Moroccan language

Continuing our series of useful phrases in Moroccan Arabic, this week we take a look at how to ask for help. Before your stay in a Moroccan riad or hotel, it’s always helpful to have noted down a few key phrases in case you need to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak English.

Here are a few key phrases:

Can you help me? – Wakha t3awnni?*

I don’t speak Arabic – Ma kanhdersh l’erbia

I don’t understand – Ma fhemtsh

Where is the toilet? – Fin kaynin twalit?

*The “3″ in this word is the sound produced when you pull the back of your tongue back into your throat a bit.

If you’re planning on visiting Morocco, it’s always helpful to be able to speak at least a few words of the native language so that you can communicate with the people you meet in your Moroccan riad and beyond. That’s why Morocco Gateway will be featuring weekly posts including some of the basics of Moroccan Arabic.

We’ll start with some very simple words. Remember, if there’s anything you’d like to know how to say that we haven’t included, leave us a comment and we’ll do our best to translate for you.

Let’s start by saying “Hello” and introducing ourselves.

Hello/hi (and also peace): Salam

My name is Lucy: Smiyti Lucy

What’s your name?: Ashno smiytek?

Nice to meet you!: Metsherrfin