Morocco is a country with very obvious linguistic and cultural diversity.
Most Moroccans speak Arabic as their mother tongue, and the Arabic dialect they speak in daily conversation is called Darija. Due to the influence of Berber, French and Spanish, Darija is not only different from standard Arabic and Arabic used in the Middle East, but also different from Egyptian Arabic, which is also in North Africa. Therefore, when Moroccans communicate with Arabs from other regions, they may prefer to communicate in a foreign language that both sides know, such as French when talking to Lebanese.
The mother tongue of the Berbers is Berber languages / Amazigh languages, but the use of standard Moroccan Berber (Tamazight tanawayt) in written occasions is still very limited.
Because Morocco was once a French colony, most Moroccans speak fluent French. French is used in Morocco's business, economy, culture, science, medicine and education. French is used in news, government, official documents of companies and businesses, as well as road signs and signs. Morocco is also a member of the Francophonie.
Many educated Moroccans also speak Spanish and English, but not many.
The official languages of Morocco are standard Arabic and standard Amazigh (Berber). Standard Arabic is commonly used in news media and published books, while people in each region speak regional dialects in daily life.
Although the most widely used European language in Morocco is French, especially in Casablanca or Rabat, where speaking French is a necessity in life, French is not an official language in Morocco. It is mainly used based on historical heritage, school education and practical purposes.
[Assalaam alaykum] May the peace of Allah be upon you = Hello, hello
[Bslama] Goodbye
[Chokran] Thank you
[Afwan] You're welcome
[La choukran aala wajib] You're welcome, I should do it.
[Insh‘allah] It depends on Allah's arrangement = I hope
[Smahhliya] Sorry/Excuse me, please
[Aafak] Please
[Labas Alik? ] How are you?
[Mzyan, choukran] Very good, thank you.
[Naam] Yes
[La] No
[Fin l’hamam] Where is the toilet?
[B’shahal] How much is it?
[Ahly] It’s so expensive
[Ahyizi shuratua] I need the police
[Nageda] Help me
[Shno smtik?] What’s your name?
[Smeetee _____] My name is ______.
[Mcherfine] Nice to meet you.
[Yalla] Let’s go!/ Hurry up!
[Medina] Medina/Old Town
[Riad] Riad/Traditional courtyard house with Moroccan characteristics
[Souk] Traditional market
The local traditional market sells all kinds of local goods, ingredients, traditional clothing, spices, desserts, and decorations. Here you will get to know more about the real life and culture of Moroccans. Of course, remember to bargain when shopping. If you want to know more about Morocco’s recommended souvenirs, please click here!
[Pharmacie] Pharmacy
[Ambassade] Embassy
[Hôpital] Hospital
[Banque] Bank
[Police] Police Station
[Restaurant] Restaurant
[Aéroport] Airport
[Toilettes] Toilets
[Ouvrir] Open
[Fermeture] Closed
[Entrée] Entrance
[Sortie] Exit
[Pousser] Push
[Tirer] Pull
[Mâle] Male
[Femelle] Female
Click here to explore more travel guides in Morocco: Travel Inspirations.
Planning to travel to Morocco? You can refer to these itineraries for inspirations:
3-Day Sahara Adventure: Marrakech to Fes via Ait Benhaddou & Merzouga Desert
5-Day Journey through Northern Morocco: A Blend of History and Culture
7-Day Morocco Adventure: A Custom Journey from Marrakech
13-Day Moroccan Odyssey: A Custom Journey from Casablanca
Feel free to contact us for personalized tour experiences:
Email: contact@chrtours.com
WhatsApp: (+212) 713053383
Wechat: MLGred2016
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