Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Traveling to Morocco is more than seeing souks and climbing dunes, it’s about connecting with people. Learning a few words of Darija (Moroccan Arabic) will open doors, spark smiles, and make everyday moments richer. Below is a practical, easy-to-scan list of 100 essential Darija words and phrases organized by use: greetings, numbers, food, shopping, transport, hospitality, slang, hammam terms, culture, and emergency words. Use the phonetic spellings to help you speak with confidence.
1. Greetings & Basics
- Salam / Salamu Aalaykum – Hello / Peace be upon you
- Wa Aalaykum salam – Reply to greeting
- Labas? – How are you?
- Ana bikhir – I’m fine
- Shukran – Thank you
- Bslama – Goodbye
- Marhba – Welcome
- Smah liya – Excuse me / Sorry
- Naam – Yes
- La – No
2. Numbers & Money Basics
- Wahd – One
- Jouj – Two
- Tlata – Three
- Rbâa – Four
- Khmsa – Five
- Ashra – Ten
- Ashrin – Twenty
- Miya – One hundred
- Flous – Money
- Dirham – Moroccan currency
3. Food & Drink Essentials
- Atay – Mint tea
- Lma – Water
- Qhwa – Coffee
- Khobz – Bread
- Lahlib – Milk
- Lhem – Meat
- Djej – Chicken
- Hut – Fish
- Lhout – Seafood
- Tajine – Moroccan stew
4. In the Souk & Shopping
- Bshhal? – How much?
- Ghali bzzaf – Too expensive
- Nqes shwiya – Lower the price a bit
- Taman – Price
- Bghit hadshi – I want this
- La, shukran – No, thank you
- Fabor – Free / gift
- Taman mzyan – Good price
- Wesh Akher taman ? – Is there a final price?
- Souk – Market
5. Transport & Directions
- Taxi – Taxi
- Bus – Bus
- Mahatta – Station
- Fayn…? – Where is…?
- Shmal – Left
- Limin – Right
- Nishan – Straight
- Qrib – Close
- Bâaid – Far
- Zreb shwiya – Faster, please
6. Accommodation & Hospitality
- Bit – Room
- Funduq – Hotel
- Dar – House
- Riad – Traditional Moroccan house
- Mftah – Key
- Toilet? / Bit lma? – Bathroom?
- Douche – Shower
- Lma skhoun – Hot water
- Mzyan – Good
- Mashallah – Beautiful / expression of admiration
7. Social Expressions & Slang
- Yallah – Let’s go
- Safi – Enough / Okay
- Hshouma – Shame / Don’t do that
- Zwin – Beautiful / nice
- Mzyan bzzaf – Very good
- Sahbi / Sadikati – My friend (male/female)
- Âafak – Please
- Inshallah – God willing
- Baraka – Blessing / stop
- Barak Llah fik – Thank you (more formal)
8. At the Hammam & Wellness
- Hammam – Public bath
- Saboun baldi – Black soap
- Kessa – Scrubbing glove
- Ghassoul – Moroccan clay mask
- Lma skhoun – Hot water
- Lma Bard – Cold water
- Rtah shwiya – Relax a bit
- Massaj – Massage
- Zit argan – Argan oil
- Tbib – Doctor
9. Culture & Everyday Life
- Medina – Old town
- Kasbah – Fortified area
- Souk – Market
- Masjid – Mosque
- Henna – Traditional dye
- Jellaba – Moroccan robe
- Bab – Gate
- Zellij – Mosaic tilework
- Âid – Feast
- Hna – Here
10. Emergency & Safety
- Musaâada – Help
- Ambulans – Ambulance
- Boliss – Police
- Sraqni – I was robbed
- Wkaf– Stop
- Nari! – Oh no! / Expression of pain
- Khatar – Danger
- Lâafw – Pardon
- Fhmti? – Do you understand?
- Ma fhmtsh – I don’t understand
Quick Tips for Using Darija
Try even a few words: Locals love when visitors make an effort. Start with Salam, Shukran, and 3afak.
Speak slowly: Darija is often spoken quickly; slow down and use simple phrases.
Mix with French if needed: In many cities, combining Darija with a little French works perfectly.
Be polite and smile: Tone and friendliness go a long way.
Learning these 100 Darija words and phrases will make your Moroccan journey smoother, friendlier, and richer. Even if you only remember a few greetings or shopping expressions, locals will appreciate your effort and often reward you with extra hospitality.
So next time you’re bargaining in a souk, ordering a tajine, or relaxing in a hammam — throw in a Darija word or two. It might just earn you a smile, a discount, or even a new friend.
You Learned Other Darija Words? Share Them With Us On The Comments !
Bezzaf which means a lot of.
And Wakha which means Ok 😃
Wakha 😃! Bezzaf is one of my favorites too, simple but so useful. It’s amazing how a few Darija words like these can unlock smiles and connections everywhere in Morocco
Wakha 😃! Bezzaf is one of my favorites too, simple but so useful. It’s amazing how a few Darija words like these can unlock smiles and connections everywhere in Morocco