Getting started
To start, remember 3ndi réservation (“I have a reservation”), Fin kayn lbit dyali ? (“where is my room?”) and Bshwiya, 3afak (“slowly, please”). Keep the name of your reservation handy and ask to rephrase if necessary.
Upon arrival: confirm a reservation
- Guest: Salam. 3ndi réservation.
Hello. I have a reservation. - Receptionist: Mar7ba. Shno smitek ?
Welcome. What is your name? - Guest: Smiti Sara.
My name is Sara. - Guest: Wash lbit wajed ?
Is the room ready? - Receptionist: Iyyeh, wajed.
Yes, it's ready.
The borrowed word “reservation” is common in this context. You can complete by showing your confirmation. The first name in this dialogue is an example: replace it with the name used for your stay.
Useful requests during the stay
| Location | Darija | English |
|---|---|---|
| Find your room | Fin kayn lbit dyali ? | Where is my room? |
| Breakfast | Fash kaybda lftour ? | When does breakfast start? |
| Hot water | Ma kaynch lma skhoun. | There is no hot water. |
| A towel | Bghit fota, 3afak. | I would like a towel, please. |
| Connection | Wash kayn l-wifi ? | Is there wifi? |
| The bill | L7sab, 3afak. | The bill, please. |
Transcription varies from one medium to another. You may hear other words for a room or a towel. If the person does not understand, show the object or repeat your request with a simple explanation.
Recognize a short answer
| Darija | English |
|---|---|
| Wakha. | Okay. |
| Daba. | Now. |
| Shwiya. | A little; according to the phrase, a little while. |
| F tmenya. | At eight o'clock. |
| Hna. | Here. |
For an hour or an amount, confirm what you understand instead of guessing. You can ask the person to write it down. The guide to numbers in Darija helps to recognize practical information.
Report a problem calmly
- Guest: Sme7 liya. Ma kaynch lma skhoun.
Excuse me. There is no hot water. - Receptionist: Wakha.
Okay. - Guest: Shukran.
Thank you.
This dialog does not predict the proposed time frame or solution. After the first request, provide your room number and check the next step. If the response is too fast, use the formulas to ask to repeat.
See a lesson on the same theme
Watch the video: Conversation at the hotel in Darija
This lesson from Learn Darija With KAWTAR is a listening supplement. The written dialogues on our page are separate exercises, not the transcription of this video.
A role play before departure
- A person plays reception and asks for your name.
- You announce your reservation and ask a question about breakfast.
- Your partner chooses a time and you confirm it.
- Add a simple problem, then switch roles.
Morolingo Hotel Mini-Lesson provides further examples on this theme. To continue your stay, also prepare the taxi and the orders at the restaurant .