I don't understand in Darija: ask to repeat without blocking

Phrases to keep on hand

Ma fhemtsh or ma kanfhemsh: which formula to choose?

Ma fhemtsh concerns what has just been said: you heard a question, but you did not understand its meaning. Ma kanfhemsh is more used to talk about a general difficulty. To begin, memorize the first formula: it is enough to signal a blockage during an exchange.

You will find several writings: ma fhemtsh , ma fhemtch or mafhemtch . These differences in transcription do not change the meaning. The ending “sh” or “ch” is pronounced like the French “ch”.

Ask to repeat or slow down

If you missed a sentence, say 3awed, 3afak to a man or 3awdi, 3afak to a woman. The verb changes here depending on who you're talking to. To avoid having to repeat the entire request, start with Sme7 liya and then specify what you need.

If the person repeats this quickly, add Bshwiya, 3afak . You then ask to slow down. A short sentence gives your interlocutor time to adapt their response. You can then repeat a single word or show the object you are talking about.

For the polite expressions that accompany these requests, see hello, thank you and please in Moroccan .

A little dialogue to practice

Sara hears a question during a first meeting with Yassine. The goal is to ask for repetition, then respond with a known phrase.

• Yassine: Shno smitek?
  What’s your name?
• Sara: Sme7 liya, my fhemtsh. 3awed, 3afak.
  Sorry, I didn't understand. Repeat, please.
• Yassine: Shno smitek?
  What’s your name?
• Sara: Bshwiya, 3afak.
  Slowly, please.
• Yassine: Shno… smitek?
  What… is your name?
• Sara: Fhemt! Smiti Sara. Shukran.
  I got it! My name is Sara. THANKS.

Replay this scene with your first name. Our guide introducing yourself in Darija helps you prepare for the rest of the meeting: your origin and your city.

Pronounce ma fhemtsh, 3afak and sme7 liya

For ma fhemtsh , first train fhemt , then add ma at the beginning and the "ch" sound at the end. The number 3 represents the letter ع ; the 7 represents ح . Both of these sounds require listening and practice.

The Latin letters provide a guide, but they do not replace an oral demonstration. Find the explanations in our guide alphabet and writing of darija .

An exercise to do before your next conversation

1. Choose a question from the presentation guide and have a partner read it.
2. Reply with “Ma fhemtsh,” then ask for a repeat.
3. Ask to slow down with “Bshwiya, 3afak”.
4. When you understand, give your answer and thank the person.

Frequently asked questions

References for expressions

The basic forms can be found in the sentence directory of Darji , the entry mafhemtch of TranslatorDarija and its file bshwiya 3afak . The dialogue and exercise were written for this guide.