20 Darija Words and Phrases to Know When Travelling to Morocco

Picture of Morocco
Picture of Morocco | © Chante17/Wikimedia Commons
Sarah Williams

The name given to the main language spoken in Morocco is Darija; though a form of Arabic, there are many variations between Darija and standard Arabic. While words like شكرا—pronounced shoukran (thank you)—and مرحبا —pronounced marhabaan (hello/welcome)—are useful Arabic words when travelling in Morocco, the following words are all used in Moroccan Darija, and won’t be found in their same form in standard Arabic.

Loved by over 40s

Standard Arabic is generally used in an official capacity, while Darija is the language on the street. In addition to pronunciation differences and alternate grammar forms, there are also many words that are different in Darija. Some are loan words—or corruptions of loan words—often from Amazigh, French, and Spanish, while others were created in Morocco.

خزو

Pronounce it like this: Khi-zu

بزاف

Pronounce it like this: Biz-ev

توانڭ

Pronounce it like this: Twang

فرشيتة

Pronounce it like this: For-sheet-a

بريكة

Pronounce it like this: Breek-ah

كداير

Pronounce it like this: Kid-ay-er

بغيتي

Pronounce it like this: Brree-tee

اتاي

Pronounce it like this: A-tay

دابا

Pronounce it like this: Deb-bah

ماكلة

Pronounce it like this: Mack-lah

ليمونة

Pronounce it like this: Lim-oun-ah

زوين/ زوينة

Pronounce it like this: Zou-in (masculine) or Zou-in-ah (feminine)

كوزينة

Pronounce it like this: Cwis-een-ah

مش

Pronounce it like this: Mersh

ديسك

Pronounce it like this: Disk

واخا

Pronounce it like this: Wack-ah

قاع الدار

Pronounce it like this: Kaa-Dar

شانطي

Pronounce it like this: Shant-ee

طكشيتة

Pronounce it like this: Tak-sheet-ah

فين

Pronounce it like this: Feen

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.