Want to Sound Like a Local? Moroccan Phrases You'll Want to Learn!
- Morocco Travel Group
- Jun 21, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 12, 2024
Nothing shows more respect to a culture then learning basic phrases in their language.
To be a good guest in a foreign country, it is vital to utilize some local phrases when you arrive. It helps create a more complete and deeper experience of the culture and the people. Through language, you can learn more about the values, beliefs, and behavioral conventions of a culture. Learn about the hospitality of Morocco from words like “Besseha”, “Safi”, and “Mezyan”. Learning everything about a country from its history, traditions, and cuisine becomes even more exhilarating when you use the local language!
Yallah – Let’s Go!
If you take a tour with a tour guide, you will hear this word often especially when going through a medina. Not paying attention? This word is often used twice for emphasis, Yallah Yallah. It is not meant to be rude but it does get your attention!
As-Salaam-Alaikum - Hello, Peace Be Upon You
"As-Salaam-Alaikum," the Arabic greeting meaning "Peace be unto you," was the standard salutation among members of the Nation of Islam. The greeting was routinely deployed whenever and wherever Muslims gathered and interacted, whether socially or within worship and other contexts.
Bslama - Goodbye
This is Moroccan Arabic and is used throughout Morocco to say goodbye. It translates as "with peace".
Salam - Good Day
Salam (Arabic: سلام, salām), sometimes spelled “salaam”, is an Arabic word that literally means "peace". It is used as a general greeting in Arab and Muslim countries around the world in general.
Shukran - Thank You
This is the word you will use the most and it is the casual way to thank someone. It is typically uses it at restaurants, shops, hotels, and about everywhere else. However, Shukran is not exclusive to Moroccan Arabic. It can be uses with any Arabic speaker and anywhere in the Middle East.
Laa - No
It is common that shops, markets, and street vendors will try to sell you their services and products. To politely decline, simply use the word “Laa”. If you are feeling adventurous, combine two words “Laa Shukran” to say “no, thank you”.
Bismilah – In the Name of God
This word is said before a meal and is an Arabic expression that is basically a prayer to bless the meal.
Other Phrases:
Affak - Please
Lyyeh - Yes
Need Some Help?
Want to hear the words so you can speak them properly? Here are some free resources including videos, tutorials, and more!
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