Top Arabic Phrases You Need to Know for Your Moroccan Adventure
When traveling to Morocco, knowing some basic Arabic phrases can be very helpful, especially since Arabic (and its local variety, Moroccan Arabic or Darija) is the most widely spoken language in the country. French is also widely understood, but being familiar with a few Arabic words and phrases will help you connect with locals more easily. Here are some of the most useful Arabic phrases and words for your trip to Morocco:
Greetings and Basic Arabic Phrases
Hello – As-salāmu ʿalaykum (السلام عليكم)
- Literal meaning: “Peace be upon you.” A common greeting.
Goodbye – Ma’a as-salāma (مع السلامة)
- Meaning: “Go with peace.”
Good Morning – Sabaḥ al-khayr (صباح الخير)
- Reply: Sabaḥ an-nūr (صباح النور) – “Good morning” and “Morning light.”
Good Evening – Masa’ al-khayr (مساء الخير)
- Reply: Masa’ an-nūr (مساء النور) – “Good evening” and “Evening light.”
How are you? – Kayfa ḥāluka? (كيف حالك؟) [to a male]
- Kayfa ḥāluki? (كيف حالكِ؟) [to a female]
- Reply: Al-ḥamdu li-llāh (الحمد لله) – “Praise be to God” (commonly used response)
Thank you – Shukran (شكراً)
You’re welcome – ʿAfwan (عفواً)
- Can also mean “Excuse me” or “Pardon.”
Please – Min faḍlik (من فضلك)
- Used to ask for something politely.
Yes – Na’am (نعم)
No – Lā (لا)
Excuse me / Sorry – ʿAfwan (عفواً)
What is your name? – Mā ismuka? (ما اسمك؟) [to a male]
- Mā ismuki? (ما اسمكِ؟) [to a female]
My name is… – Ismī… (اسمي…)
Where? – Ayna? (أين؟)
When? – Mata? (متى؟)
How much is this? – Bikam hādhā? (بكم هذا؟)
I don’t understand – Lā afham (لا أفهم)
Essential Travel Phrases
Help! – Al-najda! (النجدة!)
I need a taxi – Aḥtāj ilā tāksī (أحتاج إلى تاكسي)
Where is the bathroom? – Ayna al-ḥammām? (أين الحمام؟)
Can you help me? – Hal tastṭīʿu musāʿadatī? (هل تستطيع مساعدتي؟)
I am lost – Ana ضāyʿ (أنا ضائع)
I am a tourist – Ana sājir (أنا سائح)
Do you speak English? – Hal tataḥaddath al-inglīziyyah? (هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟)
Where is the hotel? – Ayna al-funduq? (أين الفندق؟)
I want to go to… – Urīdu an athhab ilā… (أريد أن أذهب إلى…)
Is this safe? – Hal hādhā amān? (هل هذا آمن؟)
Shopping and Bargaining In Morocco
How much? – Bikam? (بكم؟)
It’s too expensive – Innahu ghālī (إنه غالي)
Can you make it cheaper? – Hal yumkinuka an tuḍiʿa as-sʿir? (هل يمكنك أن تخفض السعر؟)
I will pay cash – Saʾadfaʿu bil-nuqūd (سأدفع بالنقود)
Do you have…? – Hal ʿindaka…? (هل عندك…؟)
Arabic Numbers (1–10)
- One – Wāḥid (واحد)
- Two – Ithnān (اثنان)
- Three – Thalātha (ثلاثة)
- Four – Arba’a (أربعة)
- Five – Khamsa (خمسة)
- Six – Sitta (ستة)
- Seven – Sab’a (سبعة)
- Eight – Thamāniya (ثمانية)
- Nine – Tis’a (تسعة)
- Ten – ʿAshara (عشرة)
Polite Phrases In Arabic
Polite Phrases
Sorry – Āsif (آسف) [male] / Āsifah (آسفة) [female]
No problem – Lā mushkila (لا مشكلة)
It’s okay – Lā ba’s (لا بأس)
I don’t speak Arabic – Lā atakallam al-‘Arabīyah (لا أتكلم العربية)
Can you speak slower? – Hal yumkinuka an tatakallam akthar bashāshah? (هل يمكنك أن تتكلم ببطء أكثر؟)
Water – Mā’ (ماء)
Tea – Shāy (شاي)
Coffee – Qahwa (قهوة)
Common Words In Arabic
Yes – Na’am (نعم)
No – Lā (لا)
Please – Min faḍlik (من فضلك)
Thank you – Shukran (شكراً)
You’re welcome – ʿAfwan (عفواً)
Water – Māʾ (ماء)
Food – Ta’ām (طعام)
Money – Māl (مال)
Cultural Notes About The Arabic Phrases
- Inshā’Allāh (إن شاء الله): This phrase means “God willing” and is commonly used in Morocco when people talk about future plans or events.
- BarakAllāhu fīk (بارك الله فيك): “God bless you,” often used to express gratitude or to wish someone well.
Knowing these basic Arabic phrases will help you have a smoother and more enjoyable trip to Morocco. The locals will appreciate your effort to speak in their language, and it can lead to more friendly interactions!
