25 Moroccan Arabic(Darija) Words for Beginners(Audio included!)

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A Moroccan street market scene with locals speaking Moroccan Arabic (Darija), illustrating cultural immersion and everyday vocabulary learning.

Introduction

Have you ever been in a Moroccan local souk and you wanted to ask how much the price is for an item you liked — but didn’t know how? And you just ended up smiling awkwardly and pointing? 😅

Trust me, I’ve seen it many times when I go the local market here in Marrakesh. But today, I’ve got you covered!
As your Darija teacher (who’s been teaching Moroccan Arabic for 5 years), I’m giving you 25 of the most essential Moroccan Arabic (Darija) words for beginners that you can use:

✅ When shopping in a Moroccan souk.
✅ Ordering mint tea like a local.
✅ Politely asking for prices without panicking.
✅ Greeting people with confidence (and a smile).
✅ And yes — making Moroccans chuckle and appreciate your effort!

These are not random textbook words. These are real Moroccan Arabic (Darija) words used daily by locals — and now, you’ll use them too!

By the end of this post, you’ll have simple, powerful vocabulary that will help you connect with people, order your mint tea confidently, and finally ask how much something costs without miming and guessing!

This guide is perfect if you’re just starting to learn Moroccan Arabic and want to pick up words that are actually used in everyday life. Whether you’re walking through the Medina or sipping mint tea with locals, these phrases will help you feel at home.

“Salamo 3alykom” is often the first phrase you’ll say if you’re trying to learn Moroccan Arabic and speak like a local from day one.

1. Hello — Salamo 3alykom

Whether you’re greeting your Airbnb host or the guy selling carpets at the Souk, “Salamo 3alaykom” works every time.
Scenario: Walk into a shop, give a smile, say “Salamo 3alykom” Watch people light up.

🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it? Press play and repeat after me!

2. Shukran (Thank you)

If you don’t use this word 17 times a day in Morocco, are you even trying?
Scenario: Someone hands you mint tea. You say: “Shukran!” They smile, you sip, life is good.

🔊 Want to sound polite and local? Tap play and practice!

3. La (No)

Shopping in Moroccan souks? You’ll need La more than your credit card. Vendors are persistent. Be polite but firm. A smiling La says, “I love your enthusiasm, but I don’t need a fifth pair of slippers.

😅 Need to say no (without the awkward smile)? Hit play and learn!

4. Bsh7al? (How much?)

Bargaining is an art in Morocco, and this is step one.

Scenario:

You see a beautiful leather bag. Instead of pulling out your wallet immediately (rookie mistake!), you say “Bsh7al?” and let the game begin.

🛍️ Next time you’re in a souk, you’ll need this — play the audio!

5. Iyyeh (Yes)

Scenario: The shopkeeper suggests mint tea while you bargain. Iyeh! Of course! 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

6. Atay b na3na3 (Mint tea)

Scenario: Sit down at a café and confidently order: “Atay b na3na3.” Enjoy your tea. 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

7. Mzyan (Good/Fine)

Scenario: Asked how your day was? “Mzyan, shukran!” 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

8. Ma fhemtch (I don’t understand)

Scenario: They talk too fast? Smile and say, “Ma fhemtch.” They’ll slow down. 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

9. 3afak (Please)

Scenario: Ask for something politely. 3afak, shwiya atay! (Please, a bit of tea!) 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

10. Safi (Enough/That’s it)

Scenario: Bargained well? Say “Safi!” and seal the deal. 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

By now, you’re not just learning phrases — you’re starting to learn Moroccan Arabic like someone who actually wants to blend in with locals, not just survive the souk 😏.

11. Sm7 lia (Excuse me/Sorry)

Scenario: Accidentally bump into someone in the souk. Sm7 lia! 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Here how you should say it when accidentally bump into a Moroccan man…

And here how you should say it when accidentally bump into a Moroccan lady…

Hey, if you’re serious about learning Moroccan Arabic and want some free resources to start with. then check these 6 Best Darija YouTube Channels to help you go from beginner to intermediate level.

12. Shno hada? (What’s this?)

Scenario: Pointing at something unfamiliar in the market. Curiosity is charming! 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

13. Bghit… (I want…)

This one is super handy when you want to try out the Moroccan mint tea in some restaurant, you say… Bghit atay b na3na3 (I want mint tea!). 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

14. L7amdollah (Thank God)

Scenario: Someone asks how you’re doing? most Moroccans would expect to respond with something like “L7amdollah!” 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

15. Zwin (Beautiful)

Scenario: Compliment someone’s outfit or the view. Zwin! Always appreciated. 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

16. Fin banka 3afak? (Where’s the bank?)

Scenario: you realized you ran out of money after buying so many souvenirs, you come up to the exchange office or a shop owner you ask for politely… Fin lbanka 3afak? 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

17. Wach kayn…? (Is there…?)

Scenario: Wach kayn wi-fi? Crucial question for every traveler who might get lost in the maze of the old Medina in Marrakesh or Fez. especially if you need some meds from the pharmacy. 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

18. Lma (Water)

Scenario: You’re thirsty. “3afak, lma!” (Please, water!) 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it? Press play and repeat after me!

Press play and repeat after me!

19. Ghali bzzef (Too expensive)

Scenario: Vendor gives you a crazy price. you respond with “Ghali bzzef” (Too expensive!) 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

If you’re serious about learning how to speak Moroccan Arabic, then mastering the art of bargaining is essential. Let’s be honest — it’s practically a national sport.

20. Last price? — Akhir taman?

Scenario: Ready to bargain like a local? Hit them with: “Akhir taman?“


🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it? Press play and repeat after me!

21. Lower the price — Nqess shwia!

Scenario: Your best friend in the souk! Say “Nqess shwia!” with a smile and watch the price drop.


🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it? Press play and repeat after me!

22. Okay — Wakha

Scenario: The Moroccan equivalent of “Alright.“


🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it? Press play and repeat after me!

23. Repeat please — 3awd 3afak

Scenario: That moment when they say the Arabic word once and expect you to become fluent. Just smile and say, “3awd 3afak!”

🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it? Press play and repeat after me!

24. Bghit nji lmaghrib (I want to come to Morocco!)

Scenario: Well, after this post…you’ll want to! 😉 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it? Press play and repeat after me!

25. Bslama (Goodbye)

Scenario: Leaving a shop after a successful bargain. Bslama! 🎧 Curious how Moroccans really say it?

Press play and repeat after me!

If you want to learn Moroccan Arabic beyond just survival phrases, check out my free YouTube playlist and structured lessons designed specifically for beginners. You’ll go from saying “Shukran” to having full conversations in no time, inshallah!

🔗 Want to dive deeper? Here are some helpful resources:

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