Moroccan Darija Greetings: Hello, How Are You & Daily Expressions

April 25, 2024 6 min read
Moroccan Darija
Greetings: Hello, How Are You & Daily Expressions
Moroccan people greeting each other using Darija

Moroccan Darija Greetings and Everyday Expressions

Learning Moroccan Darija greetings is the fastest way to start speaking Moroccan Arabic naturally. These everyday expressions help you connect with people, show respect, and feel confident in markets, cafés, and daily life across Morocco.

What Is Moroccan Darija?

Moroccan Darija is the everyday spoken language in Morocco. It is different from Modern Standard Arabic and includes influences from Amazigh, French, and Spanish. Moroccans use Darija in daily conversations, greetings, shopping, and family interactions.

Why Greetings Matter in Morocco

Moroccan social life is built on hospitality and ritualized politeness. A simple Salam or Labas? does more than exchange words—it signals respect and invites conversation. In many situations, Moroccans will respond with longer well-wishes and follow-up questions, which is normal and friendly.

Basic Moroccan Darija Greetings

Hello / Hi
Salam
سلام
Hello (formal)
Salam alaikum
السلام عليكم
Good morning
Sbah l-khir
صباح الخير
Good evening
Msa l-khir
مساء الخير
Welcome
Marhba
مرحبا

How to Say “How Are You?” in Darija

Asking about well-being is an essential part of Moroccan greetings. These phrases are often exchanged before any real conversation begins.

How are you?
Labas?
لاباس؟
I’m fine, thank you
Labas, shukran
لاباس، شكرا
How are you doing?
Kif dayir? (man)
Kif dayra? (woman)
كيف داير؟
كيف دايرة؟
What’s new?
Shno akhbar?
شنو أخبار؟
Cultural tip: Greetings in Morocco often include multiple questions. This shows politeness and warmth, not curiosity.

Thank You and Polite Replies in Darija

Thank you
Shukran
شكرا
Thanks a lot
Shukran bezzaf
شكرا بزاف
You’re welcome
La shukran 3la wajib
Bla jmil
لا شكرا على واجب
بلا جميل

Goodbye Phrases in Moroccan Darija

Goodbye
Bslama
بسلامة
See you later
Ntshawfu min ba3d
نتشاوفو من بعد
See you tomorrow
Ntshawfu ghedda
نتشاوفو غدا

Everyday Moroccan Expressions

Yes / No
Iyeh / La
إيه / لا
Please
Afak / 3afak
أفاك / عافاك
Sorry / Excuse me
Smeh liya
سمح ليا
God willing
Inshallah
إن شاء الله

Moroccan Darija Greetings – FAQs

Is Moroccan Darija the same as Arabic?

Darija is based on Arabic but is very different from Modern Standard Arabic. It is mainly spoken and informal.

How do Moroccans greet each other?

Most greetings start with Salam followed by questions like Labas? or Kif dayir?.

Is “Salam alaikum” formal?

It works in both formal and informal situations and is always polite.

Do greetings require replies?

Yes. Greetings in Morocco are usually exchanged in multiple steps.

Practice and Next Steps

Use our Moroccan Darija translator to hear pronunciation and switch between Latin and Arabic scripts. Practicing daily greetings will quickly build confidence.

Soufian El Kouissi
Soufian El Kouissi

Moroccan Darija teacher with years of experience helping beginners speak real everyday Moroccan Arabic with confidence.

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