Getting started
Start with three situations: greeting, responding to a suggestion and asking to slow down. Prepare your sentences with your partner, then use them in a short exchange. Habits and languages spoken vary between families: ask your loved ones what comes naturally to them.
Before the first visit
Choose with your partner a presentation of two sentences: your first name and your city, for example. Also ask what people prefer to be called. You don't need to memorize a whole list of relatives before saying hello.
Check the language actually used at home. A Moroccan family may speak Darija, an Amazigh variety, and other languages. If your loved ones speak Tarifit or Tachelhit, our guide to Amazigh varieties will help you choose the right resources.
A conversation to start with
- You: Salam, labas ?
Hello, how are you? - Your loved one: Labas, lhamdullah. W nta ?
It's okay, thank God. And you ? — question addressed to a man. - You: Labas, shukran.
It's okay, thank you.
To ask “and you?” » to a woman, use W nti ? . Listen to the version used by your loved ones and repeat it. These dialogues are educational examples; they do not describe a compulsory formula for all families.
At the meal: accept, thank, specify
| Intent | Darija | English |
|---|---|---|
| Simply accept | Iyyeh, shukran. | Yes, thank you. |
| Politely refuse | La, shukran. | No, thank you. |
| Ask for water | Bghit lma, 3afak. | I would like some water, please. |
| Compliment the meal | Lmakla bnina. | The meal is delicious. |
| Ask a little | Shwiya, 3afak. | A little, please. |
Associate each expression with a gesture or an object from the meal. For a specific need, ask your partner for clear wording before the visit. Choosing a sentence adapted to your situation is more useful than improvising a long translation.
When the conversation goes too fast
- You: Ma fhemtsh. Bshwiya, 3afak.
I didn't understand. Slowly, please. - Your loved one: Wakha.
Okay. - You: Shno kay3ni had lkelma ?
What does this word mean?
Then try to repeat the word in a short answer. You can also ask your partner to summarize the topic, then return to the discussion. See other ways to request a repeat.
A routine for two, without turning each meal into a lesson
- Choose a five-minute time together to practice.
- Replay a single exchange and reverse the roles.
- Request a priority correction, such as a sound or response.
- Keep three useful sentences in your notebook.
- Reuse them at the next call or meal.
Decide together when corrections are welcome. Your partner can help you without becoming your teacher in every conversation. The family words and the affectionate messages complete these scenes.
References for examples
Simple greetings and requests build on the usages presented in the Peace Corps Morocco darija resources . The Latin transcription and dialogues on this page are suitable for beginners; your loved ones may use a different pronunciation or wording.