morocco, you can listen to Darija podcasts, follow Moroccan Instagram accounts, or practice with the Moroccan community in your city.
4. Do Not Confuse Darija with Standard Arabic
Darija and fusha (Modern Standard Arabic) are very different. If your goal is to communicate in Morocco, focus on Darija. That is exactly what we offer at Targumi.
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Next Steps
You now have 50 essential expressions to begin your Moroccan Darija adventure. Here is how to continue:
1. Discover our Moroccan Darija courses with certified native teachers 2. Check our pricing — plans for every budget 3. See how it works — our simple 3-step method
Darija is a vibrant, warm language full of surprises. By learning it, you are not just discovering words — you are entering a thousand-year-old culture that blends tradition and modernity. Yallah, now is the time to start!
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Article written by the Targumi team, specialists in world languages. We make learning Moroccan Darija accessible to everyone, with native teachers and an immersive method.