Helpful phrases to know when Traveling to Morocco

Whether you plan a trip to Morocco in two weeks or two years, it is not uncommon to run into someone with whom you may not be able to express yourself or you may not understand what they are telling you. Here you will find common words and phrases you will encounter in Morocco.

Traveling and trying to understand the language in Morocco can be quite an adventure. Languages in Morocco can be a little complex. Especially, if you are someone like me who appreciates languages and wants to learn. Darija- Moroccan Arabic has so many influences, from French, Spanish, Arabic, and Berber (Tamazight). Not only do Moroccans speak Darija, they learn and are fluent in French. If they are Amazigh, then they will also speak Tamazight. (P.S the Tamazight changes depending on the region they are from.)

Some Moroccans do speak English, especially in tourist areas. As you travel through the country you will hear the language and dialects change as the scenery changes. Here are a few phrases you will often hear that may come in handy when going through the different cities and villages in Morocco.

As we get ready for your trip... and these words, go ahead and grab some water and give it a gargle.

Hello/ Hi-

"As-Salaam Alaykum"

Sounds like -"As-Sa-laam Al-y-kum"

When someone greets you, you will hear "As-Salaam Alaykum" or "Bonjour" (because of the french influence) When someone tells you "As-Salaam Alaykum" you respond: "Walaykum As-Salaam"

Sounds like -"Wa-lay-kum As-Salaam"

How are you?/ Fine -

"Labas"

Sounds like -"La-bas"

When someone asks how you are they will ask "Labas?" it translates to fine. "Labas" in the question form is asking" Are you fine?" Where you will respond "Labas" telling them you are fine.

Good morning

“Sabah al Kheyr”

Sounds like -"Sa-bah al Khe-yr"

This means Good morning and you will respond with “Sabah al kheyr”

Let's go

"Yellah"

Sounds like -"Yell-lah"

It Means Let’s go. If someone is showing you a place or you are leaving somewhere you may hear your guide or driver say "Yellah"

If they are yelling "Yellah, Yellah, Yellah" and clapping- this means hurry!

Thank you

"Shokran"

Sounds like -" Shu-Kran"

Welcome

“Marhaba”

Sounds like -"Mar-ha-ba" When someone said it fast Sounds like -"Ma-ha-ba"

means Welcome/ or it can mean you are welcome depending on the use. You’ll hear it as a greeting. “Marhaba!” / “Welcome!” or as a response to “Shokran” like “you’re welcome” in English

Okay

"Wakha" Sounds like -"Wa-(the k makes that throat gurgle noise) -ha" or (Wah-ha)

This means "okay". If someone is showing you a place or you are leaving somewhere you may hear your guide or driver say "Yellah" you can respond "Wakha"

Yes/ No

"Wah"- yes "La" (Lla)- No

Please

"Afak"

Sounds like -"Af-ak" meaning, please

Goodbye

"Beslama"

Sounds like -"Bes-Lam-ma"

Well, that is all for now loves. If you are interested in going to Morocco. Feel free to check out the Private or Shared tours and retreats we offer.

✨Peace, Love & Blessings ✨

-Sierra!, Your Bestie Blogger 💗