Darija Phrases That Will Make People Like You

Looks like we’re going to have a lot of top ten lists for Morocco.  Also I’m sure everyone appreciates reading lists more than the edifying novels I end up posting.

10 (Useful) Darija Phrases That Will Make People Like You:

1. Hamdullah

Hamdullah is a sort of catch-all phrase.  The expression is frequently used at the end of sentences, in a wide variety of contexts.  It literally is an expression of praise to God (similar to “praise the Lord” or “thank God” in English, but is used way more).  It basically emphasizes positive feelings or good intentions.

2. La’bes? La’bes. 

La’bes is the Darija greeting.  A bit like “ca va” in French, where the question is also the response. Ça va? Ça va. Ça va? La’bes ? La’bes. La’bes ? La’bes. (hamdullah!).

3. Insha-allah

Literally “God willing.”  Maybe you don’t want to buy something now, but you’ll be back tomorrow, insha-allah.  People generally include it when talking about any future event, even routine ones.

See you in class tomorrow, insha-allah.

4. Meshi mushki

Basically an expression of “oh well,” “that’s ok,” “don’t worry” kind of sentiments.

No, thanks, I don’t want to buy anything.  Ah, meshi mushki.
Oh no I forgot to bring my books today.  Meshi mushki.

5. Mezziene

Mezziene means ok/good.  It’s a phrase that people seem to really like hearing for some reason, and will toss out a lot if you try any darija in the streets.

Oh you speak Arabic? Mezziene!

6. Afak/Afwan/Shoukran

afak – please
afwan – you’re welcome
shoukran – thanks

Because who doesn’t appreciate politeness?

7. Shwiya

Shwiya means “a little.”  This is the word you will use when someone asks you how much Arabic you speak. Shwiya shwiya.

It can be a bit of a joke with people talking to foreigners, but basically the more times you say shwiya, the smaller the amount you emphasize.  Oh Darija? Shwiya shwiya. Shwiya. Shwiya shwiya shwiya.

8. Laa 

This word is important for your own sake; not so much for endearing yourself to others.  Laa means no.  This is what you will repeat like a mantra as you walk down the street and the fifty vendors in your immediate vicinity all start shouting for your attention.  Add shoukran if you’re feeling especially polite. Or don't, because you're feeling like you'll hit the next dude who shoves his tray of cookies in your face.

Laa. Laa. Laa. Laa. LAA.

9. Shouma

Shouma is a "shame on you" exclamation.  Be careful of the situations you apply it in, or if you use it as a joke.  But if someone is rude or oversteps (generally be young males), whip out "Shouma" and he'll make sure he's gone before any of his neighbors can turn around.

10. La shoukra alla wajib

This is an idiomatic response to shoukran.  The equivalent of “no problem.”  And you get to sound cool for knowing colloquial Arabic.

Bonus word: Safi

Safi means “enough.”  This is how you will tell your host family when they insist “kuli, kuli, kuli!” (eat), and your stomach is ready to explode couscous.  It will also get the point across if you want your taxi driver to stop where you’re at.

Kuli! Oh, laa. Shoukran. Safi.