You do not need to speak Arabic, Darija, or French to travel Morocco. English works in tourist areas. But learning a handful of phrases transforms your entire experience.

A simple “Salam alaikum” (peace be upon you) and “Shhal?” (How much?) earn more respect and goodwill than you might expect. These phrases signal that you made an effort. Moroccans notice and respond accordingly.

The Language Landscape

Moroccan Arabic (Darija)

This is what Moroccans speak to each other. It is distinct from Modern Standard Arabic and completely different from Egyptian or Gulf Arabic. Darija is not standardized (spellings vary), but the pronunciation patterns are consistent.

French

Everyone over 30 speaks French well. Most under 30 speak it reasonably. French is genuinely useful if you have it.

English

In tourist areas, hotels, riads, and restaurants, English works. In small towns, souks, and taxis, English often does not.

Amazigh (Tamazight)

Some Moroccans, particularly in the Atlas Mountains and rural areas, speak Amazigh as their first language. Learning a few Amazigh phrases wins huge goodwill if you venture into rural areas, but it is not necessary.

Essential Phrases: Darija

Learning these will improve your experience materially.

Greetings

  • Salam alaikum (Hello, literally peace be upon you) - “Sah-lahm ah-lee-koom”
  • Labas? (How are you?) - “Lahbas?”
  • Labas hamdullah (I am fine, thank you) - “Lahbas hamdoo-lah”
  • Sabah alkhair (Good morning) - “Sah-bah al-khair”
  • Masaa alkhair (Good evening) - “Mah-sah al-khair”

Essential Transactions

  • Shhal? (How much?) - “Sh-hal?”
  • Shhal kayna? (How many do you have?) - “Sh-hal kay-nah?”
  • Wach kayna? (Do you have…?) - “Wah-shuh kay-nah?”
  • Taqal (Wait) - “Tah-kahl”
  • Safi (Finished, stop, no more) - “Sah-fee”
  • B’shal? (At what price?) - “Buh-shahl?”

The Most Important Phrase

  • La shukran (No thank you) - pronounced “La shoo-kran”

This single phrase stops unwanted shop attention. It is not rude, it is polite and firm. Use it constantly.

Polite Phrases

  • Afak (Please) - “Ah-fahk”
  • Shukran (Thank you) - “Shoo-kran”
  • Barak allahu fik (May God bless you) - “Bah-rahk ah-lah-hoo feek”
  • Fin kayn? (Where is…?) - “Feen kine?”
  • Ahsan (Better, good) - “Ah-san”

Useful Responses

  • Wakha (Okay, agreed) - “Wah-kha”
  • Khalas (Finished, that is it) - “Kah-lahs”
  • Aywak (No) - “Eye-wah”
  • Aiuah (Yes) - “Eye-wah”

French Phrases (Surprisingly Useful)

If you have school French, use it. Moroccans appreciate the effort.

  • Combien? (How much?) - “Com-bee-en?”
  • L’addition (The bill) - “Lad-ee-syon”
  • Excusez-moi (Excuse me) - “Eck-skyoo-zay-mwah”
  • Je ne parle pas… (I do not speak…) - “Juh nuh parl pah”
  • Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?) - “Pah-lay voo ahn-glay?”

Pronunciation Tips

Moroccan Arabic is easier to pronounce than you might think. Most sounds exist in English.

Tricky Sounds

  • “Kh” is guttural, like the Spanish “j” in jota
  • “Gh” is similar, from the back of throat
  • “Sh” is straightforward, like English “sh”
  • Most vowels are short and clipped

Do not worry about perfect pronunciation. Moroccans will understand and appreciate the attempt.

What NOT to Do

Do Not Attempt to Speak Modern Standard Arabic

Moroccans do not speak Modern Standard Arabic in daily life. Phrases like “Ana ismi…” (My name is) are technically correct but will confuse or amuse locals. Stick to Darija.

Do Not Assume French Works Everywhere

French works in cities and with older people, but younger Moroccans increasingly prefer English. Do not rely solely on French.

Do Not Apologize for Not Speaking Arabic

“Ana americani/canadienne, je parle seulement anglais” (I am American/Canadian, I speak only English) is absolutely fine. Moroccans do not expect foreigners to speak their language.

The Appreciation Response

When someone does something nice or helpful, saying “Barak allahu fik” (May God bless you) creates a moment of genuine human connection. It is short, sincere, and deeply appreciated.

Use it with guides, taxi drivers, riad owners, and anyone who helps you. It changes the energy of the interaction.

FAQ

Do I need to learn Arabic before I go?

No. Knowing 5-10 phrases is enough. You will manage fine with English in tourist areas.

Will Moroccans be offended if I do not speak Arabic?

Not at all. They understand tourism. What they appreciate is if you try. Even a greeting in Darija wins goodwill.

Is Darija spelling standardized?

No, there is no standard written Moroccan Arabic. Phonetic spellings vary. Focus on pronunciation, not spelling.

Should I use Google Translate?

Carefully. Google Translate for Moroccan Darija is hit-or-miss. Stick to the phrases in this guide rather than translating phrases yourself.

What if I say something wrong?

Moroccans will understand what you meant and gently correct you. They are not judgmental about language mistakes.

Related reading: Morocco First-Time Guide | Culture Shock in Morocco