Language Guide

Morocco is one of the most multilingual countries in the world:

• Darija (Moroccan Arabic): The colloquial language of the majority. So different from Classical Arabic that Egyptians and Saudis can hardly understand it—a distinct dialect with French, Berber, and Spanish loanwords
• Tamazight (Berber): Mother tongue of about 40% of the population. Three main dialects: Tarifit (Rif), Tamazight (Middle Atlas), Tashelhit (High Atlas, Souss). Second official language since 2011
• Classical Arabic (Fusha): Official language, used in media, administration, religion—but no one speaks it in everyday life
• French: De facto second language. Economy, higher education, upper society, tourism. Most educated Moroccans speak fluent French
• Spanish: Still prevalent in the north (Tangier, Tétouan, Nador)
• English: On the rise, especially among the younger generation and in tourism

What Helps the Most?

For tourists, French is the most useful language—in hotels, restaurants, shops, with authorities. A few words of Darija work wonders: “Salam,” “Shukran,” “Labas” instantly create a smile and open doors that remain closed to tourists who speak only French.

The most important words and phrases in Darija (Moroccan Arabic). The transcription is phonetic—pronounce exactly as it appears:

Greeting

• Salam alaykum — Peace be upon you (universal greeting)
• Wa alaykum salam — And peace be upon you (response)
• Labas? — How are you? (informal)
• Labas, hamdullah — Good, thank God (response)
• Sbah el-kheir — Good morning
• Msa el-kheir — Good evening
• Bslama — Goodbye

Politeness

• Shukran — Thank you
• Shukran bezzaf — Thank you very much
• Afak — Please
• Smehli — Sorry
• La, shukran — No, thank you
• Iyeh / Naam — Yes
• La — No

Useful

• Bshhal? — How much does it cost?
• Ghali bezzaf! — Too expensive!
• Safi — Enough / Okay / Finished
• Inshallah — God willing (used prolifically—can mean “yes,” “maybe,” or “never”)
• Hamdullah — Thank God
• Mashallah — How wonderful (admiration)
• Fin...? — Where is...?
• Ma fhemtsh — I don't understand

Ordering Food

• Bghit... — I would like...
• Bghit atay — I would like tea
• Bghit l'ma — I would like water
• Bla sukar — Without sugar
• Zwin bezzaf! — Very delicious!
• L'hisab, afak — The bill, please

On the Go

• Fin kayn...? — Where is...?
• Fin kayn l'hamam? — Where is the hammam?
• Fin kayn taxi? — Where is a taxi?
• Bghit nemshi l'... — I want to go to...
• Waqf hna — Stop here (to the taxi driver)
• Shkun hada? — What is this?

Numbers

• Wahed (1), Jouj (2), Tlata (3), Rba (4), Khmsa (5)
• Stta (6), Sba (7), Tmnya (8), Tsoud (9), Ashra (10)
• Ashrin (20), Tlatin (30), Mya (100), Alf (1000)

French is the most practical language for tourists in Morocco. Almost everyone in the service sector speaks at least basic French. The most important phrases:

Basics

• Bonjour / Bonsoir — Good day / Good evening
• S'il vous plaît — Please
• Merci (beaucoup) — Thank you (very much)
• Excusez-moi — Excuse me
• Parlez-vous anglais? — Do you speak English?
• Je ne comprends pas — I don't understand

In the Restaurant

• L'addition, s'il vous plaît — The bill, please
• C'est combien? — How much does it cost?
• C'est trop cher! — That's too expensive!
• Un thé à la menthe — A mint tea
• De l'eau, s'il vous plaît — Water, please
• C'est délicieux! — That's delicious!

On the Go

• Où est...? — Where is...?
• À gauche / À droite / Tout droit — Left / Right / Straight ahead
• Le compteur, s'il vous plaît — The meter, please
• Arrêtez ici — Stop here
• La gare routière — The bus station
• La pharmacie — The pharmacy
• L'hôpital — The hospital

Bargaining in the souk has its own vocabulary—a mix of Darija and French, spiced with theatrics and humor:

The Negotiation

• Bshhal hada? — How much does this cost?
• Ghali bezzaf! — Too expensive! (always the first comment)
• Naqs shwiya! — A bit cheaper!
• Akhir taman? — Final price?
• Lla, bezzaf — No, too much
• Ana ghadi nemshi — I'm leaving (the secret weapon)
• Wakha, nsalkou — Okay, deal (handshake)

Typical Merchant Phrases (and what they mean)

• “Mon ami!” — “My friend!” (You are a customer, not a friend)
• “Looking is free!” — “Looking is free!” (True, but drinking tea creates social pressure)
• “I give you berber price!” — “Berber price!” (There is no Berber price)
• “You're killing me!” — “You're killing me!” (Theatrics—the merchant is still making a profit)
• “Last price, I swear by God!” — “Last price, I swear by God!” (It isn't. There's more room to negotiate)

In the mountains of the Atlas and the Rif, Berber (Tamazight) is the mother tongue. Knowing a few words is not a necessity, but a wonderful gesture that Berbers deeply appreciate—it shows respect for their often marginalized culture.

Basic Words (Tashelhit — High Atlas)

• Azul — Hello
• Manzakin? — How are you?
• Labas, hamdullah — Good, thank God
• Tanmirt — Thank you
• Tanmirt nk — Thank you very much
• Iyeh — Yes
• Uhu — No
• Ar tufat — Goodbye
• Minshk iga? — How much does it cost?
• Aman — Water
• Aghrum — Bread
• Tislit — Bride / Waterfall (double meaning!)

Tifinagh Script

The Tifinagh alphabet is the traditional script of the Berbers—geometric symbols reminiscent of runes. Since its recognition as an official language (2011), Tifinagh can be seen on road signs, banknotes, and public buildings—often alongside Arabic and French. The symbol ⵣ (Yaz) is the emblem of the Berber identity movement.

In Morocco, the body speaks at least as loudly as the tongue. Some important unwritten rules:

Gestures

• Right hand: For eating, giving, greeting (the left is considered unclean)
• Hand on heart: After a handshake, place the right hand on the heart—a sign of sincere greeting
• Head up + clicking: Means “No”—confuses Europeans who expect a nod
• Thumbs up: Means “okay” / “good” as it does for us
• Five fingers spread in the face: Severe insult! (Meaning: “Five on your eye”)
• Showing the sole of the shoe: Insult (as in many Islamic cultures)

Small Talk

Moroccans love extensive small talk before any business: “How are you? Your family? Your health? Alhamdulillah!” This exchange is not a waste of time but a social lubricant—do not skip it.

Taboo Topics

• King & Monarchy: Criticism of the king is punishable. Be diplomatic
• Western Sahara: Highly sensitive (see History chapter)
• Homosexuality: Illegal in Morocco. Remain discreet
• Religion: Discuss respectfully, never criticize Islam