Moroccan Arabic Word

Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 1
Learning Moroccan Arabic......................................................................................................1
Transcription of Moroccan Arabic..........................................................................................1
Getting Started with Moroccan Arabic.............................................................................................5
Greetings................................................................................................................................. 5
Independent Pronouns............................................................................................................7
Possessive Pronouns...............................................................................................................8
Masculine and Feminine Nouns.............................................................................................9
Describing Yourself......................................................................................................................... 10
Nationalities, Cities, and Marital Status...............................................................................10
The Possessive Word dyal...................................................................................................11
Demonstrative Adjectives & Demonstrative Pronouns.........................................................13
Asking about Possession........................................................................................................15
Useful Expressions.......................................................................................................................... 18
Numerals......................................................................................................................................... 21
Cardinal Numbers.................................................................................................................21
Ordinal Numbers / Fractions................................................................................................27
Time...................................................................................................................................... 28
Getting Started Shopping................................................................................................................31
Money.................................................................................................................................... 31
At the Hanoot........................................................................................................................ 32
Verb to want....................................................................................................................... 33
Kayn for There is................................................................................................................35
Family............................................................................................................................................. 36
Family Members...................................................................................................................36
Verb to have........................................................................................................................37
Directions....................................................................................................................................... 40
Prepositions.......................................................................................................................... 40
Directions.............................................................................................................................. 41
Past Events..................................................................................................................................... 43
Time Vocabulary...................................................................................................................43
Past Tense Regular Verbs..................................................................................................44
Past Tense Irregular Verbs................................................................................................46
Negation................................................................................................................................ 49
Have you ever... / Ive never..................................................................................................50
Object Pronouns....................................................................................................................51
Question Words.....................................................................................................................52
Daily Routines................................................................................................................................ 55
Present Tense Regular Verbs.............................................................................................55
Present Tense Irregular Verbs with Middle a.................................................................57
Present Tense Irregular Verbs with Final a....................................................................61
Using One Verb after Another...............................................................................................65
The Imperative......................................................................................................................66
Bargaining...................................................................................................................................... 68
Bargaining.............................................................................................................................68
Clothing................................................................................................................................. 69
Adjectives..............................................................................................................................73
Comparative and Superlative Adjectives..............................................................................76
Shopping For Food.........................................................................................................................79
Fruits and Vegetables...........................................................................................................80
Buying Produce.....................................................................................................................81
Spices and Meat....................................................................................................................84
Food and Drink...............................................................................................................................85
Food and Drink.....................................................................................................................85

The Reflexive verb to please / to like.................................................................................87
The Verb to need, to have to, must, should........................................................................91
The Verb to want, to like....................................................................................................92
Medical & Body............................................................................................................................... 93
Body Parts............................................................................................................................. 93
Health Problems...................................................................................................................94
Site Visit Expressions.....................................................................................................................96
Travel.............................................................................................................................................. 98
Future Tense......................................................................................................................... 98
Travel................................................................................................................................... 102
At the Hotel................................................................................................................................... 106
Hotel Accommodation........................................................................................................106
The Conditional...................................................................................................................107
At the Post Office.......................................................................................................................... 109
The Post Office....................................................................................................................109
Using Prepositions with Pronoun Endings & Verbs............................................................111
Describing the Peace Corps Mission.............................................................................................116
Peace Corps..........................................................................................................................116
Youth Development..............................................................................................................117
Environment........................................................................................................................ 118
Health.................................................................................................................................. 120
Small Business Development...............................................................................................121
Renting a House............................................................................................................................123
Finding a House..................................................................................................................123
Furnishing a House.............................................................................................................125
Safety and Security........................................................................................................................127
Sexual Harassment..............................................................................................................127
At the Taxi Stand.................................................................................................................129
At Work............................................................................................................................... 130
Forgetting a Wallet in a Taxi / Filing a Report....................................................................131
Butagas................................................................................................................................ 132
Hash..................................................................................................................................... 134
Theft..................................................................................................................................... 135
House Security / Doors and Windows................................................................................137
Political Harassment...........................................................................................................138
Appendices.................................................................................................................................... 141
Pronunciation of Moroccan Arabic...............................................................................................142
Understanding How Sounds Are Made...............................................................................142
Pronunciation of Non-English Consonants........................................................................142
Pronunciation of Shedda.....................................................................................................144
The Definite Article.............................................................................................................144
Supplementary Grammar Lessons...............................................................................................146
Making Intransitive Verbs into Transitive Verbs................................................................146
Passive Verbs....................................................................................................................... 147
The Past Progressive...........................................................................................................148
The Verb to remain...........................................................................................................149
Verb Participles...................................................................................................................149
Conjunctions........................................................................................................................152
More Useful Expressions..............................................................................................................155
Moroccan Holidays....................................................................................................................... 157
Religious Holidays...............................................................................................................157
National Holidays................................................................................................................159
Glossary of Verbs........................................................................................................................... 161
Grammar Index............................................................................................................................ 189
Vocabulary Index.......................................................................................................................... 190
Peace Corps / Morocco 3
Introduction
Learning Moroccan Arabic
Even under the best conditions, learning a new language can be challenging. Add to this challenge the
rigors of Peace Corps training, and youre faced with what will be one of the most demandingand
rewardingaspects of your Peace Corps experience: learning to communicate to Moroccans in their
own language. But it can be done. And rest assured that you can do it. Here are a few reasons why:
You are immersed in the language: Some people may need to hear a word three times to
remember it; others may need thirty. Learning Moroccan Arabic while living and training with
Moroccans gives you the chance to hear the language used again and again.
You have daily language classes with Moroccan teachers: Youre not only immersed in the
language; you also have the opportunity to receive feedback from native speakers on the many
questions that predictably crop up when one learns a new language.
PeaceCorpshasoverfortyyearsofexperienceinMorocco: Your training, including this manual,
benefits from the collective experience gained by training thousands of Americans to live and
work in Morocco. You will benefit from and contribute to that legacy.
Despite these advantages, at times you may still feel like the task of learning Moroccan Arabic is too
much to handle. Remember that volunteers likeyou having been doing it for decades, however. One of
the most rewarding aspects of your time will be communicating with Moroccans in Arabic, surprising
them and yourself with how well you know the language. When that time arrives, your hard work will
have been worth it.
Transcription of Moroccan Arabic

In order for trainees to move quickly into Moroccan Arabic (also called Darija), Peace Corps uses a
system of transcription that substitutes characters of the Latin alphabet (a, b, c, d, . . . ) for characters
from Arabic script ( . . .). With this system, it isnt necessary for a trainee to learn all of
Arabic script before he or she begins to learn the language. On the contrary, once you become familiar
with the system of transcription, you will be able to read and write Moroccan Arabic fairly quickly
using characters you are familiar with. You will also learn Arabic script during training, but with
transcription it isnt necessary to know it right away. Throughout the book, therefore, you will always
see both the original Arabic script and the transcription. Becomingfamiliar withthePeaceCorps
systemoftranscriptionisoneofthebestthingsyoucando,earlyon,tohelpyourselflearnMoroccan
Arabic. PracticingthedifferentsoundsofMoroccanArabicuntilyoucanreproducethemisanother.
This introduction is intended mainly to help you get started with the system of transcription, and as a
result it will mention only briefly the different sounds of Arabic. However, a fuller explanation can be
found on page 144.
Sounds You Already Know

The large majority of consonants in Moroccan Arabic are similar to sounds that we have in English.
The vowels in Arabic are also similar to English vowels. In the following table, each transcription
character that represents a sound youalreadyknow will be explained. The sounds are notnecessarily
whatyoumayexpect, but each character was matched with a sound for good reasons.
Transcription
Character
Arabic
Character
/ _/
the normal English sound /b/
the normal English sound /d/
/ _
Description
sometimes the // in father, sometimes the /a/ in mad
the short e sound /e/ as in met (this transcription character is not used
often, only when confusion would be caused by using the transcription character
a)
the normal English sound /f/
the normal English sound /g/ as in go
the normal English sound /h/ as in hi.
/ _
the /zh/ sound represented by the s in pleasure
the normal English sound /k/
the normal English sound /l/
the normal English sound /m/
the normal English sound /n/
the long o sound // as in bone (this transcription character is not used
the normal English sound /p/
this is not the normal English r, but a flap similar to the Spanish
r or to the sound Americans make when they quickly say gotta as
in I gotta go.
the normal English sound /s/
the normal English sound /t/
the long oo sound // as in food
the normal English sound /v/
the normal English sound /w/
the normal English sound /y/
the normal English sound /z/
the long ee sound // as in meet
often, mainly for French words that have entered Moroccan Arabic)
the normal English sound /sh/ as in she

Some vowel combinations
ay
the ay as in say
au
the ow as in cow
iu
the ee you as in see you later
New Sounds
There are eight consonants in Moroccan Arabic that we do not have in English. It may take you some
time to be able to pronounce these correctly. At this point, whats important is that you learn the
transcription character for each of these sounds. See page 144 for more information on how to
pronounce the sounds in Moroccan Arabic.
Transcription
Character
Arabic
Character
the Arabic emphatic d
the Arabic emphatic s
the Arabic emphatic t
Sound
These sounds are pronounced like their
non-emphatic counterparts, but with a
lower pitch and a greater tension in the
tongue and throat.
like the English /k/ but pronounced further back in the throat
like the ch in the German Bach; some people use this sound to
say yech!
like the x sound above, but pronounced using your voice box;
similar to the French r
like the English h, except pronounce deep in the throat as a loud

raspy whisper.
This sound will be difficult at first. It can be approximated by

pronouncing the a in fat with the tongue against the bottom of the
mouth and from as deep in the throat as possible
Shedda
If you see a transcriptioncharacterdoubled, that means that a shedda is over that character in the
Arabic script. For example, in the following table, you will see how the transcription changes for
shedda, and thus the pronunciation.
English
Translation
Transcription
Arabic
Script
woman
mra
time (as in: Ive seen
mrra
him one time)
Notice that these two words are spelled differently in the transcription. The word woman does not
have a shedda on the r in Arabic script, and that is why there is only one r in the transcription. The
word time does have a shedda in the Arabic script, and that is why the transcription doubles the letter
r. These two words are pronounced differently, so you must pay attention to doubled letters in
transcription. To learn more about how we pronounce the shedda in Arabic, see page 146. For now,
whats important is that you understand the transcription.
Other Symbols
Sometimes, you will see a hyphen used in the transcription. This has three purposes:
1. Itindicatesthedefinitearticle:For some letters, the definite article (the word the) is made by
adding the letter l. For others, it is made by doubling the first letter. In both cases, a hyphen
will be used to indicate to you that the word has the definite article in front of it. See page 147
for more info on the definite article.
2. Itconnectsthepresenttenseprefix: The present tense prefix (kan, kat, or kay) will be
connected to the verb with a hyphen. This will make it easier for you to understand what verb
you are looking at.
3. Itconnectsthenegativeprefix(ma)andthenegativesuffix()toaverb.
In these instances, the hyphen doesnotnecessarilyindicateachangeinpronunciation. The hyphen is
there to make it easy for you to see when a definite article is being used, for example, or which verb is
being used. It is a visual indicator, not an indicator of pronunciation. Sometimes the rhythm of speech
may seem to break with the hyphen; other times the letters before and after the hyphen will be
pronounced together.
Another symbol you will sometimes see is the apostrophe ( ' ). When you see an apostrophe, it indicates
a glottal stop, which is the break between vowels as heard in the English exclamation uh oh. That is
to say, if you see an apostrophe you should not connect the sounds before the apostrophe with the
sounds after the apostrophe. Pronounce them with a break in the middle.
4 Moroccan Arabic
Words & Syllables Without Vowels

Sometimes you will see syllables or even whole words without any vowels written in them. This is
normal in Moroccan Arabic. To the English speaker, however, this seems impossible, since we have
always been taught that all words must contain a vowel sound. Which side is correct? Well, in a sense
they both are. In reality, it is indeed possible to pronounce consonants together without articulating a
vowel sound; we do it a lot in English at the beginning of words. Think about the word street. We
pronounce three consonantss, t, and rwithout any vowels between them. So it is possible. The only
challenge with Arabic is that the consonant combinations are new for English speakers (we dont put
the /sh/ sound next to the /m/ sound, for example, but in Arabic they do).
However, try for a moment to pronounce only the letters str, not the whole word street. In this
case, most English speakers will hear something that sounds like the word stir. With certain
consonant combinations, that is to say, it sounds to the English speaker like there is a vowel in the
middle, even if there isnt. The vowel is in reality just the normal sound made as one consonant
sound transitions to another.
Part of learning Moroccan Arabic is becoming comfortable with new consonant combinations and
practicing those combinations without necessarily placing a vowel in the middle. The transcription
words, you will notice, only include characters for vowels when there really is a vowel in the word. It
may seem difficult at first, but it is better to accustom yourself to this as early as you can.
Why Not Just Write sh?

A final point about the transcription. At times it may seem overly complicated to someone beginning
Moroccan Arabic. For example, why doesnt it just use sh for the /sh/ sound? The answer is this:
every sound must have just a single character to represent it. Why? Well, in Arabic it is normal for
the /h/ sound to follow the /s/ sound. If we used sh to represent the /sh/ sound, there would not be
any way to represent an /s/ plus /h/ sound, because it too would look like sh. Using the symbol to
represent /sh/ makes it possible to represent /s/ plus /h/ and /sh/ plus /h/ (yes, in Arabic both these
combinations are used).
All of this concerns a larger point: thetranscriptionsystemusedinthisbookmayappearcomplexat
first,butithasbeencarefullythoughtout and in the end it is the easiest system possible. That said, the
sooner you can make the transition to reading Arabic script, the easier it will be to pronounce Arabic
correctly.
This small character,

which looks like a w,
is the shedda. That is
why the transcription
has a doubled r.
Getting Started with Moroccan Arabic

Objective: Bytheendofthechapter,youwillbeableto:
greetpeopleandintroduceyourself
useindependentpronounstomakesimplesentences
usepossessivepronounstoindicatepossession
distinguishbetweenmasculineandfemininenouns
Greetings
CulturalPoints
Greetings and farewells (good byes) are two important aspects of Moroccan life. Greetings are
not to be compared with the quick American hi. It takes time for two people to exchange different
questions and answers which interest them about each other, their families, and life in general.
Greetings change from one region to another, both in the questions posed and in the fashion of the
greeting (i.e. shaking hands, kissing cheeks head or hands, or putting ones hand over ones heart after
shaking hands).
If you greet a group of people, then the way you greet the first person is the way you should greet
everyone in the group. Dont be surprised if you are greeted by a friend but he does not introduce you
to other people with whom he may be talking. Do not be surprised if you are in a group and you are not
greeted as others are in the group (people may be shy to greet a stranger.) It is also not necessary to
give an overly detailed response to a greetingonly the usual response is expected. For example, How
are you? requires only a simple Fine, thanks be to God.
Howdopeoplegreeteach
otherindifferentcultures?
Greeting expressions and appropriate responses

A: Peace be upon you
B: And peace be upon you (too)
ssalamu alaykum
wa alaykum ssalam
A: Good morning
B: Good morning
s
ba lxir
s
ba lxir
A: Good afternoon / evening

B: Good afternoon / evening
msa lxir
msa lxir
name
smiya
Whats your name?
nu smitk?
my name...
smiti...

...
6 Moroccan Arabic
your name...
smitk...
...
his name...
smitu...
...
her name...
smitha...
...
Nice to meet you.
mtrfin
How are you (masc.)?
kif dayr?
How are you (fem.)?
kif dayra?
Are you fine?
labas?
Good, thanks be to God.
labas, lamdullah
Good, thanks be to God.
bixir, lamdullah
Everything is fine.
kuli bixir
Goodbye
bslama
Good night
layla sa ida
Greetings Dialogue
John: ssalamu alaykum.
Mohamed: wa alaykum ssalam.
John: kif dayr?
Mohamed: labas, lamdullah. u nta?
John: bixir, lamdullah.
Mohamed: nu smitk?
John: smiti John. u nta?
Mohamed: smiti Mohamed.
:
:
:
.

:
:
. :
:
John: mtrfin.
Mohamed: mtrfin.
Transcription Reminder see page 1 for the full table with all transcription characters.
:the /sh/ sound as in shea:the a in father or the a in madx:the ch in the German Bach or
thei:the ee in meetScottish loch See page144.u:the oo in food
Exercise: Put this dialogue in the correct order.

Chris: s
ba lxir.
Amy: mtrfin.
Chris: kif dayra?
Amy: nu smitk?
Chris: labas, lamdullah.

Amy: smiti Amy.

:
:
Chris: smiti Chris. u nti?

Amy: s
ba lxir.
. :
:
Chris: mtrfin.
Amy: bixir, lamdullah. u nta?
Independent Pronouns
We call the following pronouns independent because they are not attached to other words, such as
nouns, verbs, or prepositions (see Possessive Pronouns, next page, and Object Pronouns, page 55).
The pronouns are often used in a number of different ways.
I
ana
you (masc. singular)
nta
you (fem. singular)
nti
he
huwa
she
hiya
we
na
you (plural)
ntuma
they
huma
When they are followed by a noun or an adjective, the verb to be is not necessary. It is implied
already, and simple sentences can be made by using independent pronouns with a nouns or adjectives.
ana ustad.
I am a teacher.
.
hiya iyana.
She is tired.

.
h:the normal English /h/ sound as in:like the English h, except pronounce ithello.deep in the
throat as a loud raspy whisper. See page 145.
8 Moroccan Arabic
Possessive Pronouns
In Darija, a suffix (ending) may be added to the end of words in order to express possession.
my
i / ya*
your (singular)
his
u / h*
her
ha
our
na
your (plural)
kum
their
hum
* For the my and his forms, the first ending is used for words ending in consonants, while the
second is used with words ending in vowels. For example, smiti (my name), but xuya (my brother).
Example of possessive pronouns with the noun book.
book
ktab
my book
ktabi
your (sing.) book
ktabk
his book
ktabu
her book
ktabha
our book
ktabna
your (plur.) book
ktabkum
their book
ktabhum
Most feminine nouns in Arabic have an a sound at the end of the word. In Arabic script, this a is
actually a silentt that is only pronounced on certain occasions. For all feminine words ending in this
silent t (), we drop the sound a and substitute it with t before adding a possessive pronoun. For
example, the feminine noun magana (a watch).
watch
magana
my watch
maganti
your (sing.) watch
magantk
his watch
magantu
her watch
magantha
our watch
magantna
your (plur.) watch
magantkum
their watch
maganthum
Exercise: Use the following words with the appropriate possessive pronoun.
d
ar (house)
blas
a (place)
ktab (book)
1. your (plur.) house 6. their place

2. my place
7. her house
3. his book
8. his ticket
4. our place 9. your (sing.) book
wrqa (sheet of paper, ticket)

5. your (sing.) ticket 10. their house
Masculine and Feminine Nouns

In Arabic, all nouns are either masculine or feminine. In general, nouns ending in a (the silent t ()
in Arabic script) are feminine. For example:
smiya
name
city
mdina
chicken (a single one)
djaja
television
tlfaza
The feminine is formed from the masculine (for nouns indicating professions or participles) by adding
a (the silent t ( )in Arabic script) to the end of the word. For example:
male teacher
ustad
female teacher
ustada
working (masc. participle)
xddam
working (fem. participle)
xddama
Some words without a (the silent t ( )in Arabic script) are nonetheless feminine. First, words and
proper names which are by their nature feminine:
mother
om
Amal (girls name)
amal
Second, most (though not all) parts of the body that come in pairs are feminine:
an eye
in
a hand
yd
a foot
rjl
an ear
udn
Third, a small number of nouns which do not fall into any category and yet are feminine:
the house
d
d
ar
the sun
ms
j:the /zh/ sound, like the s in the Remember that if two characters in a row areword pleasure.the
same, a shedda is used, and we pronounce:See page 146.that sound longer. See pages 3 and
146.
Describing Yourself
askandanswerquestionsaboutnationalities,cities,age,andmaritalstatus
usethepossessiveworddyaltoindicatepossession
usedemonstrativepronounsandadjectivesinsimplesentences
askquestionsaboutpossession
CulturalPoints
Avoid asking about the salary and age (sometimes) of people, especially women. Men should not
enquire about the wives or other female relations of someonethis could be seen as expressing an
inappropriate interest. People wont always tell you about their jobs and other personal concerns if not
asked. Religion can be a sensitive issue and sometimes people are not willing to express their views.
Nationalities, Cities, and Marital Status

Vocabulary and Expressions
Where are you (masc.) from?
mnin nta?
Where are you (fem.) from?
mnin nti?
I am from the U.S.
ana mn mirikan.
I am American.
ana mirikani(ya).
)
).
I am from Morocco.
ana mn lmrib.
I am Moroccan.
ana mribi(ya).
Are you ... ?
we nta/nti ... ?
Are you from the U.S.?
we nta/nti mn mirikan?
Where are you from in the U.S.? mnin nta/nti f mirikan?
)
) .
...
/

And you?
u nta/nti?
city
mdina
state
wilaya
big (fem.)
kbira
small (fem.)
s
ira
Excuse me. (to man / woman)
sm li / smi li
I am not ...
ana mai ...
but
welakin
engaged (fem.)
mxt
uba
married (masc. / fem.)
mzuwj / mzuwja
No, not yet.
lla mazal / lla baqi
Are you a tourist?
we nta/nti turist?
I work with the Peace Corps.
ana xddam(a) m a hay'at

ssalam.
/
...
/
/

/

)(
.

Dialogue
Fatima: ssalamu alaykum.
Tom: wa alaykum ssalam.
Fatima: sm li, we nta fransawi?
Tom: lla, ana mirikani.
Fatima: mnin f mirikan?
Tom: mn mdint Seattle f wilayat
Washington. u nti?
Fatima: mn Rabat.
Tom: al f mrk?
Fatima: tnayn u rin am. u nta?
Tom: rb a u tlatin am.
Fatima: we nta mzuwj wlla mazal?
Tom: mazal. u nti?
Fatima: lla, baqiya. we nta turist?
Tom: lla, ana xddam m a
hay'at ssalam.
Fatima: bslama.
Tom: nufk mn b d.
Exercise:
:

:
. :

:
:
.
.
:
:
:
.
. :

:

. :

:
.

. :

.
:
. :
Complete each section of this dialogue.
The Possessive Word dyal

In Moroccan Arabic, you have already learned that possession can be expressed by adding the
possessive pronouns to the end of a word (see page 8). Another way to express possession is through
the word dyal. It is placed after a noun with the definite article the, which in Arabic may be either
the letter l or a doubling of the first consonant of a word (see page 147 for more information on the
Arabic definite article). The same possessive pronouns you learned before are attached to the end of
dyal. You can also use a name with dyal. Some examples:
Using Possessive Pronoun
book
Using dyal
the book
ktab
my book
lktab
my book
ktabi
lktab dyali

Johns book
lktab dyal John

Here is a list of dyal with all of the possessive pronoun endings:

my / mine
dyali
your / yours (sing.)
dyalk
12 Moroccan Arabic
his / his
dyalu
her / hers
dyalha
our / ours
dyalna
your / yours
dyalkum
their / theirs
dyalhum
As the list above shows, the forms dyali, dyalk, etc. also mean mine, yours, etc.
This pen is mine.
had sstilo dyali.
That rug is yours.
dik zzrbiya dyalk.

.
.
Exercise: Substitute the underlined words by the corresponding possessive

pronoun endings.
1. sstilu dyal John.
2. lktab dyal Amber.
3. d
d
ar dyal Driss u Zubida.
Demonstrative Adjectives & Demonstrative Pronouns

This, that, these, and those are used often in Arabic, like in English. But, unlike in English, in Arabic we
must be aware of whether they act as adjectives or pronouns. Think about how we use these words in
English. Sometimes, we use them before a noun. When we use them before a noun, they are called
demonstrative adjectives.
ThiscarisJohns.
Ilikethesetowels.
Iwantthatbook.
Thoseflowerssmelllovely.
Sometimes, we use them by themselves. In this case, they are called demonstrative pronouns.
ThisisJohns. Ilikethese.
Iwantthat. Thosesmelllovely.
It isnt necessary to know their names, but it is necessary to pay attention to whether they are before a
noun or not. Lets first look at the pronoun forms in Arabic, which you will use often even as a
beginner.
Demonstrative Pronouns
this (masc.)
hada
this (fem.)
hadi
these (plur.)
hadu
that (masc.)
hadak
that (fem.)
hadik
those (plur.)
haduk
These forms may be used at the beginning of a sentence, in the middle or at the end of a sentence, or in
questions. In Arabic, these pronouns can represent people.
This is a chair.
hada kursi.
This is a table.
hadi t
bla.
This is Abdallah.
hada Abdallah.
This is Aicha.
hadi Aicha.
Whats this? (masc. object)
nu / a hada?
Whats this? (fem. object)
nu / a hadi?
Who is this? (masc.)
kun hada?
Who is this? (fem.)
kun hadi?
What is that? (masc. object)
nu / a hadak?
Who is that? (fem.)
kun hadik?
At first, you may have difficulty knowing whether to use the masculine or feminine form of this or that.
Moroccans should understand you even if you make an error with gender, however.
Exercise: Write as many correct sentences as you can using the words from the
following table.
e.g. hada rajl mzyan.
(This is a good man.)
14 Moroccan Arabic
hada
wld (masc. sing.)
mzyan (masc. sing.)
hadi
bnt (fem. sing.)
mzyanin (masc. plur.)
hadu
qhwa (fem. sing.)
mzyana (fem. sing.)
hadak
wlad (masc. plur.)
hadik
rajl (masc. sing.)
kbir (masc. sing.)
haduk
d
ar (fem. sing.)
kbira (fem. sing.)
yalat (fem. plur.)
kbar (masc./fem. plur.)
mdina (fem. sing.)
fran (masc. sing.)
mzyanat (fem. plur.)
bnat (fem. plur.)
franin (masc. plur.)
blad (masc. sing.)
frana (fem. sing.)
franat (fem. plur.)
:the /sh/ sound as in shea:the a in father or the a in madx:the ch in the German Bach or
thei:the ee in meetScottish loch See page144.u:the oo in food:the French r, like a light
garglek:the normal /k/ soundSee page 145.q:like the English /k/ but pronounced t: pronounced like t,
d, and s, but with a lower pitch and a greater tension in the tongue and throat. See page 145.further
back in the throat. See page 144.d: s:
Demonstrative Adjectives
this/these (masc. / fem. / plur.)
had
that (masc.)
dak
that (fem.)
dik
those (plur.)
duk
As you can see, the this/these form (had) is the same for masculine, feminine, and plural. For all the
demonstrative adjectives, you must use the definite article in front of the nouns that follow them. This
means using an l in front of moon letters or doubling the first letter of sun letters (see page 147).
this man
had rrajl
this woman
had lmra
these men
had rrjal
these women
had l yalat

This city is big.
had lmdina kbira.
That house is big.
dik d
d
ar kbira.

.
.
Talking about a General Situation

Sometimes in English, we use the words thisand that to talk about general situations, not about specific
Intermediate
things.
Topic
Someofthestudentsarealwayslateforclass.Idontlikethat.
In Arabic, different expressions are used for these meanings.
this (general situation)
had i
that (general situation)
dak i
After some experience hearing native speakers, you should be able to know when to use the normal
demonstrative pronouns and when to use these expressions. Some examples:
What is this? (this thing, this
object)
a hada?
What is this? (situation, affair)
a had i?
I want that. (that thing, that

object)
bit hadak.
Thats what I want. (a situation

or outcome)
dak i lli bit.
Using a Demonstrative Pronoun to Express Duration
Intermediate
Topic
With a present tense verb form, an active participle expressing current
activity, or an equational
sentence, the demonstrative pronoun hadi is used to express duration, like the English present perfect
tense or present perfect progressive tense. It is used with a time expression and u (and) followed by the
rest of the sentence:
hadi+timeexpression+u+restofsentence
Ive been waiting for you for two

hours. (Literally: This is two
hours and I am waiting for you.)
hadi sa tayn u ana

kantsnak.
Hes been asleep for a long

time. (Literally: This is a long
time and he is sleeping.)
hadi muda u huwa na s.
Hes been in Morocco for three

years. (Literally: This is three
years and he is in Morocco.)
hadi tlt snin u huwa

f lmarib.
Asking about Possession

The possessive word dyal ( )may be used with mn ( )to mean whose.
Whose book is this?
dyal mn had lktab?
This is Ambers book.
had lktab dyal Amber.

we had lktab dyal
Hicham?
Is this Hichams book?
16 Moroccan Arabic
No, its not his.
lla,
mai dyalu.
Whose house is this?
dyal mn had d
d
ar?
This house is Malikas.
had d
d
ar dyal Malika.
we had d
d
ar dyal
Malika?
iyeh, dyalha.
Is this house Malikas?

Yes, its hers.
we had ddar

dyal Malika?
iyeh,
dyalha.
Exercise: Ask a question about possession for each picture. Then, give the correct
answer. The first one is done for you.
Hassan

Q: dyal mn had l-bisklit?

A: had l-bisklit dyal Hassan.
?
Q: _______________________?
A: ___________________Said.
Said
_______________
____________.
Ahmed
_______________
____________.
Q: _______________________?
A: __________________Ahmed.
?
Aziz
Q: _______________________?
A: ___________________Aziz.
_______________
____________.
Useful Expressions
Here are some expressions to help you with homestay, travel, and other situations where your language
may not yet be at a point where you are able to communicate well in Moroccan Arabic. If you follow the
pronunciation of the transcriptions, Moroccans should understand you. More expressions can be
found in the appendix. See page 157.
Mealtime Expressions
In the name of God (said when you
begin an activity: eating, drinking,
working, studying, traveling, etc.).
Thanks to God (said after finishing a
bismillah
meal, or after expressing that all is well

in life).
lamdullah
I dont eat ... meat

eggs
fish
chicken
makanakul...llm
lbid
lut
ddjaj
kanrb atay / lqhwa bla

I drink tea / coffee without sugar. skkar.

/ / /
.
/
.
I eat everything.
kanakul kuli.
I eat vegetables only.
kanakul ir lxod
ra.
I dont feel like eating.
ma-fiya ma-y-akul.
I want just/only ...
bit ir ...
I dont want to have breakfast.
mabit nft
r.
The food is delicious.
lmakla bnina.
Im full.
b t.
I want to learn how to cook.
bit n-t llm n-t

iyb.
May God replenish / reward you. lla yxlf.

(said after a meal to thank host)
.

.
...
.
.
.
To your health (said to someone

after eating, drinking, coming out of the
hammam, wearing new clothes, having
a hair cut, etc.)
May God grant you health too.

(response to the above)
bs
s
a.
lla y tik s
s
a
Thanking Expressions
Thank you.
ukran.
Youre welcome.
bla jmil.
Expressions for Nighttime / Sleeping

Im tired. (male speaker)
ana iyan.
Im tired. (female speaker)
ana iyana.
I want to read a little bit.
bit nqra wiya.
I want to go to bed.
bit nn s.
Where I am going to sleep?
fin adi nn s.
Excuse me, I want to go to bed.

(addressing a group of people)
smu li, bit nmi nn

s.
I want to go to bed early.
bit nn s bkri.
I want to get up early.
bit nfiq bkri.
I want a blanket.
bit wad lmant

a.
.
.

.
Hygiene/Cleanliness Expressions
I want to wash my hands with
soap.
bit nsl yddi b

s
s
abun.
I want to brush my teeth.
bit nsl snani.
I want hot water, please.
bit lma ssxun afak.
I want to take a shower.
bit nduw.
I want to go to the hammam.
bit nmi lmmam.
I want to change my clothes.
bit nbddl wayji.
Where is the toilet?
fin bit lma?
I want to do laundry.
bit n-s
bbn wayji.
Where can I do laundry?
fin ymkn n-s

bbn wayji.
.

.

.
.
Offering Help / Asking for Favors

Can I help you?
we n awnk?
Excuse me. (to a man)
sm li.
Excuse me. (to a woman)
smi li.
Give me ... please.
t
ini ... afak.

.
.
... .
Being Sick
Im sick. (male speaker)
ana mrid
.
Im sick. (female speaker)
ana mrid
a.
I want to rest a bit.
bit n-rta swiya.
Do you feel better?
briti wiya?
Transportation Expressions
I want to go to ...
bit nmi l ...
...
20 Moroccan Arabic
Responses to Problems/Difficulties/Apologies
Its not a problem.
mai mukil.
There is no problem.
makayn mukil.
Congratulations
Congratulations.
mbruk
Happy holiday.
mbruk l id.
May God grant you grace.
lla ybark fik.
.
.
Communication
I dont understand.
mafhmt.
I dont know.
man rf.
Slowly please.
b wiya afak.
Repeat please. (to a man)
awd afak.
Repeat please. (to a woman)
awdi afak.
What did you say?
nu glti?
.
.
Numerals
countinMoroccanArabic
combinenumberswithnounstoindicateamounts
askandanswerquestionsabouttime
When we talk about numerals, we want to be able to do two things. First, we have to be able to count.
That is, we have to learn our numbers. Second, we have to be able to use the numbers with objects. In
other words, we have to be able to say things like five apples or twentyseven students or one
hundred fortythree volunteers.
In English, we never think of these two tasks separately. We simply use a number in combination with
the plural form of some object. In Arabic, however, we have to learn how to combine different numbers
with objects, sometimes using a plural form, sometimes a singular, sometimes with a letter in between
the two, sometimes not. As in all things Arabic, what seems difficult now becomes natural with time.
Cardinal Numbers
Cardinal numbers refer to the normal numbers we use (one, two, three...). They are different than
ordinal numbers (first, second, third...) and fractions (onehalf, onethird, onefourth...). For now, we
start with the cardinal numbers. We will work with ordinal numbers and fractions later.
Numbers 1 thru 10
In Moroccan Arabic, there are two ways to combine the numbers 3 thru 10 with an object. We
sometimes use the full or normal form of the number, and sometimes we use a short form of the
number. Here is a table listing the full form of numbers 1 thru 10 and the short form of numbers 3 thru
10.
Full Forms
Short Forms
one (masc.)
wad
one (fem.)
wda
two
juj
three
tlata
tlt
four
rb a
rb
five
xmsa
xms
six
stta
stt
seven
sb a
sb
eight
tmnya
tmn
nine
ts ud
ts
ten
ra
22 Moroccan Arabic
For the numbers 3 thru 10, we combine the fullformof a number and a noun like this:
number(fullform)+d()+pluralnounwithdefinitearticle
For the numbers 3 thru 10, we combine the shortform of a number and a noun like this:
number(shortform)+pluralnoun(nodefinitearticle)
Eight books (using full form)
tmnya d lktub
Five dirhams (using full form)
xmsa d ddrahm
Five dirhams (using short form)
xms drahm
The numbers one and two have some special qualities.

The number one (wad/wda) differs from all other numbers because in Arabic, it acts
like an adjective. This means that it comes after a noun, like other adjectives, and that it
must agreeingender with the noun, like other adjectives.
one book (book is masc.)
ktab wad
one girl (girl is fem.)
bnt wda
Sometimes, you may hear wad (not wda) used before a noun. In this case, it is not acting as a
number, but rather as an indefinite article (like the English a or an). Dont worry about it now, just
be aware of it.
Intermediate
Topic
a book
wad lktab
a girl
wad lbnt
The number two (juj) can be used as a full or short form with plural nouns.
two books
juj d lktub
two books
juj ktub
However, when two is part of a compound number (as in twentytwo), a different form is used. Here,
we use the form tnayn (). This will be shown in the section on numbers from 20 thru 99.
Dualnounforms
In English, nouns have a singular and a plural form. In Arabic, nouns also have a singular and plural
form, but a small number of nouns also have a dualform. The dual form is used for these nouns when
we refer to two of something. For nouns that have a dual form, therefore, we dont use juj. The dual
form includes the idea of two. The dual form is usually made by adding ayn to the end of the
singular form. In the following tables, the first three examples have dual forms, but the last two are
normal and therefore use their plural form.
Singular Form
Dual Form
day
yum
yumayn
month
hr
hrayn
year
am
amayn
But...
Singular Form
week
simana
minute
dqiqa
Plural Form
juj d ssimanat
juj dqayq
Numbers 11 thru 19
The numbers 11 thru 19 do not have a short form. Only numbers 3 thru 10 have a short form.
eleven
d
a
twelve
t
na
thirteen
tlt
a
fourteen
rb t
a
fifteen
xmst
a
sixteen
st
t
a
seventeen
sb t
a
eighteen
tmnt
a
nineteen
ts t
a
For numbers 11 thru 19, we can combine a number and a noun like this:
number+
r ( )
or
l ()
+singularnoun(nodefinitearticle)
Yes the singular!

In Arabic, the plural
form is only used for
numbers 2 thru 10.
The singular is used
for everything else!

sixteen years
st
t
a r am
sixteen years
eighteen girls
st
t
a l am
tmnt
a r bnt
eighteen girls
tmnt
a l bnt
Numbers 20, 30, 40 ... 99

For a multiple of ten (20, 30, 40 etc.) in Arabic, we simply use the name for that number, like in
English. For numbers such as 21, 22, or 23, however, it is not like English. In Arabic, the ones digit is
pronounced first, followed by the word and, then followed by the tens digit. For example, in Arabic
the number 21 is literally one and twenty while the number 47 is literally seven and forty. Also,
remember that for the numbers 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, and 92, we do not use juj. Rather, we use
tnayn. Here is a list of the multiples of ten, with examples of numbers between each multiple:
twenty
twentyone
literally: one and twenty
twentytwo
literally: two and twenty
Remember: tnayn, not juj
rin
wad u rin
tnayn u rin
24 Moroccan Arabic
twentythree
literally: three and twenty
tlata u rin
twentyfour
rb a u rin
tlatin
thirty
thirtyone
wad u tlatin
thirtytwo
tnayn u tlatin
thirtythree
tlata u tlatin
rb in
forty
fortyone
wad u rb in
fortytwo
tnayn u rb in
fifty
xmsin
sixty
sttin
seventy
sb in
eighty
tmanin
ninety
ts in
ts ud u ts in
ninetynine
For numbers 20 thru 99, we can combine a number and a noun like this:
number+singularnoun(nodefinitearticle)
fortytwo years
tnayn u rb in am
ninety dirhams
ts in drhm
thirtyeight books
tmnya u tlatin ktab
Numbers 100, 200, 300 ... 999

The Arabic word for 100 is miya. For 200, there is a dual form of miyatayn. For 300 thru 900, we use
the short form of the numbers 3 thru 9 plus miya. For numbers such as 107 or 257, we will use the
appropriate multiple of 100 followed by the word and and then the rest of the number. Some
examples:
one hundred
one hundred one
literally: one hundred and one
one hundred two

literally: one hundred and two
one hundred ten

literally: one hundred and ten
one hundred eleven

one hundred twentyone
literally: one hundred and one and
twenty
miya
miya u wad
miya u juj
miya u ra
miya u d
a
miya u wad u rin
one hundred twentytwo

literally: one hundred and two and
twenty
miya u tnayn u rin
one hundred ninetynine
miya u ts ud u ts in
miyatayn
two hundred
two hundred fiftyseven
miyatayn u sb a u
xmsin
literally: two hundred and seven

and fifty
tlt miya
three hundred
three hundred fortyfive
literally: three hundred and five and
forty
tlt miya u xmsa u rb

in
four hundred
rb miya
five hundred
xms miya
six hundred
stt miya
seven hundred
sb miya
eight hundred
tmn miya
nine hundred
ts miya
nine hundred ninetynine
ts miya u ts ud u ts
in
Exact multiples of 100 (100, 300, 400, etc. not 137 or 278) are combined with a noun like this:
number+t()+singularnoun
four hundred chairs
rb miyat kursi
six hundred ryal
stt miyat ryal
But when a number between 100 and 999 is not an exact multiple of 100 (e.g. 167, 492, 504), we
combine the number with a noun according to the rule for the final digits of the number.
105 books (use the rule for 5)
Exercise:
199
miya u xmsa d lktub

miyatayn u rb t
a r
ktab
stt miya u sb a u xmsin
ktab
Match the number with the correct Arabic translation.

miya u ts ud u rb in
ts ud u sttin
11
miya u stta u xmsin
149
xmsa u sb in
137
miya u ts ud u ts in
d
a
75
26 Moroccan Arabic
69
156
miya u sb a u tlatin
juj
Numbers 1000, 2000, 3000 ...

The word for thousand has the singular form alf, the dual form alfayn, and the plural form alaf.
The plural form is used with the short form of the numbers 3 thru 10 from 3 thousand to 10
thousand. Then we return to the singular form (like we do for all Arabic nouns). Like the word for
hundred, it is followed by and when the number is not an exact multiple of 1000 (e.g. 1027 or
4738). From 1000 onward:
one thousand
alf
one thousand one
alf u wad
one thousand fifteen
alf u xmst
a
one thousand three hundred

sixtyseven (literally: one
thousand and three hundred and
seven and sixty)
two thousand
two thousand twentytwo
three thousand
three thousand seven
hundred and fifty
alf u tlt miya u sb a

u sttin
alfayn
alfayn u tnayn u
rin
tlt alaf
tlt alaf u sb miya u

xmsin
four thousand
rb alaf
five thousand
xms alaf
six thousand
stt alaf
seven thousand
sb alaf
eight thousand
tmn alaf
nine thousand
ts alaf
nine thousand nine hundred

ninetynine
ts alaf u ts miya u
ts ud u ts in
ten thousand
r alaf
eleven thousand
d
a r alf
two hundred thousand
miyatayn alf
999,999
ts miya u ts ud u
ts in alf u ts miya
u ts ud u ts in
Exact multiples of 1000 can be combined with nouns in two ways:

number+singularnoun
Or...

number+d()+pluralnounwithdefinitearticle
five thousand boys
xms alaf wld
five thousand boys
xms alaf d lwlad
Numbers larger than 1000 that are not exact multiples of 1000 are combined with nouns according to
the rules for the final digits, as you saw with numbers that were not exact multiples of 100.
Larger Numbers
Singular
Plural
million(s)
mlyun
mlayn
billion(s)
mlyar
mlayr
Exercise: Correctly combine numbers with nouns by filling in the blanks using
the following numbers and any necessary letters: 1, 3, 8, 13, 20, 400, or
1000. There may be more than one correct answer for each.
3 d lbnat
(the girls)
(house)
d
ar
stilu
drhm
mutat
awwi
(pen)
(dirham)
(volunteer)
(men)
(teacher)
ot
il
(hotel)
magana
(watch)
rjal
ustad
l yalat
(the women)
Ordinal Numbers / Fractions

Ordinal Numbers
For numbers 1 thru 12, there is a separate form for cardinal and ordinal numbers. From 13 on there is
no difference between the cardinal and ordinal number.
first
lluwl
second
tteni
third
ttalt
fourth
rrab
fifth
lxams
sixth
ssat / ssads
seventh
ssab
eighth
ttamn
28 Moroccan Arabic
ninth
ttas
tenth
l ar
eleventh
lad
twelfth
t
t
an
Ordinal numbers act like adjectives, and therefore must agree in gender and number with the noun
they describe. Listed are the masculine singular forms. To make the feminine form, add a ( )to the
ordinal number. To make it plural, add in ().
Masculine
lluwl
first
Feminine
lluwla
ttalt
third
Plural
lluwlin
ttalta
ttaltin
Fractions
half
ns
third
tulut
fourth
rubu / rb
Time
To express time, we use the demonstrative pronoun hadi and the appropriate number withthedefinite
article (see page 147 for more info on the definite article). This means that for 1:00, 5:00, 10:00, and
11:00, we will use the letter l ( )before the number, while for the others, we will double the first
consonant.
seven
ssb a
jjuj
eight
ttmnya
three
ttlata
nine
tts ud
four
rrb a
ten
l ra
five
lxmsa
eleven
ld
a
six
sstta
twelve
t
t
na
one
lwda
two
Like in English, Arabic uses certain words to express things like quarter to five, half past seven, etc.
before
ql
and
exactly
nian
quarter
rb
twenty minutes
tulut
half
ns
quarter to
lla rob
five minutes
qs
m
ten minutes
qs
mayn

Some examples of asking and answering about time:
It is exactly one oclock.
al hadi f ssa a?
hadi lwda nian.
It is five minutes past two.
hadi jjuj u qs
m.
It is ten minutes past three.
hadi ttlata u qs
mayn.
It is a quarter past four.
hadi rrb a u rb .
hadi lxmsa u tulut.
What time is it?
It is twenty minutes past five.

It is twentyfive minutes past six.
It is seven thirty.
It is eight thirtyfive.
It is twenty minutes to nine.
hadi sstta u xmsa u

rin.
hadi ssb a u ns
.
hadi tmnya u xmsa u
tlatin.
hadi tts ud ql tulut.

.

.
.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.
It is ten minutes to eleven
hadi l ra lla rob.

hadi ld
a ql qs
mayn.
It is five minutes to twelve.
hadi t
t
na ql qs
m.
.

.
6:30 A.M.
sstta u nsd s
s
ba
5:15 P.M.
lxmsa u rb d l iya
It is a quarter to ten.
Exercise:
Match the times with the correct Arabic translation.
10:30
lwda u qs
m
12:00
ld
a u qs
mayn
1:05
t
t
na nihan
2:20
l ra ql tulut
11:10
l ra u ns
9:40
jjuj u tulut
30 Moroccan Arabic
Exercise:
Give the time in Arabic for each clock or watch.
Getting Started Shopping

convertbetweendirhams,ryals,andfranks
buyitemsyouneedfromastore
usetheverbbainsimplesentencestoindicateadesire
indicatethepresenceorabsenceorsomeoneorsomethingwithkayn
Money
lflus
5
100
100 frank
20
1 dirham
100
20 ryal
20
5
When converting ryals to dirhams, divide by 20.

e.g. 100 ryals: 100 20 = 5 DH.
From franks to ryals, divide by 5. For example, 200 franks 5 = 40 ryals.
From franks to dirhams, divide by 100. For example, 200 franks 100 = 2 DH.
From ryals to dirhams, divide by 20. For example, 40 ryals 20 = 2 DH.
From ryals to franks, multiply by 5. For example, 40 ryals 5 = 200 franks.
From dirhams to ryals, multiply by 20. For example, 2 DH 20 = 40 ryals.
From dirhams to franks, multiply by 100. For example, 2 DH 100 = 200 franks.
Exercise:
Convert the money amounts.
1. Convert to dirhams
35 ryal
150 ryal
2. Convert to ryals
10 DH
30 DH
365 ryal
270 ryal
555 ryal
25 DH
125 DH
19 DH
32 Moroccan Arabic
At the Hanoot
Vocabulary
store
anut
peanuts
kaw kaw
store keeper
mul lanut
almonds
lluz
soda
lmonada
bottle
lqr a
chocolate
klat
bottle of water
qr a d lma
candies
llwa
Kleenex
kliniks
gum
lmska
toilet paper
ppapiyi
jinik
cookies
lbiskwi
tooth paste
dontifris
juice
l as
ir
soap
s
s
abun
bread
lxubz
shampoo
ampwan
jam
lkonfitur
detergent
tid
butter
zzbda
bleach
javel
eggs
lbid
batteries
ljrat d
rradyu
yogurt
danon
razor
rrazwar
milk
llib
tobacco store
s
s
aka
coffee
lqhwa
cigarettes
lgarru
tea
atay
package(s)
bakiya(t)
sugar
sskkar
cheese
lfrmaj
money
lflus
oil
zzit
change
s
s
rf
Expressions
Do you have ... ?
we ndk ... ?
Yes, I do (have).
iyeh, ndi.
No, I dont (have).
lla, ma ndi.
Is there ... ?
we kayn ... ?
...
Yes, there is. (masc.)
iyeh, kayn / mujud
Yes, there is. (fem.)
iyeh, kayna / mujuda
No, there isnt. (masc.)
lla, makayn.
No, there isnt. (fem.)
lla, makayna.
Give me ... please.
t
ini ... afak.
What do you want maam / sir?
nu biti a lalla/sidi?
How much?
bal?
...
.
/
/
... .
/
Do you have change?
we ndk s
s
rf?
Do you have change for ... ?
we ndk s
s
rf dyal..?

...
Liter
liter
itru
liter
rubu itru
liter
nsitru
1 liter
wad itru
2 liters
juj itru
I want a liter of milk.
bit nsitru d llib.
Dialogue
Karla: ssalamu alaykum.
mul lanut: wa alaykum ssalam.

:
:
.
nu biti a lalla?
Karla: we ndk klat
?
mul lanut: iyeh, mujud a lalla.
Karla: t
ini juj bakiyat.
:
. :
. :
bal?
. :
mul lanut: t
na l drhm.
Karla: hak, barak llah u fik.
. :
. :
mul lanut: bla jmil
1.
1. feen kayna Karla?
2.
2. we rat llib?
3.
3. nu rat mn lanut?
4.
4. al mn bakiya?
5.
5. bal?
Verb to want
In Moroccan Arabic, the verb to want is ba (). This verb uses the past tense but has a present
tense meaning. When conjugated in the present tense, ba means to like (see page 96).
I want
bit
34 Moroccan Arabic
you want (sing.)
biti
he wants
ba
she wants
bat
we want
bina
you want (plur.)
bitu
they want
bau
Verb + Noun Examples

I want tea.
bit atay.
Do you want coffee with sugar?
we biti lqhwa b skkar?
Ali wants a glass of water.
Ali ba kas d lma.
Driss and Fatima dont want

soda.
Driss u Fatima mabau

lmonada.
Exercise:
.

.
Make as many sentences as you can.
e.g. Hicham ba kuka.

Hicham
hiya
Fatima
huwa
huma
ana
na
ntuma
nta
nti
bgit
ba
bau
bat
biti
bina
bitu
atay
llib
lwa b klat
lqhwa
as
ir llimun
qhwa bla skkar
kuka
Listening Exercise
garsun: ssalamu alaykum.
Amy, Jack,
& Chris: wa alaykum ssalam.
garsun: a b lxat
r?
Jack: ana bit as
ir llimun.
garsun: waxxa a sidi, u nta?
Chris: ana bit qhwa nsns
.
garsun: waxxa a sidi, u nti?
Amy: bit qhwa kla.
garsun: mrba, la rras u l in.
1. nu ba Jack?
2. we Amy bat lib sxun?

:
:

. :
:

. :
:

. :
. :
1.
2.

3. nu ba Chris?
3.
Kayn for There is

The words kayn, kayna, and kaynin are actually the participles for the verb to be. In Darija,
however, we use them most often in the sense of there is or there are.
Affirmative
there is (masc. sing.)
kayn
there is (fem. sing.)
kayna
there are (plur.)
kaynin
Negative
there is not (masc. sing.)
makayn
there is not (fem. sing.)
makayna
there are not (plur.)
makaynin
Driss is at home.
kayn Driss f d
d
ar.
Is there water in the bottle?

Tom is not at the caf.
we kayn lma f lqr a?

makayn Tom f lqhwa.
There is food in the fridge.
kayna lmakla f ttlaja.
There are many books on the

table.
kaynin bzzaf d lktub fuq

t
bla.
.

.
.
.
Family
describefamilymembers
usetheverbtohaveinsimplesentences
CulturalPoints
Family ties are very strong in Morocco. Children remain in touch or live with the family even if
they get married (taking into consideration space available within the house). Men are not expected to
help in the kitchen. Roles of men and women may differ in the city and in the country.
Family Members
Vocabulary
woman/wife
mra
man/husband
rajl
girl/daughter
bnt
boy/son
wld
girls/daughters
bnat
boys/sons/
children
wlad
the parents
lwalidin
the father
l'ab
the mother
l'om
the brother
l'ax
the sister
(my) brother
l'oxt
xu(ya)
brothers/ siblings xut

(my) sister
xt(i)
sisters
xwatat
inlaw(s)
nsib / nsab
stepson
rbib
stepdaughter
rbiba
grandfather
jdd
grandmother
jdda
uncle (paternal)
mm
aunt (paternal)
mma
uncle (maternal)
xal
aunt (maternal)
xala
my nephew
(brothers side)
wld xuya
my niece
(brothers side)
bnt xuya
my nephew
(sisters side)
wld xti
my niece
(sisters side)
bnt xti
These forms are

rarely used in
Moroccan Arabic.
Sometimes they
are used with

dyal. More often,

we use the forms
my father, my
sister, etc.
my cousin (mas., wld mm(t)i

paternal)
my cousin (mas., wld xal(t)i

maternal)
my cousin
(fem, paternal)
bnt mm(t)i
my cousin
(fem, maternal)
bnt xal(t)i
For father, mother, brother, sister, aunt, and uncle, the word is almost always used with a possessive
pronoun. Thus, we say my father or his mother or your brother, but rarely ever use them alone.
The words brother, sister, aunt, and uncle take the possessive pronoun endings you already learned
(see page 8), but father and mother have a couple irregularities.
my father
bba
your father
bbak
his father
her father
Exercise:
my mother
mmi
your mother
mmk
bbah
his mother
mmu
bbaha
her mother
mha
Add the possessive endings to the following:

sister
xt
brother
xu
uncle
mm
aunt
mma
Expressions
How is Mohamed related to
you?
a kayjeek Mohamed?
How is Amina related to you?
a katjeek Amina?
My mom doesnt work.
mmi maxddama.
My mom and dad are divorced.
bba u mmi mt
llqin.
I have two twin siblings.
ndi juj xut twam.
How many siblings do you

have?
al d lxut ndk?
How many sisters do you have? al mn oxt ndk?
Whats your fathers name?
nu smit bbak?
How old is your brother?
al f mr xuk?
I have a younger brother.
ndi xuya s
r mnni.
ana u wld mmi qd qd.
My (male) cousin and I are the

same age.
ex: 1. Fatima ______ Samira.
My older sister is a teacher.
xti lli kbr mnni ustada.

xuya lli s
r mnni
kayqra.
My younger brother goes to

school.
Exercise:
Fatima
Aziz members for each arrow.

the relationships
Describe
between family
Verb to have
Karima
Ahmed
( )in the present tense:

The verb to have nd
ndi
I have
you have (sing.)
he has
Samira
11
12
ndk
ndu
Mohamed
Rachid
13
Youness
38 Moroccan Arabic
she has
ndha
we have
ndna
you have (plur.)
ndkum
they have
ndhum
Moha and Fatima have two

daughters and a son.
Moha u Fatima ndhum juj

bnat u wld.
We have a good teacher.
ndna ustad mzyan.

.
.
To negate the verb, use ma ... ( ... ).

Do you have a house in
Morocco?
we ndk d
ar f lmrib?
No, I dont. I have a house in

the U.S.
lla, ma ndi. ndi d

ar
f mirikan.
. .
Exercise:
Put the verb nd in the correct form.
1. xti _________ 24 am.

2. xuya _________ 2 wlad.
3. na _________ wld u tlata d
lbnat.
4. huma _________ famila kbira.
5. we Mohamed _________ t
omobil?
6. lla, _________.
24 ________ .
2 ________ .
________ .
________
.
________

________.
Exercise: Put sentences A thru I in the correct order for this letter from Karim to
Tom.
s
abi Tom,
bitini nhd
r lik la lfamila dyali?
A. bba smitu Ali.
B. mmi ndha ir 52 am.
C.
Hassan ndu 15 am u Mohamed ndu
20 am.
D.
E.

. .A
52
. .B
20

. .C

15
(kaysknu m ana f d
d
ar) welakin
xti mzuwja.
. .D
( (
rajlha smitu Moha. ndhum wad

lbnt smitha Nadia.

.
.E
.
F. ndoo 26 am.
G. smitha Hakima
H. ndi juj xut.
I. ana deba xal!
hd
r liya la lfamila dyalk ta nta.
s
abk, Karim
26 . .F
. .G
. .H
! .I
Practice Text
smiti John. baba smitu Stephen u
mama smitha Judy. ndi tlata d
lxut: juj bnat u wld. xuya smitu
Brian. huwa xddam f wad arika.
xti Kathy. mzuwja u ndha jooj
drari: wld u bnt. lwld mazal s
ir
ndu tlt hur. lbnt ndha tmn snin u
katmi l lmdrasa. xti s
-s
ira,
Mary, mazal katqra f ljami a.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
bat John, nu smitu?

u mmu, nu smitha?
al d lxut nd John?
kun s
s
ir f l a'ila d John?
we bnt xt John xddama?
. .
. . :

. .

. :
.
.
.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Directions
useprepositionstodescribethelocationsofobjects
giveandreceivedirectionstoplacesaroundtown
Prepositions
to / for
until
tta l
in / at
above / on
fuq
from
mn
below / under
tt
with (someone) m a
in front of
qddam
with / by / by
means of
facing
mqabl m a
without
bla
behind
mura
on / about
la
next to
da
between
bin
before
qbl
after
b d
of, belonging to d / dyal
kora
Exercise:
fin lkora?
snduq
4
lkora fuq ssnduq.

.

Directions
Vocabulary
hospital /
health center
ssbit
ar
pharmacy
lfrmasyan
mosque
jjam
public phone
ttelebutik
store
lanut
avenue
ari
street
zznqa
alley
ddrb
far (from)
b id (mn)
) )
close (to)
qrib (mn)
) )
here
hna
there
tmma
hotel
lot
il
post office
lbost
a
train station
lagar
bus station
lmat
t
a d
lkiran
city bus stop
lmat
t
a d
t
t
ubisat
bank
lbanka
public bath
lmmam
restaurant
rrist
ora
caf
lqhwa
cyber caf
ssiber
school
lmdrasa
weekly market
ssuq
Expressions
Where is ... please?
fin kayn(a) ... afak.
Is there a ... close?
we kayn(a) i ...
qrib(a)?
Go straight.
sir nian.
Turn right.
d
ur l limn.
Turn left.
d
ur l lisr.
Go ahead a bit.
zid wiya l qddam.
Pass the first street.
fut zznqa lluwla.
The 2nd street, yes.
zznqa tenya iyeh.
... ( ).
)(... )(
.
42 Moroccan Arabic
Dialogue
Jason u Brahim f lmat
t
a d lkiran.
Jason: ssalamu alaykum.
Brahim: wa alaykum ssalam.
Jason: fin lagar afak?
Brahim: sir nian tta l zznqa
ttalta u d
ur l lisr, u
mn b d zid nian tta l
lbar u d
ur l limn.
tmma lagar.
Jason: barak llah u fik.
Brahim: kattkllm l rbiya mzyan!
Jason: wiya u s
afi.
Brahim: we nta fransawi?
Jason: lla, ana mirikani.
yhnnik.
Brahim: bslama.
Exercise:

. :
. :
:
:

.
.
. :
! :
. :

:
lla
.
.
. :
Using the same map, give each person directions.
1. Dave is in the sbitar

and wants to go to lbosta
.
2. Anna is in the matta
and wants to go to lotil
.
3. Stephen is in the mari and wants to go to ssiber.
4. Hakim is in the anut and wants to go to lmmam.
Past Events
talkaboutpastactivitieswithregularandirregularverbs
talkaboutwhatyoudidnotdousingnegativesentences
askaboutpastexperiences(Haveyouever...)andrespond(Ivenever...)
useobjectpronounswithverbs
askvariedquestionswithdifferentquestionwords
Time Vocabulary
Before we begin the past tense, lets learn some words that will help us describe when past events took
place. Then we will be ready to talk about some of our past activities.
Days of the Week

day
yum / nhar
week
simana
Sunday
ldd
Monday
ltnin
) )
) )
Tuesday
ttlat
) )
Wednesday
larb
) )
Thursday
lxmis
Friday
jjm a
Saturday
ssbt
Months of the Year

month
hr
June
yunyu
year
am
July
yulyuz
January
yanayr
August
ut
February
fbrayr
September
utnbir
March
mars
October
oktobr
April
abril
November
nuwanbir
May
may
December
dujanbir
summer
s
s
if
fall
lxrif
winter
ta
The Seasons
season
fas
l
seasons
fos
ul
spring
rrbi
For information about the months of the Islamic calendar and some of the major religious events of
Time
Expressions
the year, see Moroccan Holidays on page 160.
this year
had l am
last year
l am lli fat
last month
hr lli fat
last week
ssimana lli fatt
yesterday
lbar
today
lyum
on (+ day of the week)
nhar
...
44 Moroccan Arabic
on Friday
nhar jjm a
in (+ month)
f hr
in August
f hr ut
f hr tmnya
at (+ time)
at 9:00
f tts ud
at dawn
f lfjr
in the morning
f s
s
ba
in the afternoon / evening
f l iya
at night
f llil
at midnight
f nsllil

...

Past Tense Regular Verbs

Verbs in General
When learning verbs in a foreign language, we usually learn the infinitive form of the verb (e.g. to
eat), and then learn how to conjugate from that infinitive (I eat, he eats, they eat). In Arabic, there
are not infinitives for verbs in this way. Rather, we learn the heform of the verb (i.e. third person
masculine singular) in the pasttense, and then learn how to conjugate the other forms (I, you, she, etc.)
from the he form. Because we use this past tense he form like an infinitive for the purposes of
learning verbs, if you see something referred to as an infinitive, it is this form. Some examples:
past
pasttense
tense
rb
he drank
he
heform:
form:
like
d
rb
he hit
likean
aninfinitive
infinitive
gls
he sat
Whenever you are given a new verb in this book or by your teacher, it will be given to you in this form.
You will be able to conjugate verbs in the past or present tense based upon this infinitive form.
The vast majority of Darija (Moroccan Arabic) verbs are made up of threeletters (see the verbs above).
To these stems we can add prefixes (letters that we attach to the beginning of a word) and suffixes
(letters we attach to the end of a word) in order to conjugate the verb. Stems with a vowel in the middle
and stems with a vowel at the end will differ from verbs with three consonants.
Regular Verbs in the Past Tense

When we say regular verb, we mean a verb that is conjugated according to rules that the large
majority of verbs in the language use. An irregular verb is conjugated according to different rules.
There are regular and irregular verbs for both the past and present tense in Darija. However, irregular
verbs that are similar in the past may be different in the present. So, you need to realize that the
groups of verbs categorized together for the past tense may not always correspond to the groups in the
present tense.
In general, regular verb refers to:
All 3letter verbs without the long vowel a ( / )in the middle or end position
(i.e. 3letter verbs made up only of consonants)

All verbs with more than 3 letters and not ending in a ( / )
To conjugate a regular verb in the past tense, we add the following suffixes (endings):
Remember
Rememberthat
that
ktb
to
the
infinitive
thewrite
infinitiveisis
the
same
as
the
the same as the
ktbt
Ipast
wrote
pasttense
tensehe
he
form.
form.
In the past
tense, you
(masc.) and
you (fem.)
are the same.
In the present
tense, they will
be different.
you wrote (masc. sing.)
ktbti
you wrote (fem. sing.)
ktbti
he wrote
ktb
she wrote
ktbat
we wrote
ktbna
you wrote (plur.)
ktbtu
they wrote
ktbu
Some Regular Verbs

to drink
rb
to understand
fhm
to know
rf
to work
xdm
to play
l b
to hit
d
rb
to draw
rsm
to stop / stand
up
wqf
to sleep
n s
to arrive
ws
l
to wear
lbs
to hear / listen
sm
to stay / sit
gls
to ask
suwl
to enter
dxl
to travel
safr
to go out
xrj
to help
awn
to return
rj
to send
s
ift
to watch
tfrrj
to wash
sl
to speak
tkllm
to use
Some examples:
st ml
Yesterday, I drank tea without

sugar.
lbar, rbt atay bla

skkar.
Last week, Said wrote a letter to ssimana lli fatt, Said

ktb bra l sabu.
his friend.
l am lli fat, safrna l

New York.
Last year, we traveled to New

York.
Exercise:
Put the verbs in parentheses in the correct form.
Mohamed: we (n s) bkri lbar?

Hassan: lla
Mohamed: la?
)(
46 Moroccan Arabic
Hassan: (gls) m a l a'ila dyali
u (tkllm) m ahum wiya.
mn b d, {na}(xrj).
mlli (rj ), (l b)
lkart
a u (tfrrj) f
ttlfaza. mn b d {ana}
(dxl) l lbit dyali u (n
s).
ldd lli fat, (awn) xti f lkuzina:

(sl) lmma n u (t
iyb) lda.
((( )
.( }{) .
( )( )( )
}{ )( .

) ).

)( : )(
)( .
Past Tense Irregular Verbs

When we speak about irregular verbs for the pasttense, we refer to three categories: 1. threeletter verbs
with the long vowel a ( )in the middle position, 2. any verb with the long vowel a ( / )at the end,
and 3. twoletter verbs.
1st Category: long vowel a ( )in the middle position

To conjugate a threeletter verb in the past tense with the long vowel a in the middle position, remove
the long vowel a for the I,you(sing.),we,andyou(plur.) forms before adding the past tense endings.
For the she form, only add a t. The he and they forms are like regular verbs.
to be
kan
I was
In these forms, we
knt
knti
knti
remove the middle

you
(masc.
sing.)
awere
and then
add the
endings.
you were (fem. sing.)
he was
kan
she was
kant
we were
knna
you were (plur.)
kntu
they were
kanu
Some Irregular Verbs with long vowel a ( )in the middle position
to get up /
stand up
nad
to throw
la
to pass / pass by daz
to pass
fat
to love / be
dying for
mat la
to increase
zad
to see
af
to do / make
dar
to swim
am
to sell
ba
to bring
jab
to say
gal

to fast
s
am
to be scared
xaf
to drive
s
ag
to live
Some examples:
This morning I got up at 7:00.
had s
s
ba nd
t f ssb a.
What did you do yesterday?
nu drti lbar?
Whats done is done. (proverb)
lli fat mat.
Exercise:

.

.
ssimana lli fatt, ana u s

abi (am)
f lappisin.
Sara (a)
)(
.
f mirikan amayn.
)( .

nhar ssbt f l iya, ana u s

abati
(kan) f lmmam. mlli xrjna (daz) l
lqhwa.
.
)(
)( .
2nd Category: long vowel a ( / )at the end

To conjugate a verb with the long vowel a at the end, change the vowel to i for the I,you(sing.),we,
andyou(plur.) forms, then add the normal endings. For the she form, only add a t. The he and they
forms are like regular verbs.
to eat
In these forms, we
I ate
change the final a
to i then add the
you
ate (masc. sing.)
endings.
kla
klit
kliti
you ate (fem. sing.)
kliti
he ate
kla
she ate
klat
we ate
klina
klitu
In these forms, we
youkeep
atethe
(plur.)
final a
and then add the
they
ate
endings.
klau
Some Irregular Verbs with the long vowel a ( / )at the end
to go
ma
to rent
kra
to start
bda
to run
jra
to buy
ra
to finish
sala
to sing
nna
to have lunch
tdda
to give
t
a
to have dinner
t a
to forget
nsa
to hope
tmna
to cry
bka
to wait
tsna
to want
ba
to read / study
qra
48 Moroccan Arabic
xda
to take
to meet
tlaqa
to come
ja
Some examples:
Last Sunday, I went to the
medina and bought a jellaba.
ldd lli fat, mit l

lmdina u rit jllaba.
They sang at the party on

Saturday.
huma nnau f lfla nhar

ssbt.
Exercise:
John u Amy (kra) d

ar zwina f
Marrakech.
)( .
lbar ana u Paul (tlaqa) m a s

abna
f rrist
ora u (tdda) mjmu in.
(
)
)(
.
ssimana lli fatt, huma (sala) lxdma

dyalhum f lmrib.

.
)(
Moroccan Wisdom: .
l-li ba l-sl y-sbr
l qris n-nl.
Theonewhowantshoneymusttoleratebeestings.
English equivalent: Every rose has its thorn.
3rd Category: twoletter verbs

When we say twoletter verbs, some confusion can arise. When we write them in Arabic, they have
only two letters. However, there is a shedda on the second letter (see pages 3 and 146), so in the
transcription we double the second letter, making them look like threeletter verbs. In this case, you can
still recognize them because the second and third letters are the same. Or, look at the Arabic script and
you can be sure of the fact that they are, indeed, twoletter verbs.
To conjugate this type of verb, we add the long vowel i to the I,you(sing.),we,andyou(plur.) forms,
then add the normal endings. The he,she,andthey forms are like regular verbs.
In these forms, we
i to the verb,
toadd
open
then add the normal

opened
endings.
ll
llit
you opened (masc. sing.)
lliti
you opened (fem. sing.)
lliti
he opened
ll
sheInopened
these forms, we
llat
add the
wesimply
opened
llina
you opened (plur.)
llitu
they opened
llu
normal endings.
A two-letter
verb with
shedda on
the second
letter.
Some twoletter verbs

to close
sdd
to be able
qdd
to smell
mm
to pick up
hzz
to hand
mdd
to think
d
nn
to answer /
return back
rdd
to be bored
mll
to pour
kbb
to take / catch
dd
to feel
ss
to pull / drag
jrr
to put
t
t
Some examples:
I opened the window and I
closed the door
llit ssrjm u sddit

lbab.
I felt cold
ssit b lbrd.
Exercise:
lbar f s
s
ba, Mary (rdd) lktab l
lxizana.
mlli kan l jaj, {ana} (sdd) ssrajm.
{na} (t
t
) lwayj f lmakina d
s
s
abun.

.

.
) ( .
}{ ) ( .
{ ).
{
(
Negation
Normal Negative Form
In order to express the negative of a verb (i.e. didnt, or dont, or doesnt), we add the prefix ma (
)to the beginning of a verb and the suffix ( )to the end of a verb.
We drank.
rbna
We didnt drink.
marbna
Exercise:
Conjugate the verbs in parentheses in the negative form.
huwa (safr) ssimana lli fatt.

lbar f llil (qra) lktab dyali it
knt iyan.
iya (gls) m ana it (sala) lxdma
dyalha.
na (n s) bkri it (t a) bkri.
Kari (lbs) lkswa jjdida f lfla it
(kan) ndha lwqt.
mlli ja l lmrib (s
ift) bra l
lwalidin dyalu.
)(
.
)( .
)( )(
.
)( ).
(
)( )(
.
)(
.
50 Moroccan Arabic
kant lbrd u {ana} (ll) ssrajm.
}{ ).
(
Additional Negative Forms

The following negative forms replace the ( )we use for the normal negative form. We still use ma (
)before the verb, but we use these forms after the verb or, sometimes, before the verb (and thus
before ma).
nothing
walu
nothing
tta aja
nothing
tta i
no one
tta wad
no one
(tta) dd
((
neither ... nor
la ... wala
only / just
ir
...
Some examples:
I knew nothing.
ma rft walu.
I ate nothing.
makleet tta aja.
No one came.
tta wad maja.
He saw no one.
maaf tta wad / dd.
I met neither Mohamed nor

Amber.
malaqit la Mohamed wala

Amber.
I drank only water.
marbt ir lma.
Exercise:
.
.
/ .
.
.
Put the verbs in parentheses in the proper form.
ldd lli fat (gls) f d

d
ar,
(xrj negative) laqqa (kan) -ta.
f l iya s
abi (ja) u (ma) l ssiber
bjooj. mn b d (ma) l ssinima.
(af) wad l-film zwin. mlli (xrj),
(daz) l s-suq. (ra) lxodra. mn b
d (dd) t
obis u (rj )l d
-d
ar.
Exercise:
( )
)( )(
. )( )( .
. )( . )(
( ). )( . )( ()
)( .
Write a paragraph from these pictures.
Have you ever... / Ive never...

Have you ever...?
We can use the word mmr (
)to express the English equivalent of the present perfect tense: Have
you ever...? and I have never... We conjugate it as follows:
Have I ever...
we mmri / mmrni
Have you (sing.) ever...
we mmrk
Has he ever...
we mmru
Has she ever...
we mmrha
Have we ever...
we mmrna
Have you (plur.) ever...
we mmrkum
Have they ever...
we mmrhum
The verb that follows mmr is often in the past tense. Some examples:
Have you ever gone to France?
we mmrk miti l Fransa?
Have they ever eaten couscous? we mmrhum klau lksksu?

Have you ever drunk mint tea in
America?
we mmrkum rbtu atay b nn

na f mirikan?
Ive never...
This is like the conjugation above, with the addition of ma ( )at the beginning of mmr (
).
I have never...
ma mmri / ma mmrni
you (sing.) have never...
ma mmrk
he has never...
ma mmru
she has never...
ma mmrha
we have never...
ma mmrna
you (plur.) have never...
ma mmrkum
they have never...
ma mmrhum
Some examples:
Ive never eaten hamburger.
ma mmrni kleet lhamborgr.
She has never been abroad.
ma mmrha safrat l lxarij.
He has never spoken Arabic.
ma mmru tkllm l rbiya.
Object Pronouns
In English, we have pronouns for the subject of a sentence: I, you, he, she, we, and they. But we also
have objectpronouns that we use afterverbs:
Hehitme.
Isawher.
Askhimaquestion. Wegavethemsomecake.
So far, you have learned the independent pronouns (see page 7) and the possessive pronouns (see
page 8). Here are the objectpronouns that we use in Moroccan Arabic afterverbs:
me
ni
you (sing.)
him / it
u / h
her / it
ha
us
na
52 Moroccan Arabic
you (plur.)
kum
them
hum
These pronouns are the same as the possessive pronouns, with the exception of me. The him form
uses u after consonants and h after vowels, exactly like the possessive pronoun form. Some examples:
omar ta wad l-ktab l
Omar gave a book to Mohamed. Mohamed.
omar t
ah l Mohamed.
Omar gave it to Mohamed.
Did you write the letter to

Hassan?
we ktbti l-bra l
Hassan?
Yes, I wrote it to Hassan.
iyeh, ktbtha l Hassan.
Why did you leave us with him?
la xllitina m ah?
She saw me at the movie

theater.
aftni f s-sinima.
As you can see, these pronouns are attached directlytotheverb. As a result, when a verb with an object
pronoun is made negative, the ( )is used after the pronoun. Some examples:
You saw me.
ftini
You didnt see me.
ma-ftini-
Did you see Hakima and Karim? we fti Hakima u Karim?

lla, ma-fthum-.
No, I didnt see them.
Exercise:
Replace the underlined nouns by the corresponding pronouns.
1. qrit dik l-jarida l-bar f s

s
ba.
2. nsau s-sarut dyalhum f d
-d
ar.
3. zrt duk n-nas f Fes l-bar.
4. ddau wldhum m ahum l s-sinima.

.
.
.
5. wqqfna ffar f z-znqa.
6. bba awn xuk f l-sab.
Question Words
Some of these you already know. Some will be new for you.
who
kun
Who are you?
kun nta / nti?
what
a / nu / anu
/ /
What did you do yesterday?
nu drti l-bar?
which
amn
Which bus did you take?
amn t
obis xditi?
where
fin / fayn
Where did you eat pizza?
fin kliti l-ppitza?
how
kifa
How did you get to the hotel?
kifa ws
lti l l-ot
il?
from where
mnin
Where did you come from?
mnin jiti?
when
fuqa / imta
When did you sleep yesterday?
fuqa n sti l-bar?
When did you arrive?
imta ws
lti?
why
la
Why did you come late?
la jiti m t
t
l?
Because I didnt get up early.
laqqa ma-nd
t- bkri.
The word mn ( )is used after some prepositions to create question words.
with whom
m a mn
With whom did you travel to

Rabat? (In the US: Who did you travel m a mn safrti l Rabat?
to Rabat with?)
whose
dyal mn
how many / how much
al
The question word al ( )may is followed by either d ( )or mn (), depending upon the noun
following it. Uncountable nouns are nouns that do not have a plural because they speak about
something that can be measured, but not counted (e.g. tea, air). Countable nouns are nouns that
have plural forms and, therefore, nouns with which we use numbers (e.g. 5 cats, 3 books). With al:
al+d+singularuncountablenoun
or
al+d+pluralcountablenoun
or
al+mn+singularcountablenoun
How much time?
al d l-wqt?
How many books?
al d l-ktub?
How many books?
al mn ktab?
In referring to prices, al is almost always preceded by the preposition b ().

How much is this shirt?
bal had l-qamija?
How much did you pay for

them?
bal ritihum?
Exercise: Write your time line of activities for last Sunday. Use the following time
expressions and verbs to write as many sentences as you can.
e.g. f l-weekend t it m a s
abi f
rrist
ora.
TimeExpressions
f l-weekend

tfrrj
Verbs
t a
54 Moroccan Arabic
f s
-s
ba bkri
f l-iya
f l-lil
mn b d
l-dd lli fat
f (time)

) )
dar
awn
s
am
kbb
dqq
safr
tsnna
ja
ma
tlaqa
xaf
ws
l
af
qra
duw
tkllm
lbs
s
ift
Daily Routines
talkaboutyourdailyactivitiesusingthepresenttense
useoneverbafteranothertoexpresscomplexthoughts
givecommandswiththeimperative
Present Tense Regular Verbs

Present Tense in General
In Arabic, the present tense normally expresses both habitual and progressive actions.
habitualaction:
IeatcouscouseveryFriday.
progressiveaction:
Iameatingcouscousnow.
For a small number of verbs, the present tense expresses only habitual actions (see page 151 for more
information on these verbs).
Unlike the past tense, which uses only suffixes (endings) to conjugate a verb, the present tense uses
) and another letter (n, t, or y).
bothsuffixesandprefixes. The present tense prefix is written with ka (
Present tense suffixes (i or u) may be added as well.
Regular Verbs in the Present Tense

Verbs that were regular in the past tense are still regular in the present tense. In addition to these,
twoletterverbsarealsoregular in the present tense. Therefore, they will be conjugated like ktb ()
in the present tense. See page 51 for more information on two-letter verbs.
Here is the conjugation of the verb ktb in the present tense, with prefixes and suffixes underlined:
to write
ktb
I write
kan-ktb
you write (masc. sing.)
kat-ktb
you write (fem. sing.)
kat-ktbi
he writes
Yes, these
kay-ktb
she writes
same. You
kat-ktb
understand
we write
kan-ktbu
kat-ktbu
kay-ktbu
are the
the speaker
you write
(plur.)
by context.
they write
Q:What changes are brought to the verb when conjugated in the present tense?
These have
different
conjugations.
In the past
tense, they
had the same
conjugation.
56 Moroccan Arabic
Time Expressions
always
dima
usually
aliban
sometimes
b dl-mrrat
from time to time
mrra mrra
once a ...
mrra f ...
once a year
mrra f l-am
once a month
mrra f l-hr
once a week
mrra f s-simana
everyday
yawmiyan
on (day of the week)
nhar ...
on Saturday
nhar s-sbt
every ...
kul ...
every morning
kul s
ba
every Friday
kul jm a
now
deba

...

...
Some examples:
Malika drinks milk every

morning.
Greg kay-tkllm d-darija

mzyan.
Malika kat-rb l-lib kul
s
ba.
Amina and her friend travel to

France once a year.
Amina u s
abtha kaysafru
l fransa mrra f l-am.
Aicha is pouring tea.
Aicha kat-kbb atay.
I dont drink coffee.
ma-kan-rb- l-qhwa.
Greg speaks Darija well.
.

.

.
.

.

Exercise: Answer the following sentences (based on the examples above) in the
negative.
1. we Greg kaytkllm tamazit mzyan?

1.
2. we Malika katrb atay kul s

ba?
3. we Amina u s
abtha kaysafru l
mirikan mrra f l am?
4. we Aicha katkbb lma?

2.

3.
4.

Exercise:
Describe in the present tense the following activities.

/
/

nu kaydir / katdir / kaydiru?
Present Tense
Irregular Verbs with
Middle a
Categories of Present Tense Irregular Verbs

a becomes u
long vowel
a in
the middle
Irregular Verbs in General

Irregular verbs in the present tense are
more complicated than in the past tense.
In the past tense, verbs with the same
structure (a in the middle, a at the
end) were conjugated the same way. In
the present tense, verbs that look the
same in their infinitive form may be
conjugated differently.
a becomes i
a remains a
Present
Tense
Irregular
Verbs
a becomes i
long vowel
a at the
end
a remains a
internal changes
As a result of this difference, in the
present tense you will have to remember
which category of conjugation each
irregular verb belongs to. These categories are listed in the diagram to the right, and each will be
shown individually. The glossary of verbs in the appendix (see page 163) also shows, by example, how
an irregular verb is conjugated.
We will deal with two large groups of irregular verbs: 3-letter verbs with a long vowel a in the middle
and all verbs with a long vowel a at the end. Within each of these general groups, there will be three
categories of different conjugations. At times, it may seem like too much information to handle. But
Peace Corps trainees have been learning the irregular present tense for years; youll do great.
Practicing irregular verbs with your homestay family is one way to remember how each verb is
conjugated. The more you use the verbs, the quicker they will stick in your memory.
58 Moroccan Arabic
1st Category: Long a Becomes Long u

Remember, here we are dealing with 3-letter verbs with a ( )in the middle. The long vowel a ( )changes
to the long vowel u (), with the same prefixes and suffixes as regular verbs in the present tense.
gal
to say
I say
kangul
you say (masc. sing.)
katgul
you say (fem. sing.)
katguli
he says
kaygul
she says
katgul
we say
kangulu
you say (plur.)
katgulu
they say
kaygulu
Verbs like gal

to be
kan
to pass
fat
to blame
lam
to see
af
to die
mat
to swim
am
to drive / ride
s
ag
to taste
daq
to fast
s
am
to throw
la
to melt
dab
to turn
d
ar
to pass
daz
to visit
zar
Some examples:
Muslims fast Ramadan every
year.
lmslmin kays
umu rmd
an
kul am.
Lisa swims well.
Lisa kat um mzyan.

had ifur ma-kays
ug-
mzyan.
This driver doesnt drive well.

.

.

.
When the verb to be, kan ( )is conjugated in the present tense, it expresses a habitual action or
activity, not a current state or condition.
Where are you (every) Saturday fin katkun nhar ssbt f l
iya?
afternoon?
In order to express current states or conditions, use independent pronouns with adjectives or nouns
(see page 7) or use the participles of kan (( )see page 37). You have already learned both!
Exercise:

/
/

2nd Category: Long a Becomes Long i

In this category, the long vowel a ( )in the middle of the verb changes to the long vowel i (), with the
same prefixes and suffixes as regular verbs in the present tense.
jab
to bring
I bring
kanjib
you bring (masc. sing.)
katjib
you bring (fem. sing.)
katjibi
he brings
kayjib
she brings
katjib
we bring
kanjibu
you bring (plur.)
katjibu
they bring
kayjibu
Verbs like jab

to add
zad
to fly
t
ar
to be absent
ab
to leak
sal
to be cooked
t
ab
to wake up
faq
to do / make
dar
sell
ba
to fall
t
a
to touch
qas
to trust
taq
Some examples:
Hassan sells (is selling)
vegetables in the souq.
Hassan kaybi lxod

ra f
ssuq.
I dont wake up early on

Sundays.
makanfiq bkri nhar

ldd.
.

.

60 Moroccan Arabic
What do you do on Saturdays?
Exercise:
nu katdir nhar ssbt?

/
/

3rd Category: Long a Remains Long a

In this category, the long vowel a ( )remains the same, without any changes, with the same prefixes
and suffixes as regular verbs in the present tense.
bat
to spend the night
I spend the night
kanbat
you spend the night

(masc. sing.)
katbat
you spend the night

(fem. sing.)
katbati
he spends the night
kaybat
she spends the night
katbat
we spend the night
kanbatu
you spend the night

(plur.)
katbatu
they spend the night
kaybatu
Verbs like bat

to appear
ban
to look like
ban bal
to owe
sal
to be scared
xaf
Some examples:
The mouse is scared of the cat.
lfar kayxaf mn lqt

.
You look like you are sick.
katban bal ila mrid

.
These have
the same
conjugation in
this category.
.

.

Present Tense Irregular Verbs with Final a

Now we change our focus from verbs with a long vowel a ( )in the middle of the verb to those with a
long vowel a ( )at the end of the verb.
1st Category: Long a Becomes Long i

In this category, the long vowel a ( )changes to the long vowel i (), with the same prefixes and
suffixes as regular verbs in the present tense.
jra
to run
I run
kanjri
you run (masc. sing.)
katjri
you run (fem. sing.)
katjri
he runs
kayjri
she runs
katjri
we run
kanjriu
you run (plur.)
katjriu
they run
kayjriu
Verbs like jra

to build
bna
to go
ma
to buy
ra
to pray
s
lla
to cry
bka
to like / love
ba
to clean
nqqa
to show
wrra
to come
ja
to sing
nna
to fold
t
wa
to smoke
kma
to fry
qla
to teach
qrra
to finish
sala
to turn off
t
fa
Some examples:
Hassan sings (is singing) in the
shower.
Hassan kaynni f ddu.
I dont smoke hash.
makankmi li.
Do you run every morning?
we katjri kul s
ba?
62 Moroccan Arabic
Exercise:

/
/

2nd Category: Long a Remains Long a

In this category, the long vowel a ( )remains the same, without any changes, with the same prefixes
and suffixes as regular verbs in the present tense.
qra
to read / study
I read
kanqra
you read (masc. sing.)
katqra
you read (fem. sing.)
katqray
he reads
kayqra
she reads
katqra
we read
kanqrau
you read (plur.)
katqrau
they read
kayqrau
Verbs like qra

to forget
nsa
to defy
tdda
to find
lqa
to eat lunch
tdda
to hope
tmnna
to eat dinner
t a
to meet
tlaqa
to be cured
bra
to go shopping tqdda
to be finished
tsala
tsara
to take care
(of)
thlla (f)
to walk around
Some examples:
) )
From time to time we eat dinner

at the restaurant.
mrra mrra kant au f

rrist
ora.
I dont go shopping every day.
ma-kantqdda- kul yum.
How many books do you read in al mn ktab katqra f

hr?
a month?
Exercise:
.

.


/
/

Moroccan Wisdom: .
drb
l-did maddu sxun.
Strikewhiletheironishot.
3rd Category: Verb Has Internal Changes
Two verbs in Moroccan Arabic are conjugated in the present tense by changing their internal structure
in addition
addingthe
the normal prefixes and suffixes.
In thesetoforms,
u is pronounced
kla
tovery
eat quickly. Thus,

kanakul
I eatone shouldnt say

kan-akuuuuul, but

katakul
you rather
eat (masc.
sing.)
kanak
ul

katakuli
you eat (fem. sing.)

he eats
kayakul
she eats
katakul
we eat
kanaklu
64 Moroccan Arabic
you eat (plur.)
kataklu
they eat
kayaklu
Another Verb like kla

xda
to take
Some examples:
Every Friday we eat couscous.
She takes medicine before she
goes to bed.
Exercise:
kul jm a kanaklu ksksu.

kataxud ddwa qbl
ma tn s.
/
/

Using One Verb after Another

Sometimes, we will want to use one verb directly after another. This is true in English:
Iwanttoread. Helikestocook.
Weforgottocallyou. Shebegantostudyyesterday.
As the examples show, in English we use the infinitive after a verb (to read, to cook, to call, to study).
But in Arabic, as you recall, there isnt actually an infinitive for verbs (see page 46). Instead, we use the
presenttenseofaverbwithouttheopeningka. This will serve as the equivalent of the English
infinitive when we use one verb after another.
Present
Tense
Without
ka
Used after ba
I want to go.
kan-mi
n-mi
bit n-mi
You want to go.
kat-mi
t-mi
biti t-mi
He wants to go.
kay-mi
y-mi
ba y-mi
She wants to go.
kat-mi
t-mi
bat t-mi
We want to go.
kan-miu
n-miu
bina n-miu
You want to go.
kat-miu
t-miu
bitu t-miu
They want to go.
kay-miu
y-miu
bau y-miu
.
.
Some more examples:

I hope to speak Darija well.
He forgot to bring the book.
kantmnna n-tkllm ddarija

mzyan.
nsa y-jib lktab.
.

.
Using with Other Expressions

This same construction is used after other words and expressions. The most important of these is bash
(). This word is the equivalent of the English in order to. Some examples:
Latifa went to the post office
in order to send a letter.
Lat
ifa mat l lbost
a ba
t-sift
bra.
I went to Marrakech in order

to see my friend.
mit l Marrakech
ba n-uf s
abi.
Exercise: Combine the following words into sentences, using the proper
conjugations of verbs and pronouns.
1. Amina / ma / l l-bosta
/ ba / ra / kart d t-tilifun.
2. huwa / ba / ma / l mirikan / ba / qra.
3. na / ja / l l-mrib / ba / awn / nas dyalu / u / t rrf / lihum / u /
{huma} rf {na} / mzyan.
66 Moroccan Arabic
The Imperative
The imperative is used to give commands: Go to the store! Open the window! Study Arabic! The
positive imperative tells someone to do something, the negative imperative tells someone not to do
something.
The positive imperative is formed by dropping both the ka (
) and the prefix t ( )from the singular
and plural you forms of the present tense. In the following table, all the examples are equal to the
English command, Write!
Present Tense
you (masc. sing.)
you (fem. sing.)
you (plur. sing.)
Imperative
kat-ktb
kat-ktbi
kat-ktbu
ktb
ktbi
ktbu
The negative imperative is formed by dropping the ka (

) and using the negative form ma... ( ...).
In the following table, the first verb is gls, to sit, and the negative imperatives are equivalent to the
English Dont sit! The second verb is wqf, to stand / stop and the negative imperatives are
equivalent to the English Dont stand up!
John Present Tense
you (masc. sing.) kat-gls
Imperative
gls
Negative Imperative
ma-t-gls-

you (fem. sing.)
kat-glsi
glsi
ma-t-glsi-
you (plur. sing.)
kat-glsu
glsu
ma-t-glsu-
you (masc. sing.) kat-wqf

kat-wqfi
you (fem. sing.)
wqf
wqfi
ma-t-wqf-
ma-t-wqfi-
kat-wqfu
wqfu
ma-t-wqfu-
you (plur. sing.)
Some Irregular Imperatives

For the following three verbs, the positive imperative is not regular.
ma
1. to go
sir
siri
Dont go.
Go.
siru
ja
2. to come
aji
aji
Dont come.
Come.
ajiu
ta / ara
3. to give
ara
aray
Dont give me.
Give me.
arau
ma-t-mi-
ma-t-mi-
ma-t-miu-
ma-t-ji-
ma-t-ji-
ma-t-jiu-
ma-t-t
ini-
ma-t-t
ini-
ma-t-t
iuni-
Exercise: Put the verbs between parentheses in correct form, then arrange the
sentences in the correct order.
A. mn b d (lbs) wayji.
)( .
B. (sl) wjhi u snan, mn b d (fiyq) ddrari.

C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
ana (nad
) f 7:30.
f l iya (tqdda) wlla (xmml) d
-d
ar.
ana (xdm) tta l 1:00 mn b d (tdda).
(wjd) lft
ur.
na (t a) mjmu in.
ana (n s) aliban f 11:00.
I. ana (dd) t
t
ubis f 8:00 ba (ma) lxdma.
J. ddrari (n s) f 8:00.
Exercise:
(( )(
.
7:30 )( .
(
).
( )
)1:00 ) )( .
(( .
).
(
11:00 )( .
( )8:00 ) (
.
8:00 )( .
Write a paragraph out of each set of pictures.
Bobby
Text
kifa katduwz nnhar?
Susan mutat
awi a m a hay'at ssalam. kul
nhar katfiq bkri u katjri. mn b d
katduw u katft
r. dima f s
s
ba katxdm
tta l 11:30. mlli katsali, katrj l
d
-d
ar. katwjjd lmakla u kattdda. f l
iya kattqdda u b dlmrrat katlaqa s
abha
wlla katmi l ssiber. f llil katt a u
dima katqra qbl ma t-n s.
1.
2.
3.
4.
nu
we
nu
nu
katdir
katxdm
katdir
katdir
Susan? we turist?
f l iya?
qbl ma t-n s?
kul nhar?

.

.
.11:30

1.

2.

3.

4.
Bargaining
bargainforbasicitems,suchasclothing
describethecolorsofitems
usemasculine,feminine,andpluraladjectivescorrectly
describedifferencesbetweenobjectsusingthecomparativeandsuperlative
Bargaining
General Bargaining Information
In Morocco, bargaining is a part of life. It can sometimes be tiring for people not used to it, but with
some cultural and language skills, it can become much easier. Some information about bargaining can
also make the process simpler.
First of all, you need to know what items should be bargained for, and what items normally have fixed
prices, even for Moroccans. This is not always easy to determine, since the place where you buy some
things may determine whether the price is fixed or not. For example, some items that are sold at fixed
prices in a anut (e.g. laundry soap, vegetables, eggs) may be bargained for in the souk or from a street
vendor. Ask your host family or watch other Moroccans in order to find out. Here are some general
guidelines for whether prices are fixed or not:
Usually Bargained For

any article of clothing
any household or kitchen utensil, appliance,
or furniture
rent for a house or apartment
taxi fares on unscheduled runs
anything bought in a souk (e.g. grains in bulk,
animals, rugs, etc.)
anything bought from a street vendor who
has no regular shop
petit taxi fares if the meterdoesnotwork
anything used or secondhand
domestic help and services (maid, plumber,
electrician, etc. Determine the price before
the work is done.)
Seldom Bargained For

things which are literally bought every day:
mint, parsley, bread, coriander
refill on a butagas
cigarettes and alcohol
meals or beverages in restaurants
bus fares between scheduled stops
taxi fares on regular runs
pricecontrolled staple foods: sugar, oil, tea,
flour, milk, butter, etc.
anything bought in a pharmacy
meat and vegetables, if the price per kilo is
posted
school supplies
It is also good to be aware of some of the standard tactics that are used between the buyer and the seller
in Morocco. If you watch Moroccans, you will see many of these.
The Buyers Tactics
The Sellers Tactics
not showing too much enthusiasm for buying

walking away when the seller has named the
lowest price
pointing out defects in the merchandise
quoting a lower price for an identical item in
another shop
claiming not to have enough money to meet the
seller's lowest price
not showing too much enthusiasm for selling

turning away when the buyer has named the
highest price
noting the superior quality in the merchandise
insisting that goods in other shops are not of
the same quality
claiming that in selling at the buyers highest
price he would be taking a loss

complimenting or flattering the seller (on his
shop, merchandise, children, friendliness)
complimenting or flattering the buyer (on his

or her language ability, friendliness, expertise
in bargaining)
The Buyers Tactics
The Sellers Tactics
acting insulted by the sellers price

acting insulted by the buyers offer
arguing that the difference between the
arguing that the difference between the buyers
price and his price is insignificant and the
sellers price and the price offered is insignificant;
buyer should come up
i.e. the seller should come
down to the offered price
pulling out one's money as if the offered price wrapping up the purchase as if the asking price
has been agreed upon
has been agreed upon
When you are looking to buy an item that you know you will have to bargain for, there are a few things
that you should probably try to avoid. These include:
showing too much interest in, or too great a need for, a particular item
carrying large sums of money, carrying expensive, previouslybought items, looking like a tourist
having no idea what an item is really worth, or what is a fair price for that type of item
being in a hurry
buying with a guide (he gets a percentage of what you pay)
Always be prepared to pay a price you have named. Do not get too far into bargaining for something if
you do not intend to buy it. If you are not clear on the currency in which you are bargaining (i.e. ryals),
proceed slowly. In the end, dont let a bargaining scenario ruin your day. Most of us go unbothered by
the sometimes huge markups on big-ticket items in America, yet we can be easily frustrated by a
Moroccan merchant who makes an extra dollar or two off of us. Remember that ones peace of mind is
worth something, too.
Bargaining Expressions
Its too expensive!
ali bzzaf!
Lower the price.
nqswiya.
Give a good price.
s
awb m aya f ttaman.
I wont add even a ryal.
ma-n-zid tta ryal.
Ill add nothing.
ma-n-zid walu.
Its too much for me.
.
.
.
4
bzzaf liya.
A good1 price.
i taman mzyan.
A reasonable price.
i taman mnasb.
Whats the last price?
axir taman, al?
How much will I get it for?
bal t-xllih (ha)?
Thats what I have (money)!
had i lli ndi!
hada huwa axir taman

dyali! 8
Thats my last price!
)(

!
9
10
Clothing
Clothing Vocabulary
clothes
lwayj
15
14
13
11
16
12
17
18
20
19
70 Moroccan Arabic
1. sifit
ma
2. jean
12. jakit
a
13. pijama
14. kbbut
5. qamija
6. grafat
a
7. jili
8. kustim
9. triko
10. triko col v
2
3. srwal
4. qamija nskmm
11. fista
15. smt
a
16. T-shirt
17. ort
18. al
19. slip
20. s
aya
3
4
13
11
14
12
10
20
18
15
16
1. kswa
2. zif / fular
19
17
11. sbrdila
12. butyu
3. jllaba
13. s
bbat
4. gndura
14. s
ndala
15. maya
5. liba
6. sutyanat
7. ligat
8. kaskit
a
16. xatm
17. alaqat
18. qiq
9. t
agiya
19. snsla
10. tqar
20. md
l
Clothing Expressions
Is there anything else?
we kayna i aja xora?
Give me size ... please.
t
ini nnmra ... afak.
Try this one on.
qiys hada / hadi.
Do you want another color?
we biti i lun axor?
... .
/
.
I prefer this color.
kanfd
l had llun.
It goes well with you.
ja / jat m ak.
Colors
colors
llwan
Masculine Singular
.

/ .
Feminine Singular
Plural
white
byd
bid
a
bid
in
blue
zrq
zrqa
zrqin
black
kl
kla
klin
red
mr
mra
mrin
yellow
s
fr
s
fra
s
frin
green
xd
r
xd
ra
xd
rin
brown
qhwi
qhwiya
qhwiyin
orange
limuni
pink
wrdi
wrdiya
wrdiyin
jri
jriya
jriyin
mdadi
mdadiya
mdadiyin
grey
rmadi
rmadiya
rmadiyin
golden
dhbi
dark
purple
limuniya
limuniyin
dhbiya
dhbiyin
mluq
mluqa
mluqin
light
mftu
mftua
mftuin
bright
nas
nas
a
nas
in
faded
baht
bahta
bahtin
As you can see in the table above, feminine forms of colors are made by adding an a sound to the
masculine form, and plurals are made by adding in to the masculine form.
Dialogue
Michael: ssalamu alaykum.
mul l-wayj: wa alaykum ssalam.
Michael: bit jllaba afak!
mul l-wayj: mujud a sidi, amn nmra?
Michael: ma-n-rf.
mul l-wayj: qiys hadi. Ah jat m ak!
Michael: kayna ir f had llun?
mul l-wayj: kayna f lbyd
, s
s
fr u
lkl.
Michael: ara n-uf lbydafak.
mul l-wayj: hak a sidi.
Michael: bal had i?
mul l-wayj: hadi a sidi b 8000 ryal.

. :
. :

! :

:
. :
.
!:

:
. :
. :
. :

:
8000
. :
72 Moroccan Arabic
Michael: aliya bzzaf, adi n
t
ik ir 3000 ryal.
mul l-wayj: lla, nqs
ti bzzaf. xudha
b 6000.
Michael: lla bzzaf. bslama.
mul l-wayj: aji, aji, t
ini ir 5000
ryal.
Michael: adi n-t
ik 3500 ryal.
biti mzyan ma-biti
lla y-shl.
mul l-wayj: ara a sidi 3500 ryal. i
bas ma-kayn.
Exercise:
3000 :
.
6000 . . :
. . :
5000 . :
. 3500 :
.
. 3500 :
.
Read the text and answer the questions.
Saida ndha bzzaf d tts

bin lyum:
ssrwal rrmadi u lqamija lbid
a dyal
rajlha. jean u T-shirt dyal wldha.
lkswa lmra u jjakit
a zzrqa dyal
bntha. s
s
aya lxd
ra u zzif lbyd dyal
Saida. welakin, dyal mn ttqar
lkl?
1. dyal mn ssrwal rrmadi?
2. dyal mn T-shirt? nu llun dyalu?
3. we lkswa lmra dyal Saida?
4. we s
s
aya dyal Saida zrqa?
5. nu llun dyal ttqar?
:
.

. .

.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Exercise: Write a dialogue for the following pictures. Try to write it without
looking at the previous pages.
2
Adjectives
Adjectives come after the nouns they modify and must agree in gender and number. For example, if a
noun is feminine and singular then the adjective that follows must be feminine and singular as well.
Feminine and plural forms of adjectives are derived from the masculine base form. The feminine form
is made by adding an a ( )to the end of the masculine form. The plural form, like with nouns, is not
always predictable. The twomostcommonpatterns are: adding in ( )to the masculine form, or
replacing the long vowel i ( )in the middle of an adjective with the long vowel a (). An example of
each plural form:
Masculine
Singular
Plural
74 Moroccan Arabic
happy
fran
franin
big
kbir
kbar
we add in to form the plural

we change i to a to form the plural
Adjectives in this first group (forming the plural with in) also have a feminine plural form that is used
when all the members of a group are feminine. If their is a mixture of masculine and feminine people
or objects, the masculine plural (often just called plural) is used. The feminine plural is formed by
adding at to the masculine singular base form.
Common Adjectives
English
good
pretty / handsome / good
bad / ugly
happy
sad / angry
Masculine Singular Feminine Singular

mzyan
zwin
zwina
zwinin
zwinat
xayb
xayba
fran
harried
late
mqllq
mqllqa
nqi
present
absent
bland / tasteless
mqllqin
franat
mqllqat
nqiya
nqiyin
nqiyat
mzrub
mzruba
mzrubin
mzrubat
m t
t
l
m t
t
la
rt
b
r
t
ri
m t
t
lin

m t
t
lat

rt
ba
rt
bin
rt
bat
ra
rin
rat
t
riya
t
riyin
t
riyat
ad
r
ad
ra
ad
rin
ad
rat
ayb
ayba
aybin
aybat
lu
salty
franin
mussxat
sweet
xaybat
mussxin
fresh
xaybin
mussxa
harsh
mussx
soft
frana
dirty
Feminine
Plural
mzyanat
clean
mzyana
Masculine
Plural
mzyanin
luwa
luwin
luwat
mal
mala
malin
malat
mssus
mssusa
mssusin
mssusat
English
spicy
arr
open
closed
fried / grilled
hungry
lazy
tired
enough
arrin
arrat
mlulat
msdud
msduda
msdudin
msdudat
mqli
mqliya
mqliyin
mqliyat
ji ana
ji anin
ji anat
ji an
t
an
mul
t
ana
t
anin
t
anat
mula
mulin
mulat
m gaz
m gaza
m gazin
m gazat
iyan
iyana
iyanin
iyanat
m qul
m qula
kafiya
kafiyin
kafiyat
kafi
expensive
mlulin
reasonable / serious
mlula
busy
arra
Feminine
Plural
mlul
thirsty
Masculine
Plural
ali
aliya
m qulin
m qulat
aliyin
aliyat
wide / large
was
married
mzuwj
mzuwja
qdim
qdima
qdam
kbir
kbira
kbar
s
ir
s
ira
s
ar
jdid
jdida
jdad
b id
b ida
b ad
old (something)
big (something)
old (someone)
small (something)
young (someone)
new
far
near
tall / long
was a
was in
was at
mzuwjin
mzuwjat
qrib
qriba
qrab
t
wil
t
wila
t
wal
76 Moroccan Arabic
English
short
strong / correct
weak
cheap
poor
sick
qs
ir
qs
ira
qs
ar
s
i
s
ia
s
a
d
if
d
ifa
d
af
bs
it
bs
it
a
bs
at
rxis
rxis
a
rxas
mskin
mskina
msakn
mrid
mrid
a
Exercise:
Feminine
Plural
simple / easy
Masculine
Plural
mrad
Describe the following pictures using adjectives.
1. hada kmm qsir.
6
4
11
2. hada kmm _______.
12
7
10
8
Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

Comparative Adjectives
We use comparative adjectives when we are comparing two objects based upon some quality or
characteristic. For example, in English we can say: I am taller than John. Taller than is the
comparative form of the adjective tall. Here are the comparative forms for some Arabic adjectives:
Adjectives
good
mzyan
nice
tall / long
Comparatives
better
sn (mn)
) )
d
rif
nicer
d
rf (mn)
) )
t
wil
taller / longer
t
wl (mn)
) )
short
qs
ir
shorter
qs
r (mn)
) )
big / old
kbir
bigger / older
kbr (mn)
) )
small / young
s
ir
smaller /
younger
s
r (mn)
) )
heavy
tqil
heavier
tql (mn)
) )
light
xfif
lighter
xff (mn)
)
)
old (thing)
qdim
older (thing)
qdm (mn)
) )
few
qlil
fewer
qll (mn)
)
)
cheap
rxis
cheaper
rxs(mn)
) )
expensive
ali
more
expensive
la (mn)
sweet
lu
sweeter
la (mn)
As you can see above, for many adjectives (but not all) the comparative is formed by removing the long
vowel i from the word. Here are some examples:
Sadia is younger than Malika.
Sadia s
r mn Malika.
The train is better than the bus.
ttran sn mn lkar.
.
.
Comparing Like Objects

In order to express that two things/people/etc. are the same, we can use either of two expressions:
the same / alike
bal bal
the same / alike
kif kif
Some examples:
Which is better: a blue shirt or a
green one?
ama sn: qamijja zrqa

wlla xd
ra?
They are the same.
bal bal.

:
.
As the example shows, the word ama ( )is used for comparisons when we mean which.
Superlative Adjectives
The superlative adjective in Moroccan Arabic can be formed in two ways.
First, byusingthedefinitearticlewiththeadjectiveandinsertingthepersonalpronoun:
Omar is bright.
Omar mujtahid.
Omar is the brightest student in

the class.
Omar huwa lmujtahid f

lqism.
Susan is a pretty girl.
Susan bnt zwina.
Susan is the prettiest.
Susan hiya zzwina.
Second, byprefixinga()tothecomparativeadjective:

.
.

.
78 Moroccan Arabic
Casablanca is the largest city in
Morocco.
d
-d
ar lbid
a akbr mdina f
lmrib.
Toubkal is the highest mountain

in Morocco.
tubqal a la jbl f
lmrib.
Exercise:
Compare each pair using comparative adjectives.

t-tomobil

dyal Mary
t-tomobil

dyal Mike
Driss
Hassan
d-dar
dyal Mohamed
klat
d-dar
dyal Judy
lxubz
Exercise:
d-dlla
Answer the following questions based upon the drawing.

l-banan
l-nb
3 DH
12 DH
7 DH
1. ama la l nb wlla lbanan?

2. ama rxsddlla wlla l nb?
3. ama sn ddlla wlla lbanan?
4. ama la l nb wlla ddlla?
5. we l nb huwa ala fakiha?
6. nu hiya lfakiha rrxis
a?
1.

2.

3.

4.
5.

6.

Moroccan Wisdom: .
l-li ddu
l-n, kay-xaf mn l-bl.
Theonebittenbyasnakeisafraidofropes.
English equivalent: Once bitten, twice shy.
Shopping For Food

shopforproduce,meats,andspices
80 Moroccan Arabic
Fruits and Vegetables

At the Green Grocers
nd lxd
d
ar
10
12
11
14
13
18
19
20
16
17
zucchini
15
vegetables
1. xizu
2. iflur
lxodra
11. lful
12. lfjl
13. lgr a
4. lbt
at
a
14. ttuma
5. lflfla
15. lbs
la
6. ddnjal
16. lbarba
17. llft
3. lquq
7. lxyar
8. mat
ia
18. lmkuwr
9. jjlbana
19. llubya
10. lkrafs
20. lkorjit
parsley
lm dnus
quince
ssfrjl
gourd
sslawi
mint
nn na
okra
lmluxiya
absinth
iba
coriander
lqs
bur
verbena
llwiza

plum
9
10
13
12
11
14
15
lfakiha
fruit
1. l nb
2. llimun
nectarine
9. nngas
bo wid
3. ttfa
10. ttut
4. lfriz
11. lavoka
5. lbrquq
6. lbanan
13. ddlla
7. lxux
14. blmluk
15. hdiya
8. lamd
pomegranate
rrmman
apricots
lmma
12. lananas
Japanese
plums
lmza
kiwi
lkiwi
Buying Produce
Units of Measurement
scale
lmizan
gram
gram
kilogram
kilu
kilogram
rubu kilu
kilogram
nskilu
kilogram
kilu lla rob
2 kilograms
juj kilu
82 Moroccan Arabic
Expressions
Give me a kilo of ...
t
ini kilu d ...
Weigh me ...
br / wzn liya ...
Give me some ...
t
ini wiya d ...
More ... please
zidni ... afak
How much is a kilo of ... ?
bal kilu d ... ?
What do you need?
nu xs
s
k?
What else?
nu axor?
I need ...
xs
s
ni ...
...
No, thats enough. Only 1 kilo,

thats all!
lla baraka. ir kilu,

s
afi!
...
/ ...
...
...
...
.!
Dialogue
ttqdya
shopping
Susan: s
ba lxir.
s
ba lxir.
l-xd
d
ar:
a lalla?
Susan:
. :
a b lxat
r
bit juj kilu d xizu, u

kilu d mat
ia u nskilu
d lbarba u xtar liya i
aja mzyana. br liya
kilu u rubu d lbs
la.
l-xd
d
ar: s
afi a lalla?
Susan: bal ttfa?
l-xd
d
ar: st
t
a l drhm l lkilu.
Susan:
waxxa, br liya kilu
lla rob. aah! nsit
t
ini wiya d lqs
bur
u lm dnus.
l-xd
d
ar: hani a lalla.
Susan: bal kuli?
l-xd
d
ar: ndk a lalla ts miya u
sttin ryal.
Susan: al mn drhm?
l-xd
d
ar: 48 drhm.
Susan: hak a sidi, lla y-awn.
l-xd
d
ar: lla y-xlf a lalla.
1. fin Susan?
2. nu rat Susan?
:
:

.
.
:
:
.

:
! .
:

.
.
:
:
.
:
:
48 .
:
. :
.
:
1.
2.
3. al rat mn kul aja?

3.
4. we rat i aja xora?
4.

5. al xlls
at?
5.
84 Moroccan Arabic
Spices and Meat

Spices
spices
l t
riya
salt
lmla
black pepper
lbzar
ginger
skinjbir
cumin
lkamun
cinnamon
lqrfa
oregano
nutmeg
saffron
zz fran
turmeric
lxrqum
hot pepper
lflfla
lara
red hot pepper
ssudaniya
cloves
lqrnfl
zz tr
basil
lbq
lguza
paprika
ttmira
At the Butchers
butcher
lgzzar
meat
llm
lamb
lnmi
beef
lbgri
goat meat
lm zi
liver
lkbda
ground meat
lkfta
meat w/o
bones
lhbra
chicken
ddjaj
Exercise: You have guests for dinner and you want to serve them tea with cakes,
then a tajine. List the items you need for preparing tea/cakes and a tajine
and write your shopping list. Then, write a shopping list for an American
dish.
Food and Drink

usethecorrectwordsandexpressionsconcerningfoodanddrink
expresslikesanddislikesusingjbtoplease
expressnecessityorobligationwithxss
toneed/tohaveto
usebatowant/tolikewiththepropertense
Food and Drink

Food
food
lmakla
fish
lut
breakfast
lft
ur
beans
llubya
lunch
lda
lentils
l ds
dinner
l a
chick peas
lmms
tajine
t
t
ajin
steamed pasta with

cinnamon and sugar
ssffa
salad
lad
a
vermicelli
riya
French fries
lfrit
Moroccan soup lrira
olives
zzitun
s
uba
vegetable soup s
bastila
lbst
ila
meat
llm
chicken
ddjaj
rice
rruz
couscous
lksksu
pizza
lppitza
At a Caf
the waiter
lgarsun
black coffee
qhwa kla
coffee with milk
qhwa lib
half coffee, half milk
qhwa nsns
hot milk
lib sxun
weak coffee
qhwa xfifa
strong coffee
qhwa qasa
coffee with a little milk
qhwa mhrsa
orange juice
as
ir llimun
apple & milk shake
as
ir ttfa
banana & milk shake
as
ir l-banan
almond & milk shake
as
ir lluz
pot of tea
brrad d atay
glass of tea
kas d atay
... with mint
... b nn na
...
86 Moroccan Arabic
Not very sweet.
ma-y-kun- lu bzzaf.
Some sugar, please.
wiya d sskkar, afak.
a glass of cold water
kas d lma bard.
.
.
At a Restaurant
the menu
lmenu
Please bring me ...
afak jib liya ...

...
Do you have ... ?
we ndkum ... ?

...
What do you have?
nu ndkum?
Is there any food without meat?
we kayna i makla bla

lm?
I want a tajine without meat.
bit t
ajin bla lm.
What do you have for dessert?
nu ndkum f ddisir?
We want a table for (four

people).
bina wad t
t
bla dyal
(rb a d nnas).
outside
la brra
inside
ldaxl
The bill, please.
lsab afak.
To your health.
b s
s
a.
To your health (response).
lla y-t
ik s
s
a.
How do you like the food?
kif jatk lmakla?
I have no complaints.
ma ndi mangul.
The food is delicious.
lmakla ldida / bnina.

) ) .

.
/ .
Dialogue
Karla u Jason f rrist
ora
l-garsun: t-fd
d
lu! mrbabikum.
Jason: ukran. we kayna i
t
bla dyal juj d nnas?
l-garsun: m lum kayna. fin bitu
t-glsu?
Jason: bina wad t
t
bla da
ssrjm.
l-garsun: nu bitu t-aklu?
Karla: nu ndkum?
l-garsun: ha lmenu.
Karla: ana bit lad
a u ksksu b
lnmi.
l-garsun: waxxa a lalla. u nta a
sidi?
!
. :
:
.

. :
. :
:
:
. :

:
.

:
.

Jason: ana kanakul ir lxd
ra.

.
we kayna i makla bla

lm?
l-garsun: iyeh! kayna llubya.
! .
Jason: waxxa. jib liya lad
a u
.

t
bsil d llubya.
.
l-garsun: we bitu t-rbu i

aja?
Karla: ana bit kuka barda.
.
Jason: ana bit ir lma afak.
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jason: lsab afak.
.
l-garsun: 60 drhm.
60 .
Jason: hak a sidi.
.
l-garsun: lla y-xlf. kif jatkum
.

lmakla?
Karla/Jason: bnina! jbatna bzzaf.
! .
l-garsun: b s
s
a u rraa.

.
Karla/Jason: lla y-t
ik s
s
a.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
fin mau Karla u Jason?

nu klau?
we rbu i aja? nu rbu?
al xls
u?
kif jathum lmakla?
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The Reflexive verb to please / to like

In Darija, it is not common to say, literally, I like something. Rather, we use the construction,
Something pleases me. In reality, this phrase would translate into the English I like something, but
what is important is that you understand that the person who likes is actually the object of the
sentence, and the thing liked is the subject. At first, it will seem backward; in fact, it is (from an
English speakers perspective). In time you will use this construction naturally.
How to Conjugate to please

The verb to please is jb. It can be tricky to conjugate because, as we said, the subject of the verb is
actually the object that is liked, and the object is the person who likes. Thus, if I want to say, He
likes them, I literally need to say, They please him. Also, as a result of this, theverbmustalways
agreeingenderandnumberwiththesubject,thatis,thethingliked.In the present tense, therefore,
the conjugation of the verb can be outlined in the following manner:
Introduce Present Tense
Verb
Root
For Plural
Form Only
jb
kay
(masc. sing.)
kat
(fem. sing.)
kay
(masc/fem plur.)
Object
Pronouns
ni
k
u / h
ha
na
kum
hum
88 Moroccan Arabic
Some examples:
It (masc. sing.) pleases me.
(i.e. I like it.)
kay jbni
It (fem. sing.) pleases me.

(i.e. I like it.)
kat jbni
They (masc. plur.) please me.

(i.e. I like them.)
kay jbuni
They (fem. plur.) please me.

(i.e. I like them.)
kay jbuni
Present Tense Examples

In the following examples, we use the translation to like. The literal translation would be to please.
jb with masculine singular subject
.

.

I like couscous.
kay jbni ksksu.
I like chocolate.
kay jbni klat

.
She likes tea.
kay jbha atay.
We like Morocco.
kay jbna lmrib.
.

.
He likes tajines.
kay jbu t
t
ajin.
jb with feminine singular subject
I like salad.
kat jbni lad

a.
Do you like coffee?
we kat jbk lqhwa?
She does not like beer.
ma-kat jbha- lbirra.
jb with masculine/feminine plural subject

kay jbuni nnas d
I like the people of Morocco.

He likes books.
lmrib.
kay jbuh lktub.
Do you (plur.) like kids?
we kay jbukum ddrari?
We dont like them.
ma-kay jbuna-.
.

.

.

.
Past Tense Examples

The verb jb can also be used in the past tense, as in I liked it or It pleased me. It is conjugated like
all regular verbs in the past tense.
jb with masculine singular subject
I liked dinner.
jbni l a.
He liked mint tea.
jbu atay b nn na .
She didnt like fat bread.
ma-jbha- xubz ma.
Did you like the chicken?
we jbk ddjaj?
jbatni lrira.
.
.

.
jb with feminine singular subject
I liked the soup.

He didnt like the salad.
Did you like the old medina?
ma-jbatu- lad
a.
we jbatk lmdina
lqdima?
jb with masculine/feminine plural subject

jbuni nnas dyal dduwar
I liked the people of my village.

Did you like these books?
dyali.
we jbuk had lktub?
She didnt like the colors.
ma-jbuha- lluwan.
.

.
Followed by Another Verb

jb can be followed by another verb. The second verb is always conjugated in the present, according to
the same rule that you already learned regarding verbs following other verbs (see page 68). Remember
) to place it after jb.
that for the second verb, therefore, we remove the ka (
He likes to play soccer.
kay jbni n-n s mura

lda.
kay jbu y-l b lkura.
She doesnt like to wake up

early.
ma-kay jbha- t-fiq

bkri.
Do you like to run early in the

morning?
we kay jbk t-jri s

s
ba
bkri?
What do you like to do on the

weekend?
nu kay jbk t-dir f

lweekend?
I like to sleep after lunch.
Exercise:
kat-jbu
l-xdma
kat-jbha
kat-jbni
iyeh
Make correct sentences using jb.
kat-jbk
we
kat-jbu
kat-jbha
dyalk?
dyalu?
dyalha?
bzzaf.
wiya.
.
.
90 Moroccan Arabic
Exercise: Make as many sentences (affirmative and negative) as you can with jb
using these pictures.
Suzy
Ahmed
Ronny &
Nancy
Aicha
Moroccan Wisdom: .
ma-ri- l-ut f ql l-br.
Dontbuyfishonthebottomofthesea.
English equivalent: Dont count your chickens before they hatch.
The Verb to need, to have to, must, should

The verb xss
(
)translates into all of the following in English: to need or to have to or must or
should. It is conjugated by adding the object pronouns (see page 55) to the end of the verb. You do
not normally conjugate it like a present tense verb; that is, you do not add kay or kat before the verb.
Like other verbs, however, xss
may be followed by a second verb which is conjugated in the present
tense, but without the prefix ka (see page 68). Some examples:
I have to learn Arabic well.
xs
s
ni n-t llm l rbiya
mzyan.
You should be on time.
xs
s
k t-ji f lwqt.
You shouldnt stay up late.
ma-xs
s
k- t-shr.
I have to go.
xs
s
ni n-mi.

.

.

.

.
The meaning in the above examples depends largely on the context. However, when xss
is followed by
a noun, it only means to need. Some examples:
I need cigarettes.
xs
s
ni lgarru.
She needs a notebook.
xs
s
ha dftar.

.

.
The past tense of xss

is formed by adding the verb kan before it. You do not conjugate kan if xss
is
followed by another verb. If xss
is followed by a noun, however, kan must agree in gender and number
with that noun. Examples:
I had to study yesterday.
kan xs
s
ni n-qra lbar.
I needed a book.
kan xs
s
ni ktab.
I needed a ticket.
kant xs
s
ni wrqa.
I needed books.
kanu xs
s
ni ktub.

.

.
Exercise:
Write the expressions that go along with these signs using the verb xss .
Exercise:
Answer the following question in Moroccan Arabic.
nu xs
s
k ba t-kun mutat
awwi naj?
92 Moroccan Arabic
The Verb to want, to like

The verb ba translates into the English to want and to like. When conjugated in the past tense, the
verb expresses to want, but with a presenttensemeaning (see page 36). When conjugated in the
present tense, the verb expresses to like, also with a present tense meaning. An example:
I like mint tea.
kanbi atay b nn na .
When the verb is used with object pronouns (see page 55) in the present tense, it means to love or to
like someone. Examples:
I love you / I like you.
kanbik.
I love him / I like him.
kanbih.
I love her / I like her.
kanbiha.
When this verb is followed by another verb, the second verb is always conjugated in the present tense
without the prefix ka (see page 68). Some examples:
I like to drink coffee in the
morning.
kanbi n-rb lqhwa f

s
s
ba.
He likes to read at night.
kaybi y-qra b llil.
Because the past tense of ba expresses a presenttensemeaning of to want, to express a pasttense

meaning of to want, you must first use a past tense conjugated form of the verb kan, followed by the
past tense form of ba. Examples:
I wanted to leave early.
knt bit n-xrj bkri.
She wanted to tell him

something.
kant bat t-gul lih i

aja.
.
.
Exercise: For each meal, write at least three sentences in which you express
Moroccan food you like or dislike for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
l-ftur
1. kan-bi l-bidf
l-ft
ur
2.
3.
l-da
1.
2.
3.
l-a
1.
2.
3.
Medical & Body

Objective:
Bytheendofthechapter,youwillbeableto:
18
19
24
23
22
20
21
28
8
10
29
26
27
25
12
9
11
13
14
16
1. wjh
2. fmm
3. lya
4. nq
5. ktf
6. s
dr
7. dra
8. mrfq
9. ydd
10. s
b
11. d
fr
12. kr
13. fxd
14. rkba
15. gdm
describe,inDarija,bodypartsandcommonillnesses
Body Parts
15
17
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
rjl
s
b
r
jbha
wdn
nk
nif
in
jban
snan
lsan
nayf
must
a
lya
breast
bzzula
94 Moroccan Arabic
Health Problems
Whats wrong with you?
nu ndk?
Whats the matter?
malek?
What ails you?
ba mrid
?
What aches?
nu kayd
rk?
I have a fever
fiya ssxana.
I have a cold.
fiya rwa / d
rbni lbrd.
I have a sore throat.
fiya llaqm.
Im constipated.
ndi lqbt/ kri qasa.
Im allergic to...
ndi lasasiya d . . .
. . . kaydir/kat-dir
liya lasasiya.

.
/
.

.
/ .

. . .
/
.
. . .

I have a headache.
kayd
rni rasi.
My ear aches.
katd
rni wdni.
I feel dizzy.
kans b dduxa.
Im injured.
tjrt.
Im burnt.
trqt.
I have a toothache.
katd
rni wad d
d
rsa.
My ... hurts.
kayd
rni ...
I vomit / throw up.
kantqiya.
I need to see a doctor.
xs
s
ni n-uf t
t
bib.
.

...
Dialogue
Latifa: malek, yak labas?
Amy: kayd
rni kri.
Latifa: we fik luj bzzaf?
Amy: ay, bzzaf!
Latifa:
s
bri wya, adi n-t
bx
lik wad lkas d zz tr,
dqqa bt
la!
:
.

:
:

!
:
Amy:
lla lla afak, ma-ymkn-
liya n-rb l ub.
Latifa:
waxxa, kifa ymkn liya

n-awnk?
Amy: ttas
li afak b had rraqm
d hay'at ssalam ba yiyt
u liya.
Latifa: hiya lluwla, ma-y-kun
bas.
Amy: ahla y-wrrik i bas.
1. ba mrid
a Amy?
2. we t
atha Lat
ifa i dwa?

. :
.
:
1.
2.
3. la ma-bat- Amy t-rb l ub?
3.
4. we mat Amy nd t
t
bib? la?
4.
Exercise:
What might you say if you were the person in each picture?
Site Visit Expressions

Herearesomeusefulexpressionsyoumayneedduringyoursitevisit.
My name is ... I am a volunteer
with Peace Corps.
smiti ... ana mutat

awwi
m a hay'at ssalam.
I will be working here for two

years at ...
adi n-xdm hna amayn

f ...
Im going to spend two days

with you (to host family).
adi n-gls m akum

yumayn.
Where is the youth center?
fin kayna d
ar bab?
Where is the hospital /

delegation?
fin kayn s
s
bit
ar /
lmndubiya?
What is the name of the chief

doctor?
nu smit lmidsan ef
afak?
Where is the agriculture office?
fin kayn mktb lfilaa

afak?
Where is the water and forest

office?
fin kayn mktb lmiyah u

labat?
Where is the handicraft

center?
fin kayna lartizana /

s
s
ina a ttqlidiya afak?
Where is the post office?
fin kayna lbost

a?
Please, I want to open a post

box.
lla y-xllik, bit n-ft

bwatppost
al.
What do I have to do?
nu xs
s
ni n-dir?
How much do I have to pay (a

year)?
al xs
s
ni n-xls
(l l am)?
Where is the bank, please?
fin kayna lbanka afak?

(l-bnk bi)
)

)
I want to open a bank account.
bit n-ft kontbonkir.
Where is the Gendarme / police

station, please?
fin jjondarm /
lkumisariya, afak?
Can you please give me your

phone number, please? (at
Gendarme / police station)
we ymkn lik t-t

ini rqm
ttilifun dyalkum, afak?

... .

...
.

.

) (

I want to get a cart de sejour.

Is there a pharmacy here?
Is there a teleboutique here?
Do you sell cell phone cards?
bit n-s
awb la-kartd
sijur.
we kayn i frmasyan
hna?
we kayn i tilibutik
hna?
we katbi la-kartd
l-pport
abl?
Which service is available here:

Meditel or Maroc Telecom?
we kayna Meditel wlla

Maroc Telecom?
Is there cell phone reception /

coverage?
we kayn rrizo?
Is there CTM (the bus

company)?
we kayn ssatyam?
What day/time is transportation

available?
amn nhar/wqt kaykun

lmrkub?
Is there a cyber caf here?
we kayna l-anternet
hna?
How far is it from here?
al b ida mn hna?
Which day is the souk?
amn nhar kaykun ssuq?
Is there any association here?
we kayna i jm iya
hna?
Ask your LCF for any other words or expressions you think you may need for site visit.
Moroccan Wisdom: .
nqta
b nqta kay-ml l-wad.
Dropbydroptheriverrises.
English equivalent: Rome wasnt built in a day.
Travel
describefutureactivities
identifymeansoftransportationanduseappropriateexpressionsfortravel
Future Tense
Depending upon where you are in Morocco, people may form the future tense differently. Everyone in
Morocco, however, should understand you regardless of which way you form the future tense.
Forming the Future Tense

To form the future tense, take the present tense form, drop the prefix ka, and add adi. Thus:
to travel
safr
I will travel
adi n-safr
you will travel (masc. sing.)
adi t-safr
you will travel (fem. sing.)
adi t-safri
he will travel
adi y-safr
she will travel
adi t-safr
we will travel
adi n-safru
you will travel (plur.)
adi t-safru
they will travel
adi y-safru
In some places, adi is also used with a feminine form, adya, and a plural form, adyin. In this case,
the future tense would be as follows:
to travel
safr
I will travel (masc.)
adi n-safr
I will travel (fem.)
adya n-safr
adi t-safr
adya t-safri
he will travel
adi y-safr
she will travel
adya t-safr
we will travel
adyin n-safru
adyin t-safru
they will travel
adyin y-safru
Sometimes, adi is contracted to a. The future tense in this case:

to travel
safr
I will travel
an-safr
at-safr
at-safri
he will travel
ay-safr
she will travel
at-safr
we will travel
an-safru
at-safru
they will travel
ay-safru
Negation of the Future Tense

To form the negative of the future tense, add ma... ( ... )to adi, adya, or adyin.
we adi t-safr?

Will you travel?
.
lla, ma-adi- n-safr.
No, I will not travel.

To express will never, we do not use the future tense, but rather ma mmr (
) and the present
tense of a verb without the prefix ka.
I will never smoke.
We will never travel at night.
ma mmri n-kmi.
ma mmrna n-safru b
llil.

.

.
To express not yet when speaking about the future, use mazal ma ( ) or baqi ma ( ) with
the future tense.
We will not go to bed yet.
I will not get married yet.
mazal ma adyin n-n su.

baqi ma adi n-tzuwj.
.
.
Fortheremainderofthebook,allofthedifferentformsofthefuturetensewillbeusedinorderforyou
tobecomefamiliarwithallofthem.
Using the Participle adi to Mean Going

In English, we have two ways of expressing the future.
Iwillspeaktohimtomorrow.
Iamgoingtospeaktohimtomorrow.
Both of these ways of expressing the future are expressed by the future tense in Moroccan Arabic. In
the following examples, therefore, both English translations can be given for the Arabic expressions.
What will I wear?
What am I going to wear?
nu adi n-lbs?
I will sleep.
I am going to sleep.
adi n-n s.
When the word adi is preceded by the conjugated past tense of the verb kan, to be, it indicates a
pastintention or a pastfuture. Some examples:
He was going to travel to
America, but he didnt have a
visa. (i.e. he had intended...)
kan adi y-safr l

mirikan welakin
ma-kan- ndu lviza.
She was going to marry last

year. (i.e. she had planned...)
kant adya t-tzuwj l am

lli fat.
100 Moroccan Arabic

The use of adi to indicate future or past future should be distinguished from its use as a participle to
indicating that someone is literally going somewhere at the present moment (or was going at a past
moment). In other words, besides its role as an auxiliary verb to indicate future, adi also acts as the
active participle of the verb ma, to go. Thus, ma is used only to express a habitualaction when it is
conjugated in the presenttense. To express a currentaction, the participle adi is used.
I go to souk on Tuesdays.
(habitual)
kanmi l ssuq nhar

ttlat.
I am going to souk. (now)
ana adi l ssuq.
Where do you go every

weekend? (habitual)
fin katmi kul weekend?
Where are you going? (now)
fin adi?
.

.

This idea of a current, progressive action may also be expressed in the past, and should be
distinguished, again, from the idea of past intention or past future that was discussed above.
He was going to travel to
America, but he didnt have a
visa. (past intention)
kan adi y-safr l

mirikan welakin
ma-kan- ndu lviza.
He was going to souk when he

kan adi l ssuq mlli af
saw his friend. (past progressive s
abu.
action)
I was not going to lie to you!
(negative past intention)
ma-knt- adi n-kdb

lik!
I was not going to souk!

(negative past progressive
action)
ma-knt- adi l ssuq!

.
!
!
Time Expressions
tomorrow
dda
day after tomorrow
b d dda
tomorrow morning
dda f s
s
ba
tomorrow afternoon/evening
dda f l iya
next Saturday
ssbt jjay / lmaji
next week
ssimana jjaya / lmajya
next month
hr jjay / lmaji
next year
l am jjay / lmaji
next summer
s
s
if jjay / lmaji
in a week / month / year
mn hna simana / hr /
am
one day / some day
wad nhar / i nhar
after lunch / dinner
mn b d lda / l a
/
/
/ /
Some examples of the future tense using time expressions:

Are you going to go to the
cinema in the evening?
we adi t-mi l
ssinima f l iya?
No, Im not going to go. Im

going to sleep a little bit.
lla, ma-adi- n-mi.

adi n-n s wiya.
After dinner, Ill read my book.
mn b d l a, adi n-qra
lktab dyali.
Someday, I (fem.) will speak

Arabic well.
i nhar, adya n-tkllm l

rbiya mzyan.
Exercise:
.
.

.

.
Put the verbs in parentheses in the future tense.
Zahra: fuqa (nad

) dda?
Chad: (faq) f 7:00.
)( :
(7:00 ( . :
Zahra: nu (dar) mn b d?
Chad: (ft
r) u (xrj).
)( :
Zahra: fin (ma) mn b d?
)( :
()( ). :
102 Moroccan Arabic

(.12:00 ( :
Chad:
(ma) l lxdma dyali f
12:00. (tdda) m a
s
abi Tom f mt
m ssalam.
mn b d (rj )l d
-d
ar. f
3:00 wiya l rbiya m a
lustad dyali.

(
)
. )( .

3:00.
Zahra:
we (ja) (t a) m ana
dda inallah?
Chad: waxxa! n-ufkum dda
inallah.
)( ):

(
!

. :

Dialogue
Mohamed: fuqa adya t-mi l
lfla?
Karla: ltnin f ttmnya u ns
.
Mohamed: amn wqt adya t-tlaqay
lustad dyalk?
Karla: ttlat f jjuj u tulut.
Mohamed: fuqa adia t-ufi
lfilm?
Karla: larb f t-ts ud u rb .
Mohamed:
fuqa adya t-l bi
ttinis?
Karla: lxmis f rrb a lla rub.
Mohamed: imta adya t-ufi t
t
bib?
Karla: jjm a f ld
a nian.
:
. :
. :
:
. :
:
. :
:
. :
Mohamed: imta adya t-tqday?

Karla: ssbt f lxmsa ql xmsa.
Mohamed: amn wqt adi y-xrj
ttran fa adya t-rkbi?
Karla: ldd f l ra ql qsmayn.
:
. :
:

. :
Exercise: Read the dialogue again quickly and write down Karlas plan for the
week (write down the times using numbers, not words). Then, write your
own schedule for the upcoming week. What will you be doing each day?
At what time?
Travel
General Travel Information
Public transport in Morocco is both inexpensive and easy to use. Between major cities, trains are the
quickest and most comfortable means of travel, although they can be crowded at certain times of year.
Buses are the cheapest choice and can vary in terms of speed and comfort.
TravelingBetweenCities

CTM: This is the national bus line, very comfortable, on schedule, seats are reserved and can be
purchased in advance in most places. Unaccompanied baggage can be sent via CTM.
Soukbuses: In each large town there is a bus station, such as Quamra in Rabat. One can buy a ticket
one day in advance and fares are set. Sometimes the ticket is for a reserved seat, other times it is for
whatever seat is open when the bus goes through town. A ticket does not necessarily mean there is a
real seat either. Sometimes there are additional places setup in the aisle. You have to bargain for the
price you pay for your luggage if this gets stored on top of the bus. The price depends upon the size of
the piece. It is advisable to carry smaller pieces of luggage you can store in the bus itself. Souk buses
do not always leave or arrive on time. They may stop in the middle of nowhere. They may also stop in
towns along the way looking for additional passengers.
Train: There are two classes: first and second. The price of any train car with air conditioning will be
higher. Sometimes there are schedule changes, but no available printed timetables. Check to be sure
that the time you wish to travel is still accurate. Train tickets can be bought in advance, and this is the
only form of local transportation on which you can buy a roundtrip ticket.
Grandtaxis: This is for travel between large towns and cities. They carry 6 passengers and since the
fare is per seat, if you want you can pay for empty seats so that the taxi leaves earlier. Ask the other
passengers in the car what the regular fare should be, do not ask the driver first. If you want to take the
entire taxi for yourself, ask for a taxi coursa. Baggage does not cost extra in a taxi.
Pickup truck (camio): In some areas where no public transportation is available, people use their
personal trucks to carry supplies to their douars, they also take passengers at a rate that they determine
themselves.
Airporttransportation: There are airport buses and trains which run from Rabat Ville to the Casablanca
airport. There are also airport buses which connect the airport to Casablanca but from Rabat/Sale
airport there are only taxis.
TravelWithinCities
Petittaxis: Every city has petit taxis which can carry up to three passengers. The fare is calculated by
meter. When you get in the taxi, ask that the meter be turned on. If there is no meter, or if it does not
work, ask the price before you begin. Since the taxi can take 3 passengers, if you are the only one
getting in, he can pick up other passengers. If you are the second or third person entering the taxi, ask
the price for your trip. At night (usually by 8 pm) until sunrise, the fare is 50% more than the daytime
fare.
Chariots: In very small villages, the chariots are used to get people to the weekly souk or to towns on the
main road, where larger transportation is available for farther distances.
Travel Expressions
taxi
t
t
axi
Where is the taxi stand?
fin blas
a t
t
axiyat?
Please take me to...
ws
s
lni afak l...
I want to go to this address.
bit n-mi l had l

unwan.
Please wait a minute for me.
tsnnani afak wiya.
How much, please?
al afak?
Turn on the meter, please.
xddm lkuntur afak.
Stop here, please.
wqf hna afak.
small taxi (petit taxi, inside city)
t
axi s
ir
large taxi (grand taxi, b/w cities)
t
axi kbir
Is there a seat to ...
we kayna i blas
a l...
Yes, there is.
iyeh, kayna.

...

.

.
...
.
104 Moroccan Arabic
How many seats are reserved

so far?
al mn blas
a kayna
deba?
Four and you are the fifth.
rb a u nti lxamsa.
I want to pay for 2 seats.
bit n-xllsjuj blays

.
taxi driver
mul t
axi
taxi driver
ifur d t
axi
baggage
lbagaj
trunk
lkufr
city bus
t
t
obis
city bus depot / stop
mat
t
at t
t
obisat
Where does bus #... stop?

Does bus #... stop here?
fin kaywqf t
t
obis
rqm...?
we kaywqf t
to
bis rqm...
hna?

.
.

...

...
Does this bus go by ... ?
we had t
t
obis kayduz
la...?
Which bus do I need to take if I

want to go to ... ?
amn t
obis xs
s
ni n-axud
ila bit n-mi l...?

...
Can you stop here?
we ymkn lik t-wqf hna?
last stop / terminus
ttirminus
driver
ifur
ticket taker
rrusuvur
bus (between cities)
lkar
bus station
mat
t
at lkiran
Which bus is going to ... ?
amn kar adi l...?

...

...
When does the bus leave to ... ? fuqa kayxrj lkar l...?

...
l lkar l...?
When does the bus arrive to ...? fuqa kayws

...
I want a ticket to ...
bit wad lwrqa l...?
How much is the ticket to ... ?
bal lwrqa l...?
I want to keep my bag with me.

Tell me when we arrive to ...
bit n-dir s
s
ak dyali
daya.
afak ila ws
lna l...
gulha liya.
driver
ifur
drivers assistant
lgrisun
How long will you stop here?
al adi t-bqa hna?
Is this seat empty?
we had lblas
a xawya?
train
ttran / lqit
ar
...
...
.
...
.
train station
lagar / mat
t
at lqit
ar
Is there a train to ...
we kayn i tran l...?
...
Where do they sell the tickets,

please?
fin kayqt
u lwraq afak?
Can I reserve a sleeper car to

Oujda?
we ymkn liya n-rizirvi

kuitl wjda?
I want to keep the ticket.
bit n-tafdb lwrqa.
Dialogue
nu adya t-diri?
Doha: nu adya t-diri
ssimana jjaya?
Jill: adya n-safr l
Marrakech.
Doha: fa adya t-mi?
Jill: f ttran wlla f ssatyam
(CTM).
Doha: fuqa adya t-xrji mn
Rabat?
Jill: adya n-xrj f ttmnya u
nsd s
s
ba.
Doha: fin adya t-glsi f
Marrakech?
Jill: f lot
il.
Doha: nu adya t-diri tmma?
Jill:
adya n-tsara: adya
n-mi l jam lfna u qs
r
lbdi ...
Doha: iwa, t
riq sslama.
Jill: lla y-slmk.
1. nu bat t-dir djil?

:
. :

:
. :

:

:
.

:
. :
:

:
:
...
.
:
. :
1.
2. we adya t-mi l Fes?
2.
3. we adya t-mi f lkar?
3.
4. fin adya t-gls?

5. fin kayna jam lfna?
4.
5.
At the Hotel
lookforandusehotelaccommodation
useconditionalsentencestoexpresspossibleandimpossibleconditions
Hotel Accommodation
Hotels are classified into categories from 0 (non-classified) to 5-star hotels. There is a reduction of
25% on the second day for Moroccans and foreign residents in Morocco, but only in classified hotels.

the hotel
lot
il
the reception desk
larisipsyun
room
bit / ambr
Is there an inexpensive hotel

around here?
we kayn i ot
il rxishna?
Where is a nice hotel?
fin kayn i ot
il mzyan?
Please take me to a hotel (to a

taxi driver).
ws
s
lni l i ot
il afak.
A room for one person (a

single).
bit dyal fra wad.
A room for two people.
bit dyal juj d nnas.
Do you have a room available?
we ndkum i bit xawi?
Is there a shower with hot

water?
we kayn ddu b lma ssxun?
Whats the price for the room?
al ttaman dyal lbit?
Can I see the room?
we ymkn liya n-uf lbit?
Which floor?
amn t
bqa?
Is breakfast included?
we lft
ur msub m a lbit?
Ill stay for 2 nights.
adi n-gls juj lilat.
Wake me up at ... please.
fiyqni f ... afak
.
.

...
Dialogue
Jack u Amanda f lot
il
Jack u
ssalamu alaykum
Amanda:
mul lot
il: wa alaykum ssalam
Jack: we kayn i ambr?
mul lot
il: iyeh, kayn dyal fra
wad kbir u kayn dyal
juj fraat.
Jack: bina dyal fra wad u
fih lmmam.
mul lot
il: mrba.
Jack: bal lila wda?

:
:

:
:

.
. :
. :
:

mul lot
il:
Amanda:
mul lot
il:
Amanda:
mul lot
il:
140 drhm.
we lma sxun?
iyeh a lalla.
waxxa. t
ina ambr.
mmru had lwraq,
afakum. ktbu liha
ssmya, l unwan, u rqm
lpaspor.
Jack: tfd
l a sidi.
mul lot
il: ukran, ha ssarut dyal
lbit. 156 f t
t
bqa
lluwla.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
fin ma Jack u Amanda?

al mn bit bau?
al ttaman dyal lbit?
we rxishad lot
il?
nu xs
s
hum y-diru ba y-glsu
f had lot
il?
140 . :
:
. :
.
. :

.

:
.
. :
:
156 .
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.

The Conditional
There are two basic types of conditional sentences in Moroccan Arabic depending on whether the if
clause represents a possible condition or a contrary-to-fact/impossible condition.
Type I Conditional: A Possible Condition in the Present/Future

The word ila ( )is equivalent to the English if. It introduces a possible condition only. This type of
conditional sentence is composed of the simple past plus the future, or sometimes the simple past plus
the imperative. This is used in the same context as English to express a future probable condition.
If he comes tomorrow, tell him to ila ja dda, gul lih y
iytliya.
call me.
If I dont come on time, go
without me.
If I see him, Ill tell (it to) him.
ila ma-jit- f lwqt,

sir.
ila ftu, adi n-gulha
lih.
.
.
If she finishes the work on time,

well give her some money.
ila kmmlat lxdma f lwqt,

adi n-t
iuha lflus.
If you ask her for it, shell give it

to you.
ila t
lbtiha mnha (adi)
t-t
iha lik.
)( .
If you go to the post office bring

me two stamps.
ila miti l lbost

a, jib
liya juj tnabr.
Exercise:
1. ila huma (t
lb) mnk lflus,
(ma) m ahum l lbanka.
2. ila ana (safr), (jab) kadu.
1. )( )( .
2. )( ( ).
108 Moroccan Arabic

3. ila nta ma (lqa) {huma} f d
-d
ar,
(iyt
) liya.
4. ila ana (xsr), ma-ymkn- liya
(s
ift
) liha lflus.
5. ila nta (ja) ndi,
ana (t
a) {nta} tts
awr.
3. )( ) ( }{
.
4. )( ( ).
5. {
)( } )(
.
Type II Conditional: An Impossible Condition in the Past/Present

The word kun ( )is used in the second type of conditional. It also is equivalent to the English if.
This word introduces two different types of contrary-to-fact conditionals. The first kind refers to past
circumstances which did not occur. For example, if we had worked, which implies that we did not
work. The second refers to present but unreal circumstances. For example, if I were rich, which
implies that I am not rich. General context is the decisive factor in determining whether present or
past contrary-to-fact conditions are referred to.
If I had the money, Id go with
you.
kun kanu ndi lflus, kun

mit m akum.
If someone had told me, I would

have come to see you.
kun i wad galha liya,

kun jit n-ufk.
If he were working here, I would

have told you.
kun kan kayxdm hna,

kun gltha lik.
If it hadnt been for me, he would kun ma-knt- ana,

kun rq.
have drowned.
If it were not for her, we wouldnt kun ma-kant- hiya,
kun ma-knna- n-aklu.
be eating.
Exercise:

.
.

.

.
Substitute ila with kun and make the necessary changes.
1. ila safrt, adi n-gls f lot

il.
2. ila miti l Marrakech,
zur jam lfna.
3. ila nsiti, an-fkkrk.
4. ila kant ms nhar ldd jjay,
an-miu l lbr.
5. ila t lmti l rbiya mzyan,
adi t-kun mutat
awwi naj.
6. ila ma-tarmti- qanun ssayr,
adi t-jibha f rask.
1. .
2. .

.
3.
4. .
5. .
6.
.
At the Post Office

buystampsandsendlettersandparcels
useprepositionscorrectlywithverbs
The Post Office

Stamps are available at tobacco stores in addition to the post office. It is best to mail your letters at the
mail slot outside the post office since pick-ups can be infrequent at other mail boxes. When sending
packages out of the country, you are required to fill out a customs declaration form. Be sure to leave
the package open because an official is required to see the contents before it is sealed.
Vocabulary
ladrisa
l unwan
post office
lbost
a
envelope
jwa
letter
bra
stamp
tanbr
a
money order lmand
stamps
tnabr
package
kulya
registered
letter
bra rikomandi
normal
adi
postman
lfaktur
express
ixpres
post box
bwatppost
al
customs
ddiwana
box (for a
package)
kart
ona
tape
sskot
glue
ls
aq
address
post card
kartppost
al
Verbs
to send
s
ift
to paste
ls
s
q
to fill in (a form)
mmr
to close / seal
dd
to receive
tws
s
l b
Expressions
I want a stamp for the US /
Morocco please.
bit wad ttanbr dyal

mirikan / lmrib afak.
I want to send this letter / this

package.
bit n-s
ifthad lbra /
had lkulya.
How much will I pay to send

this...?
bal adi n-s

ift
had ... ?
How much time will it take for it

to arrive to ... ?
al d lwqt kayxsba tws

l l ... ?

...
Why dont letters arrive quickly?
la lbrawat makayws
lu-
diya.

.

/
.
...

110 Moroccan Arabic
Dialogue
f lbost
a
Judy: bit ttnabr, lla
yxllik.
l-muwd
d
af: fin adya t-s
ift
i
lbrawat?
Judy:
bit n-s
iftwda adiya
l mirikan u wda
rikumandi hna f lmrib.
l-muwd
d
af:
waxxa a lalla, ndk

22.50 drhm.

. :

:

22.50
.
:
Paul: ana bit n-s

iftkulya l
mirikan.
l-muwd
d
af: ara n-uf nu fiha.
. :
.
:
. :
Paul: hak a sidi.

l-muwd
d
af: mmr had lmt
bu afak.

:
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
l-muwd
d
af:
we t-s
ift
ha adi wlla
ixpres?
Paul: ir adi afak.

l-muwd
d
af:
waxxa a sidi, ndk 250
drhm.
Paul & Judy: ukran,
. :
250
.
:
. :

bslama.
l-muwd
d
af: lla y-awn.
.
:

1.
1. nu katdir Judy f lbost

a?
2. we bat t-s
iftlbrawat ixpres?
2.
3. nu ba y-s
iftPaul?
3.
4. nu xs
s
u y-dir?
4.

Exercise: Make as many sentences as you can using the following words. You
may need to add some of your own words.
mit
bau
ra
mand
a
ma
bina
af
kulya
mat
l l-bost
a la qqa bit
xda
tnabr
mina
bat
s
ift
mirikan
s
rf
bwat
ppost
al
mau
ba
mitu
bitu
Using Prepositions with Pronoun Endings & Verbs

Learning how to use prepositions correctly can sometimes be tricky. First, the prepositions dont
always correspond directly to English prepositions . Thus, at different times in Moroccan Arabic we
will use different prepositions for what would be the same preposition in English. Second, prepositions
sometimes change in meaning depending upon the verb they are used with. This is true in English, too:
Shespokeontherightsofhomelesspeople.(onmeansonthesubjectof)
Iputthebookonthetable.(onmeansontopof)
With these challenges, it may take awhile for you to be a master of Darija prepositions. But with
continued use and exposure, they will become natural for you, just as greetings are now natural for you.
In this section, we will look at two aspects of prepositions: 1. how to connect prepositions with pronoun
endings, and 2. which verbs use certain prepositions.
Some prepositions you have already learned (such as dyal) simply add the normal pronoun endings
(ex. dyali, dyalk, etc.). The following prepositions, however, change slightly when pronoun endings
are added:
to / for
on / about
la
with
m a
in / at / about
with / by
The Preposition l
The preposition l ( )often means to (ex. I gave something to you) or for (ex. I did something for
you). It may also be used with certain verbs simply to express the meaning of the verb; in these cases, it
doesnt translate into anything in English. To add the pronoun endings:
to / for
to / for me
liya / li
to / for you (sing.)
lik
to / for him
lih / lu
to / for her
liha
to / for us
lina
to / for you (plur.)
likum
to / for them
lihum
Some verbs that go with this preposition:

excuse
sm l
explain (to)
fssr (l)
say (to)
gal (l)
send (to)
s
ift(l)
)
)
bring (to)
jab (l)
to be possible
(for...)
ymkn (l)
) )
) )
) )
) )
112 Moroccan Arabic

Some examples:
Kristin sent a letter to Chad.
Kristin sent a letter to him.
Kristin s
ift
at bra
l Chad.
Kristin s
ift
at bra lih.
Thomas bought a present for

Jessica on her birthday.
Thomas ra wad lkadu

l Jessica f id lmilad
dyalha.
Thomas bought it for her.
Thomas rah liha.
Excuse me.
sm liya.
Can I (i.e. is it possible for me) talk

with you?
we ymkn liya n-hd

r m
ak?
I cant (i.e. it is not possible for me)

go out now.
ma-ymkn- liya n-xrj

deba.
.
.

.
.
.

.
As you can see in the example Excuse me above, sometimes the Arabic verb requires the preposition
in order to be equivalent to the English verb. In these cases, the English translation doesnt have a
preposition, but the Arabic still requires it.
The Preposition la
The preposition la is used with many verbs and expressions, and as a result it translates into many
English prepositions, including: on, about, to, at, and others. With pronoun endings:
on (and others)
la
on me
liya
on you (sing.)
lik
on him
lih
on her
liha
on us
lina
on you (plur.)
likum
on them
lihum

defend
daf la
look/search
(for)
qllb (la)
speak (about)
tkllm (la)
lie (to)
kdb (la)
) )
) )
laugh (at)
d
k (la)
) )
) )
to love (i.e. to
be dying for)
mat (la)
) )
In the first verb, defend, the preposition la does not have an English translation since it is required
in order to translate the Arabic verb into defend. In the second verb, look/search, however, the
preposition la is basically equivalent to the English for. Some examples:
Did we talk about the role of

Peace Corps in Morocco?
we tkllmna la ddawr
dyal hay'at ssalam f
lmrib?
Yes, we talked about it.
iyeh, tkllmna lih.
Are you looking for a house to

rent?
we katqllb la d
ar l
lkra?
Yes, Im looking for one.
iyeh, kanqllb liha.
I love (am dying for) pizza.
kanmut la lpitza.
I love it.
kanmut liha
Dont lie to me.
ma-tkdb- liya.
Hes laughing at me.
kayd
k liya.

.

.

.

.
.

The Preposition m a
The preposition m a almost always translates into the English with. With pronouns:
with
m a
with me
m aya
with you (sing.)
m ak
with him
m ah
with her
m aha
with us
m ana
with you (plur.)
m akum
with them
m ahum

laugh (with)
d
k (m a)
) )
meet (with)
tlaqa (m a)
be helpful
(with)
t awn (m a)
) )
stay (with)
bqa (m a)
shake hands
(with)
tsalm (m a)
) )
argue (with)
txas
m (m a)
) )
) )
) )
Some examples:
I met (with) Samir in the post
office.
tlaqit m a Samir f
lbost
a.
I met (with) him in the post

office.
tlaqit m ah f lbost
a.
Im just kidding! (with you)
ir kand
k m ak!
Would you like to come to the

movies with me?
biti t-mi l ssinima m

aya?

.

.
!

114 Moroccan Arabic
The Preposition f
Like la, the preposition f has many different English translations, including: in, about, at, on,
and others. When used with pronouns:
in
in me
fiya
in you (sing.)
fik
in him
fih
in her
fiha
in us
fina
in you (plur.)
fikum
in them
fihum

ask (about)
suwl (f)
)
)
participate (in)
ark (f)
think (about)
fkkr (f)
)
)
take care (of)
thlla (f)
talk (about) a
person
hd
r (f)
trust (in)
taq (f)
) )
) )
) )
) )
Some examples:
I came over (asked about you)
yesterday, but I didnt find you.
suwlt fik lbar, welakin

ma-lqitk-.
We trusted (in) him, but he

betrayed us.
tqna fih, u dr bina.
Take care of yourself.
thlla f rask.

.
.
.
This preposition, with pronouns, can also have the meaning of the verb to be.
I am hungry.
fiya jju .
I am thirsty.
fiya l t
.
fih ssxana.
He has a fever.
.
.
.
And sometimes it takes the meaning of to have in the expression to have in it/them.
This house has five rooms.
had d
-d
ar fiha xmsa d
lbyut.
The Preposition b
The preposition b usually has the meaning of with (I eat with my hands), but can also be used for:
by, in, about, for, and others. With pronouns:
with
with me
biya
with you (sing.)
bik
with him
bih
with her
biha
with us
bina
with you (plur.)
bikum
with them
bihum

believe (in)
amn (b)
) )
marry (with)
tzuwj (b)
dream (about)
lm (b)
) )
welcome
rb b
be responsible
(for)
tkllf (b)
want to be
separated
(from)
sxa (b)
) )
) )

) )
Some examples:
She married (with) him last year.
tzuwjat bih l am lli fat.
They welcomed me into their house.
rbu biya f d
arhum.
I dreamed about him.
lmt bih.

.
.
Exercise: Replace the underlined nouns with the corresponding pronouns.

Sometimes you will need to use a preposition and pronoun together.
Example: l-qt kla l-ut. l-qt klah.
1. Tony rb llib.
2. Ahmed ra t
umubil.
3. lmutat
awwi in mau l ssuq.
4. Lat
ifa ddat ddrari l lmdrasa.
5. we nsiti lmagana f d
-d
ar?
6. Greg t
a lflus l Amy.
7. ddrari safru m a s
abhum.
8. Sara ma-katakul- llm.
9. sllm la mwalin d
-d
ar.
10. Jerry kayxaf mn Tom.
Exercise:
Make all of the above verb forms negative.
1. .
2. .
3.
.
4. .
5.

6. .
7. .

.
8.
9. .
.
10.
Describing the Peace Corps Mission

talkaboutthethreegoalsofPeaceCorps
describeyourjobinMorocco
Peace Corps
Text
nu hiya hay'at ssalam?
hay'at ssalam mund
d
ama amrikiya
kats
iftmutat
awwi in l dduwal
nnamiya u lahdaf dyalha hiya:
1. tt awn ttiqni
2. lmirikanin y-fhmu mzyan u ub
lli stad
fathum u y-rrfu b dik
u ub f mirikan
3. u ub lmustad
ifa tta hiya
t-t rrf la lmirikaniyin.
1.

2.

.
3.


organization
mund
d
ama
developing nations
dduwal nnamiya
goals
ahdaf
technical help
tt awn ttiqni
peoples
u ub
to host
stad
f
to inform
rrf
host (adjective)
mustad
if(a)
The Three Goals Of The Peace Corps

To help people of interested countries and
areas in meeting their needs for trained
men and women;
To help promote a better understanding of
the American people on the part of the
peoples served;
To help promote a better understanding of
other peoples on the part of the American
people.
)
)
Youth Development
Dialogue

. :
Susan: ssalamu alaykum.

.

:
Jamila: wa alaykum ssalam. al
hadi u nti f lmrib?

:
.
Susan: amayn u adya n-gls hna

amayn wlla tlt snin
inallah.

:

.
Jamila: nu katdiri?
Susan: ana mutat
awwi a m a
hay'at ssalam u an-xdm
f d
ar bab.
Jamila: nu at-diri b d
d
bt
?
:
Susan: adya n-qrri nngliziya u
adya n-dir maari m a

.
jjm iyat u ay aja lli

ndha alaqa m a tnmiyat
bab.
Jamila: iwa tbark lla lik
.
:
a lalla.
. :
Susan: lla y-bark fik.

youth development
tnmiyat bab
youth center
d
ar bab
relationship
alaqa
mru
association
jam iya
projects
maari
associations
jam iyat
activity*
naat
director
mudir
activities
anit
a
anything
ay aja
exactly
b d
d
bt
project*
* In Morocco, the word for project suggests to some Moroccans an undertaking that requires money.
The word for activity does not have this connotation. You will often be safer, therefore, using the
word for activity, since most of what you do will not based upon major grants or fundraising.
118 Moroccan Arabic
Environment
Text
smiti Judy. ana kanxdm m a brnamaj

lbi'a d hay'at ssalam. lmuhima dyali
hiya n-uf kifa nnas kayt amlu m a
t
t
abi a. kangul l nnas u tturis lli
kayzuru lipark ba ma-y-luu- zzbl
f ay blas
a. u y-afd
u la lbi'a mn
ttalawut.
u ba nnas ma-y-qt
u- jr u yafd
u
la laba. kanawl n-uf m ahum i
t
uruq xora ba y-t
iybu u ma-ysthlku- bzzaf d lt
b u kandir
maari m a jjam iyat f majal
lmuafad
a l lbi'a u ttnmiyat l l
umum.
.
.

.

.
.
.

lbi'a
environment
program
brnamj
to deal (with)
t aml (m a)
nature
t
abi a
trash
zzbl
to protect
afdla
pollution
ttulwut
trees
jr
forest
aba
) )
ways
t
uruq
firewood
lt
b
field / domain
majal
in general
l l umum
to cut
qt
to consume
sthlk
120 Moroccan Arabic
Health
Dialogue
Sumiya: ssalamu alaykum.
Christine: wa alaykum ssalam.
Sumiya: ftk lbar f s
s
bit
ar. we
nti frmliya?
Christine: lla mai frmliya u mai
t
biba.
Sumiya: nu xdmtk?
Christine: kantkllm m a nnas la
s
thum u s
t wladhum.
Sumiya: we kat t
ihum ddwa?
Christine:
ma-kan t
ihum- ddwa u makandir- libra. kangul l
nnas nu xs
s
hum y-diru ba
maymrd
u- huma wlla
wladhum. u kanhd
r m ahum
la l'ahammiya dyal ddwa d
lbir, u bit lma u sil
lyddin u d-dwa d lkr.
Sumiya: mzyan. had i muhim. u

s
abtk nu katdir?
Christine:
katgul lihum y-jlbu l
wladhum ba maymrd
u u
katr lihum nu xs
s
hum ydiru ila ma-bau- ywldu
bzzaf u katns
l yalat
lamlat ba ymiu l
s
s
bit
ar.
Sumiya:
had i mzyan. tbark lla

likum.
Christine: lla y-bark fik.

.
:
. :

.
:

. :

:
:

.

:
:
.
:
.
.

:
.
. :

s
s
a
health
health clinic
s
s
bit
ar
nurse
lfrmli(ya)
doctor
t
t
bib(a)
to be sick
mrd
medicines
the shot
the importance l'ahammiya
the (water) well lbir
diarrhea
lkr
to immunize
jlb
ddwa
to give birth
wld
libra
pregnant
amla
))
))
Small Business Development

Dialogue
Chris: ssalamu alaykum.
l-m llm: wa alaykum ssalam.
Chris: sm li n-qddm lik rasi.
d
l a sidi.
l-m llm: iyeh, tfd
Chris:
smiti Chris, ana
mutat
awwi m a hay'at
ssalam u jit hna ba n
awn lmuqawalat s
s
ira.
l-m llm: u kifa at-awnha?
Chris:

. :
. :

. :

. :

:

.

f bzzaf d lwayj, bal

lisabat u l'ihar u
.
ttswiq. matalan kans
awbu
lakart d vizit l
lmuqawala u kan t
iuha
smiya u kanhhru lmntuj
dyalha f l-internet.
l-m llm: had i mumtaz welakin

ba at-stafd had
lmuqawala?
Chris: at-stafd it at-bi
ssl a dyalha f lmrib u
f lxarij.
l-m llm: mzyan. lla y-awnk.
Chris: ukran a sidi.
.. :
. :

122 Moroccan Arabic

small business development
enterprise /
firm
lmuqawala
accountancy
lisabat
advertisement
l'ihar
to advertise
hhr
marketing
ttswiq
tnmiyat lmuqawalat
s
s
ira
products
lmntuj
merchandise
ssl a
business card
lakart d
vizit
abroad
lxarij
to advertise the hhr b

lmntuj
products
Renting a House
speakaboutrentingandfurnishinghouses
Finding a House
Vocabulary
building /
block of flats
imara
floor
t
bqa
apartment
brt
ma
house
d
ar
stairs
druj
elevator
sansur
balcony
balkun
rental agent
(in cities)
ssms
ar
living room
s
alun
bedroom
bit nn as
bathroom
bit lma /
t
walet
bath
lmmam
shower
ddu
kitchen
lkuzina
neighbor
jar(a)
))
neighbors
jiran
Expressions
Im looking for a house to rent.
kanqllb la i d
ar l
lkra.
Can you show it to me?
we ymkn lik t-wrriha

liya?
Where is it located?
amn blas
a?
Give me directions to it.
n t liya fin jat.
Can I see it?
we ymkn liya n-ufha?
How many rooms does it have?
al fiha mn bit?
Is the roof for common use?
we sst
mruk?
.

.

124 Moroccan Arabic
Dialogue
Mark: ssalamu alaykum
l-aj: wa alaykum ssalam
Mark: we kayna i d
ar l lkra?
l-aj: we biti maal kbir
wlla s
ir?
Mark:
bit d
ar mtwsst
a, y-kun
fiha s
alun u bit nn as
u ddu u kuzina u katdxl
liha ms u ykun sst
dyali bwdi.
l-aj: kayna wda welakin
ttaman dyalha 20.000
ryal.

:
:

:

:

:

20.000
:

.

:
Mark: lla bzzaf liya,
laqqa ana ir bwdi u

ma-adi- n-qdr nxlls
had ttaman.
:
l-aj: al biti t-xlls
?
Mark: 10.000 ryal.

l-aj:
iwa f had ssa a
mamujuda- i aja b dak
ttaman. welakin mrra
mrra rj ndi, ila lqit
i aja adi n lmk.
Mark: waxxa a sidi, barak lla

u fik.
l-aj: lla y-bark fik.
1. la ma Mark nd laj?
2. we ba d
ar kbira wlla d
ar s
ira?
3. nu ba y-kun f had d
-d
ar?
4. we af Mark d
-d
ar lli hd
r
liha laj?
5. la ma-kraha-?
6. we kayna i d
ar xora rxs
mn hadi?
7. fuqa adi y-rj Mark nd laj?
10.000 . :

:

.

.

. :
. :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7.
Furnishing a House
House Furniture
radio / tape
recorder
musjjala
television
tlfaza
electric outlet
priz
light bulb
bola
electric cord
xitd d
d
ow
candle
m a
iron
ms
lu /
dida
key / switch
sarut
broom
t
aba
squeegee
jbbada /
jfafa
water heater
ufu
heater
ofaj
table
t
bla
chair
kursi
bed
namusiya
pillow
mxdda /
usada
floor mat
s
ira
rug
zrbiya
carpet
mukit
blanket
mant
a /
kaa
curtain
xamiya
sheet
izar
Moroccan sofa ponj

couch
sdari
Kitchenware
refrigerator
tllaja
spoon
m lqa
oven
frran
knife
mus
blender
t
ana
fork
frit
a
saucepan
gamila
glass
kas
cooking pot
t
awa
teapot
brrad
plate
t
bsil
coffee pot
briq
brazier
mjmr
tray
s
iniya
grill
uwaya
bowl
zlafa
strainer
s
ffaya
kettle
mqraj
pressure
cooker
kokot
pitcher
rraf
sifter
rbal
couscous pot
brma
frying pan
mqla
ladle
mrfa
faucet
robini
Exercise:
but
agaz
kursi
namusiya
t
bla
Put the household items in the correct room.
kuzina
126 Moroccan Arabic

s
abun
m lqa
mus
t
awa
ktab
lma
d
d
u
t
bsil
usada
s
ffaya
robini
Exercise:
mus
bit n-n as

bit l-ma

Describe in Darija the house you want to rent.
Moroccan Wisdom: .
ydd wda ma-kat-sffq-.
Onehandcantclap.
Safety and Security

listsomesafetyandsecurityproblemsyoumayfaceduringyourservice
describesomestrategiesfordealingwiththeseissues
useMoroccanArabictoimplementthesestrategies
Sexual Harassment
Vocabulary
gazelle*
lzala
to follow someone
tb
the beautiful*
zzwina
to get in someone's
way
t rrd
the beauty*
zzin
to harass
ngg
a strawberry (girl)*
ttuta
*These words are used by men to harass women.
Expressions
sexual harassment
tarru jinsi
He followed me.
tb ni.
What do you want?
nu biti?
Go away.
sir f alk.
Get away (far) from me.
b d mnni.
Let go of me.
t
lq mnni.
Dont touch me.
ma-t-qisni-.
Dont follow me again.
ma-t-awd- t-tb ni.
ini ttisa .
Give me some space. (go away) t
.
.
.
.
Go or you will regret it.
sir wlla adi t-ndm.
I will tell the police.
adi n-bll lbulis.
I will call the gendarmes.
adi n-iytla
jjadarmiya.
Respect yourself.
tarm rask.
He doesnt want to get away

(far) from me.
ma-ba- y-b d mnni.
I told you: get away (far) from

me.
glt lik: b d mnni.
: .
I told you: go away.
glt lik: sir f alk.
: .
.
.
128 Moroccan Arabic
Text - Arabic

.
" . " :" .
" :
.

.
.
" : .

" .
. .
Text - Transcription
Cathy xarja mn dar
bab
mlli Cathy xarja mn d
ar bab, kan wad mul t
t
umubil waqf f jjnb dyal
t
t
riq. mnin ws
lat Cathy dah, gal liha: "t
l i a lzala n-ws
s
lk." Cathy
galt lih: "sir f alk. we biti i wad y-tb xtk?" bqat Cathy adya u
bqa mul t
t
umubil tb ha. qt
at Cathy t
t
riq l jjiha lxura. nat rasha u
kmmlat t
riqha. f nhar ttani awd nfs i m a mul t
t
umubil. f nhar ttalt
galt Cathy l mul t
t
umubil: "ila awdti tb ni adi n-bll lbulis." b lfi l
awd tb ha u mat l lbulis u bllat u t
athum rqm t
t
umubil. lbulis ddu
mul t
t
umubil u iyt
u la Cathy. t
lb mul t
t
umubil ssmaa mn Cathy u ltazm
ba ma-bqi- y-t rrdliha mrra xora.
Questions
1. fin kant Cathy?
2. fin kan mul t
t
umubil?
3. nu gal mul t
t
umubil l Cathy?
4. we mat Cathy m a mul t
t
umubil?
5. nu dart Cathy mlli awd tb ha
mul t
t
umubil?
6. nu dar mul t
t
umubil mlli dduh
lbulis?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Text - English Translation

Cathy coming out of the youth center
When Cathy was coming out of the youth center, there was a man in his car by the side of the
road. As she passed by him, he told her: Get in gazelle, I will take you home. Cathy said: Go
away. Is it okay with you if someone harasses your sister? Cathy kept walking and the man was
following her with his car. She crossed the road, ignoring him, and continued on her way. The next
day, the same thing happened with that man. The following day Cathy told the man: If you follow
me again I will tell the police. In fact, he did follow her again and so she went to the police station.
She told them what happened and gave them the license plate number. The police arrested the
man and called Cathy. The man apologized to Cathy and promised not to get in her way again.
At the Taxi Stand

Vocabulary
seat
blas
a
tire
rwid
a
smooth
memsua
windshield
jjaja
cracked
mquqa
to be afraid
xaf
to happen
wq
Expressions
Drive slowly please.
s
ug b wiya afak.
Better safe than sorry.
llahumma slama wala

ndama.
Dialogue
f mat
t
a d t
t
axiyat
l-kurti: blas
a Akka, blas
a Akka.
Max: ana adi l Akka.
l-kurti: t
l .
Max: bllati, xllini n-uf
t
t
aksi b da. ma-bit-
n-mi f had t
t
aksi.
l-kurti: la?
Max: rrwaydmmsuin u jjaja
lqddamiya mquqa.
l-kurti:
ir zid ma-t-xaf-, ma
adi y-wq walu.
Max: uf liya i t
axi mzyan
afak.
l-kurti: xs
s
k t-tsnna wiya.
Max: lwqt mai mukil.
llahumma slama wala
ndama.

. :
. :
. :

.
:

:

:

.

:
.
. :

. :

.
:
.
Questions
1. fin kayn Max?
1.
2. fin adi Max?
2.
3. la ma-ma- f t
t
axi lli af?
4. nu t
lb mn lkurti?
English Translation
At the taxi stand
l-kurti: A seat to Aqqa, a seat to Aqqa.
3.
4.
130 Moroccan Arabic

Max: I am going to Aqqa.
l-kurti: Get in.
Max: Wait. Let me see the taxi first. . . . I dont want to go in this taxi.
l-kurti: Why?
Max: The tires are smooth and the windshield is cracked.
l-kurti: Come on, dont worry. Nothing is going to happen.
Max: Find me a good taxi.
l-kurti: You have to wait a little bit.
Max: Time is not a problem. Better safe than sorry.
At Work
Vocabulary
to bring in
dxxl
to take out
xrrj
to steal
srq
to be stolen
tsrq
to lock to
(something)
dd m a
a lock
qfl
Dialogue
f lxdma
lomolog:
ssalamu alaykum. jiti

bkri lyum.
Patrick: wa alaykum ssalam. i

wiya.
lomolog:
a hada? la dxxlti
lbisklit l lbiru.
Patrick: ah, adi y-tsrq ila

xllitu brra.
lomolog: welakin hadi mai blas
a d
lbisklit.
Patrick: iyeh, welakin a adi
ndir?
lomolog: dir qfl l lbisklit u ddu
m a lbab dyal brra.
Patrick: fikra mzyana. ma-fkkrt-
fiha.
lomolog: we ndk qfl?
Patrick:
iyeh, ndi. n-xrrju daba
u n-ddu m a lbab.
lomolog: sdd t-lqa ma-t-ll.

.

. :
. :
.

:
.
. :

. :

:

:
.
. . :

:

. . :
. :
Questions
1. la dxxl Patrick lbisklit l
lbiru?
2. nu gal lomolog l Patrick?
1.

2.
3. nu dar Patrick f ttali?
3.
English Translation
At work
counterpart: Peace be upon you. You came in early today.
Patrick: Peace be upon you too. A little bit.
counterpart: Whats this? Why did you bring your bicycle into the office?
Patrick: Oh. It will be stolen if I leave it outside.
counterpart: But this is not the place for bicycles.
Patrick: Yes, but what should I do?
counterpart: Use a lock with the bicycle, and lock it to the gate.
Patrick: Good idea. I didnt think about that.
counterpart: Do you have a lock?
Patrick: Yes, I have one. Ill take it outside now and lock it to the gate.
counterpart: Lock now what you will find later.
Forgetting a Wallet in a Taxi / Filing a Report

Vocabulary
police
bulis
police station
kumisariya
wallet
bzt
am
to lose
wd
d
r
to forget
nsa
to save
(someone)
tq
Expressions
Help me.
awnni.
I lost my passport.
wd
d
rt lppasppor.
I forgot my wallet in...
nsit lbzt
am dyali f...
Wheres the police station?
fin lkumisariya?
Help me! (use only in extreme
tqu rru.
danger)
.

.
...

.
Dialogue
Brian: ssalamu alaykum.
bulis: wa alaykum ssalam.
Brian: sm li, nsit lbzt
am
dyali f wad t
t
aksi.
bulis: waxxa, nu smitk?

. :
. :

:
.

:
132 Moroccan Arabic

Brian: smiti Brian ....
. :
bulis: nu kayn f lbzt

am?
:
Brian: fih lppasppor dyali u
500
wad lakartviza u 500
:
.
drhm.
bulis:
we qlti la nnmra dyal
:
t
t
aksi?
Brian: 45.
bulis: waxxa, xlli liya rrqm d
ttilifun dyalk, adi
nttas
lu bik mn b d.
45. :

:
.

. :
Brian: ukran.
. :
bulis: lla ukran ala wajib.
Questions
1. fin ma Brian? la?
2. we tsrq lih lbzt
am?
1.
2.
English Translation
Brian: Peace be upon you.
police: Peace be upon you too.
Brian: Excuse me, I forgot my wallet in a taxi.
police: Okay, whats your name?
Brian: My name is Brian ...
police: What was in the wallet?
Brian: My passport, a Visa card, and 500 dirham.
police: Do you remember the taxis number?
Brian: 45.
police: Okay, leave me your phone number, well call you later.
Brian: Thanks.
police: Its my duty.
Butagas
Vocabulary
butane gas
tank
lbut
a
gas
lgaz
CO detector
dditiktur
battery
ljra
metal regulator
between gas
tank and hose
lmagana
to test
jrrb
to close (tank)
sdd
to open (tank)
ll
gasket
(rubber ring)
jjlda d
lbut
a
torn
mqt
t
(a)
hose
ttiyu
odor / smell
rria
ring
lxatm

)
)
to turn on /
to make work
xddm
to change
bddl
to tighten
ziyr
to smell
mm
Expressions
There is a gas smell.
kayna rria d lgaz.
Turn on the detector.
xddm dditiktur.
.

.
a b lma u
Test the butagas tank with water jrrb lbut
s
s
a
bun.
and soap.
Change the rubber ring if its
torn.
bddl jjlda d lbut

a ila
tqt
at.
Dialogue
Fat
ima nd Caroline
Fatima: ahlan bixir.
Caroline: bixir lamdullah, mrba
bik.
Fatima: ukran. aji mmit rria d
lbut
a.
Caroline: ma-mmit-, rah ndi
dditiktur d lgaz welakin
ma-fih- ljra.
Fatima:
xs
s
k t-xddmih dima, had
i mai l b. aji nufu
jjlda d lbut
a b da.
Caroline: waxxa.
Fatima: jjlda mqt
t
a. had i
xat
ar. xs
s
na n-bddluha u
mn b d n-jrrbu b lma u
s
s
abun.
Caroline: fikra mzyana.

.
:

.
.

:
.

.

.
.
. :

.
:
.

.
. :
Questions
1. la ma-xddmat- Caroline
dditiktur d lgaz?
2. nu lmukil f lbut
a dyal
Caroline?
3. nu xs
sCaroline u Fat
ima y-diru?
English Translation
Fatima: Hello, how are you?
Caroline: Fine, thanks be to God. Welcome.
1.

2.

3.

134 Moroccan Arabic

Fatima: Thanks. Come here . . . I smell gas.
Caroline: I dont smell it. I have a gas detector but it ran out of batteries.
Fatima: You should always have it on. This is no game. Lets look at the
rubber gasket ring first.
Caroline: Okay.
Fatima: You see, the rubber ring is torn. This is dangerous. We have to
change it, then test it with water and soap.
Caroline: Good idea.
Hash
Vocabulary
hashish
li
quality
kaliti / nu
to smoke
kma
to use
st ml
sticking to /
bothering
someone
las
q
Dialogue
Jalil:
aji axay, we katqllb la

li?
Scott:
lla, sir f alk. ana
makanst mlu-.
.
:
Jalil: aji, rah ndi kaliti zwina

mn ktama.
:
.
Scott: glt lik sir f alk. b d

mnni. ana ma-kankmi-.
Jalil:
uf, n-dir m ak taman
mzyan.
. . :
.
Scott: uf nta, ila bqiti las

qni
adi n-gulha l lbulis. ana
ma-kankmi-.
Jalil: lbulis! s
afi lla y-awnk.

:
.

. .
! .
:
Questions
1. m a mn tlaqa Scott?
1.
2. nu ba mnnu Jalil?
2.

3. we ra Scott li?
4. la xaf Jalil u ma b alu?
3.
4.

English Translation
Jalil: Come here (brother), are you looking for hash?
Scott: No, go away. I dont use it.
Jalil: Come on, its good stuff from Ktama.
Scott: I said go away. I dont smoke.
Jalil: Look, Ill give you a good price.
Scott: You look, if you keep bothering me Ill call the police. I dont smoke.
Jalil: Police! Okay, may God help you.
Theft
Vocabulary
thief
ffar /
srraq
to touch
qas
to forgive
sm l...
...
he attacked me
t dda liya
he snatched my...
xt
f liya...
...
he slapped me
s
rfqni
he hit me
d
rbni
he spit on me
dfl liya
he grabbed me
from...
ddni mn...
he cursed me
sbbni
rappur
he stole my...
srq liya...
law
lqanun
he insulted me
ayrni
human rights
uquq
l'insan
to call (the police)
iytl
lawyer
muami
court
mkama
medical certificate /
report
ahada
t
ibbiya
theft
ssrqa
danger
xat
ar
dangerous
xat
ir
make a statement /
file a report
sjjl d wa
summons
stid a
witness
ahd
testimony
ahada
police
lbulis
police inspector
l-inspiktur
police car
fargunit
report

...
...
Expressions
fin 'aqrab kumisariya /
brigad d jjundarm,
afak?
bit n-bll la ssrqa /

I want to make a statement
about a theft / an attack / sexual i tida' / tarru
jinsi.
harassment.
/ /

Wheres the closest police /

gendarme station, please.
What police station should I go

to?
lamn kumisariya xs
s
ni
n-mi?
136 Moroccan Arabic
Take me to the closest police

station, please.
ddini l 'aqrab
kumisariya, afak.
Be careful!
d
i rask!
Pay attention.
rdd balk.
Come with me to the police.
zid m aya l lbulis.
Dialogue
John:
bulis:
John:
bulis:
John:
bulis:
John:
bulis:
John:
bulis:
John:
bulis:
John:
bulis:
John:
ssalamu alaykum.
wa alaykum ssalam. nu xs
s
k?
bit n-bll la i srqa.
we lik nta?
iyeh.
waxxa, t
ini lppaspor dyalk.
ndi ir la-kart d sejur, hak.
tta hiya mzyana. nu srq lik? u
fuqa?
s
ak, f 3:00.
kif dar srq lik s
s
ak?
xt
fu liya mn ktfi.
kif dayr had ffar? ws
fu liya.
t
wil u labs djin u turt mr.
nu kayn f had s
s
ak b d
d
bt?
ndi fih tilifun u fut
a u ktab u
musjjala s
ira (walkman) u 200
drhm.

. :
:
.
. :
:
. :

. :
. :
.
:
3:00 . :
:
. :

. :
. :

:
200 )( .
:
bulis: waxxa, a sidi. adi ndiru lbt

dyalna u ntas
lu bik mn b d.
.

.
John: s
afi, we n-mi?
bulis:
lla, tsnna tta taxud m ak nsxa
mn rrappur.
John: waxxa ukran.
bulis: hak, daba ntas
lu bik. d
i rask
mrra xura.
:
. :

. :
. . :
English Translation
John: Peace be upon you.
police officer: Peace be upon you too. Can I help you?
John: I want to report a theft.
police officer: Are you the victim?
John: Yes.
police officer: Okay, your passport, please.

John: I have only my carte de sejour. Here you are.
police officer: Thats okay. What was stolen from you and
when?
John: A bag at 3:00.
police officer: How was it stolen?
John: A man snatched it from my shoulder.
police officer: Can you describe the thief?
John: Hes tall, wearing jeans and a red T-shirt.
police officer: What exactly did you have in the bag?
John: A cell phone, a towel, a book, a walkman, and
200 dirham.
police officer: Okay, sir, well do our investigation and well get
in touch with you later.
John: Thats it? Can I leave?
police officer: Wait a minute, youve got to take a photocopy of
the report.
John: Okay, thanks.
police officer: Here you are. Well get in touch with you. Be
careful in the future.
House Security / Doors and Windows

Vocabulary
lock
qfl
welder
sudur /
ddad
latch / bolt
ssaqt
a
sliding metal bolt

for locking doors
zzkrum
iron bars
barrat
hardware store ddrogri
Dialogue
Jamal: ssalamu alaykum.
Carlos:
Jamal:
Carlos:
Jamal:
Carlos:
Jamal:
wa alaykum ssalam.
mrba bik.
:

.
. :
.

a katdir f d
-d
ar?
.
walu, ir gals.
.
yallah n-xrju.
.
waxxa.
nu hada? had lqfl

.
iyan. xs
s
k wad s
i. u
.
xs
s
k saqt
a ba t-sdd
ldaxl.
:
:
:
:
138 Moroccan Arabic

Carlos: fikra mzyana. mnin adi
n-rihum?
Jamal:
mn ddrugri wlla mn ssuq
dda. u tta had ssrjm
xs
s
u barrat dyal ldid
ba thnna. aji nmiu nd
ssudur ns
awbu had ssrjm
daba. xs
s
k ir tdd l
bar dyalu.
. :
.

:

.
.

.

. :

Carlos: hadi fikra mu tabara.

Jamal: iyeh, llahumma slama
wala ndama.

:
.
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

1.
nu kan Carlos kaydir?

nu lmukil dyal Carlos?
nu xs
sCarlos ydir?
mnin adi y-ri lqfl u ssaqt
a?
nd mn adi y-s
awb lbarrat?
2.

3.

4.
5.
English Translation
Jamal:
Carlos:
Jamal:
Carlos:
Jamal:
Carlos:
Jamal:
Carlos:
Jamal:
Carlos:
Jamal:
Peace be upon you.

And peace be upon you too. Welcome.
What are you doing at home?
Nothing, just sitting around.
Lets go out.
Okay.
What is this? This lock is not strong. You need a strong one. You also need a
sliding metal bolt in order to lock the door from the inside.
Good idea. Where can I get these from?
From the hardware store or from souk tomorrow. Also this window needs iron bars
for you to feel safe. Lets go to the welders to fix this window now. You need to
measure it.
Excellent idea.
Its better to be safe than sorry.
Political Harassment
Vocabulary
to end
wqf
war
lrb
citizen
muwat
in
normal
adi
freedom
luriya
population,
people
for
m a
against
d
edd
to convince
qn
democracy
ddimuqrat
iya
subject
mud
u
killing
lqtila
to kill
qtl
Dialogue
kan John gals f lqhwa kayqra
"Newsweek" u kanu nnas kaytfrrju f
"Al-Jazira." wad mn nnas gal l John:
muwat
in: hd
r m a Bush y-wqqf had
lrb.

""

" .
"
:

.
:
:
John: ana ir muwat
in adi mn

mirikan. xdmti hiya n awn .

.

nnas f lmrib. had i lli
.
kan rf. s
afi.
muwat
in: welakin katgulu ndkum
luriya u ddimuqrat
iya.
John: had i bs
s
welakin ana
ir mirikani adi mn b.

.

muwat
in: kulkum bal bal, katbiu
:
.
%
50
lrb. f mirikan ktr mn 50%

.
d nnas m a lrb. tta
nta mnhum.
John:
lla. ana m a 50% xora lli

d
edd lrb.
muwat
in: kifa adi n-rfu?
John: kifa adi n-qn k?
muwat
in: ma-n-rf welakin mirikan
xs
s
ha t-wqqf lqtila dyal
nnas.
John: mttafq m ak.
bqat wad lmjmu a d nnas f lqhwa
kaytkllmu la had lmud
u u kayufu f
John. John xllsqhwtu u ma f alu.

% 50
. . :

:
:

:

.
. :

.
.
Questions
1. fin kan John?
1.
2. nu kan kaydir?

2.
3. nu kanu nnas kaydiru?

4. nu hiya lxdma dyal John f
lmrib?
5. we mirikan kulha m a lrb?

3.
4.

5.

140 Moroccan Arabic

6. we John m a wlla d
dd lrb?
7. nu dar John f ttali?
6.
7.
English Translation
John was sitting in a caf reading Newsweek. Some people there were watching Al-Jazeera.
One of the men at the caf said to John:
Moroccan
Talk to Bush about stopping this war.
citizen:
John: Im just a normal citizen from America. My job is to help people in Morocco.
Thats all I know.
Moroccan
But in America you say you have freedom and democracy.
citizen:
John: Thats true, but I am just a normal American.
Moroccan You are all the same. You all like war. In America more than 50% of the people
citizen: are for the war. You are one of them.
John: No, I am with the other Americans against the war.
Moroccan
How are we going to know?
citizen:
John: How can I convince you?
Moroccan
I dont know but America must stop killing people.
citizen:
John: I agree.
A group of people in the caf kept talking about the subject of the war. They were looking at John.
John paid for his coffee and left.
Appendices
Pronunciation of Moroccan Arabic
Supplementary Grammar Lessons
More Useful Expressions
157
Moroccan Holidays 159
Glossary of Verbs
163
144
148
Pronunciation of Moroccan Arabic

Despite what you may think at first, it is indeed possible for you to learn how to pronounce the sounds
of Moroccan Arabic. Learning to pronounce Arabic sounds correctly entails two things: first, becoming
aware of how to make the different sounds and, second, practicing with a native speaker. This chapter
will help you with the first task.
Understanding How Sounds Are Made

Before we move directly into how to pronounce Arabic sounds, lets first understand how sounds are
made in general. Then we can use this knowledge in order to work on Arabic sounds.
Fricatives and Stops

Make the /s/ sound. Notice how air is being forced through the space between your tongue and the
gum ridge in your mouth. When a sound is produced like this, by forcing air between some small
opening, that sound is called a fricative. Make the /f/ sound. This sound is also a fricative, because in
order to make it we must force air between our teeth and our bottom lip. Some sounds in English that
are fricatives are: /s/, /z/, /sh/, /th/, /f/, /v/, and others.
Now make the /t/ sound. Here, we are not forcing air through a small opening at a constant pressure,
but rather we completely block the air flow for a moment, and then release the air stream in one big
burst. A sound that is produced by blocking the air flow, and then releasing it, is called a stop. Make
the /k/ sound. This is another stop because again, you will notice how we build up a lot of pressure
with air, and then release it. Some stops in English are: /t/, /k/, /g/, /b/, /p/, and others.
Voiced and Voiceless Sounds

We can also categorize consonant sounds according to whether we use our voice box or not. Make
the /s/ sound. While making the sound, hold your hand over your throat. Now make the /z/ sound,
still holding your hand to your throat. Youll notice that with /s/, we dont use our voice box, but
with /z/, our voice box vibrates. Sounds like /s/ are called voiceless, since we dont use our voice box.
Sounds like /z/ are called voiced, since our voice box vibrates. Make the sound /t/. Is it voiceless or
voiced? Now make the sound /d/. Voiceless or voiced?
Lets look now at some of the difficult Arabic sounds, using what we know about sounds in general.
Pronunciation of Non-English Consonants

The Sound q ()
The q sound is similar to the k sound. Both are voiceless stops that are made by releasing air
forcefully after completely blocking the air flow momentarily. The only difference is where in the
throat the speaker blocks the air flow. The q sound will be made further back in the throat than the k
sound. Try the following exercise.
First, take a minute to become more familiar with your throat muscles. Open your mouth and say aah,
as if you were at the doctors office. Your tongue should be flat in your mouth. Without raising your
tongue, pull it back so that the base of your tongue closes off air by pulling back against the throat. At
this point, you should not be able to breathe through your mouth, although it is wide open. Practice
doing this first without making a sound. After performing this exercise several times, make a sound by
releasing the air forcefully. The result will be the sound q.
The Sound x ()
The sound x is a voiceless fricative formed around the same place as the sound q. It is found in many
European languages: the Russian x, the Scottish pronunciation of loch, and the German ch as
pronounced after a back vowel as in Bach. Some people use this sound to say yech! To pronounce x,
make the sound q and pay attention to where the back of your tongue hits the back of the roof of your
The /t/ sound is voiceless and the /d/ sound is voiced. Both are stops.

mouth and blocks your windpipe. Instead of closing off the windpipe with the back of your tongue
completely, block it part way, and you will produce this sound.
The Sound ()
The sound is the same sound as the sound x, except it is voiced. In other words, if you can make the
sound x, all you need to do is vibrate your voice box at the same time, and you will produce . Think of
the correspondence between the sounds k (kite) and g (game): k is voiceless and g is voiced.
Pronounce k and g several times, paying attention to how your voice changes when you say g. Now say
x several times, and then voice it. The result is .
Alternatively, you may think of as similar to the sound you make when gargling. Gargle for a minute
and pay attention to the muscles you use. The sound is pronounced using these same muscles in
similar fashion.
The Emphatic Sounds s (), d (), and t ()
The sound s is the emphatic counterpart of the sound s. Pronounce the sound s aloud, and note the
position of your tongue. It should be toward the front of the mouth and high, close to the roof. Now,
starting at the back of your teeth, move your tongue back along the roof of your mouth. You will find a
bony ridge just behind the teeth, before the upward curve of the roof. Put your tongue against this
ridge. The rest of your tongue will drop lower inside your mouth. The emphatic or velarized
consonants in Arabic are pronounced by placing the tip of your tongue in this spot and dropping the
rest of the tongue as low as you can. Thus, the sounds s, d, and t are all made with the tongue in this
position.
All the emphatic sounds are lower in pitch than their non-emphatic counterparts. They are
pronounced with greater muscular tension in the mouth and throat and with a raising of the back and
root of the tongue toward the roof of the mouth. You can notice this contraction of the throat easily by
prolonging the l in full.
One important note about the emphatic sounds: they deepen the sound of surrounding vowels. Pay
attention to the sound of all vowels near these emphatic sounds, because the quality of the vowels gives
the best indication of the presence of emphatic consonants. One important example is tini
, give
me in Moroccan Arabic. Most trainees will hear the word and think it is pronounced tayni
, with the
middle vowel sound ay instead of i. This is because the emphatic sound t affects the way the i sounds,
making it sound (to the English speakers ear) like an ay. It is, in fact, an i however.
The Sound ()
The sound is a voiceless fricative pronounced deep in the throat. It has no equivalent in English. In
order to practice this sound, first take a few minutes to become better acquainted with some of your
throat muscles that you use often, but not to speak English. The following exercises are designed to
make you aware of what these muscles can already do, so that you can use them to speak Arabic.
Practice them for a few minutes every day, as often as you can.
1. With your mouth closed, block off your windpipe at your throat. Put your hand on your throat
at the Adams apple and constrict the muscles on the inside. You should be able to feel the
muscles contracting. Alternately tighten and relax them for a few minutes.
2. Repeat this with your mouth open. Try to breathe out through your mouthif you can, you are
not closing off the windpipe entirely.
3. Constrict those same muscles so that air can just barely squeeze through your throat. Imitate
someone fogging a pair of glasses to clean them. The sound of the air coming through your
constricted throat muscles is . By now, you should be aware of what your throat muscles are
doing.
4. Bend your head down so that your chin rests on the top of your chest, and repeat exercise 3.
This position should make it easier for you to feel what you are doing.
Pronouncing takes practice, first to pronounce the letter alone, and then to pronounce it surrounded
by other letters in a word. You must learn to pronounce it properly to be understood, and at first, this
will take some concentration on your part. However, the more you practice now, the sooner you will be
able to say it easily.
144 Moroccan Arabic
The Sound ) )
We now come to one of the most distinctive sounds in Arabic: . When pronounced correctly, has its
own unique beauty and can be a very expressive sound. It is not as difficult to pronounce as one may
first think, but you need to exercise your throat muscles, the same ones that you use to pronounce .
You should continually be doing the exercises you learned above for , in which you constricted your
throat muscles as if you were blocking off the air passage from the inside. You can feel this by putting
your hand on your throat. Say , and feel the muscles contract. Now pronounce the same sound and
voice it. That is, say the say sound while vibrating your voice box, changing the breathy sound of
into the deep, throaty sound of . The sounds and are only different because is voiceless and is
voiced.
Some trainees think that sounds like a vowel, but it is not a vowel. Because we constrict our throat
muscles and force air through the passageway, the sound is a fricative. Vowels do not force air
through a partially blocked passageway, and thus cannot be fricatives.
The Arabic r ()
The sound r in Arabic is not the same as the English r. It is not difficult, like some of the other
sounds above may seem at first. But because it is new, we include here a short description of it. The
sound is a flap, like the Spanish or Italian r. You already know how to make this sound: it is the
sound American English speakers make saying gotta as in gottago. Say gotta several times in a row
very quickly and pay attention to what your tongue is doing. You should feel it flapping against the roof
of your mouth behind your teeth. Now pronounce the sound alone. Another good exercise is to
practice making a whirring sound: rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Do these exercises daily until you have mastered this
sound.
Pronunciation of Shedda
In Arabic, a shedda is a pronounced stress upon a letter in a word. In transcription, this stress is
indicated by a doubling of a consonant (see page 3). When there is shedda, it indicates that the
consonant is to be held twice as long as a normal consonant. That is, it should be pronounced for twice
the length of time. This is easy with fluid sounds like z or r. With sounds like b or d, however, you
must begin to say them and pause in the middle of pronouncing them for a second. This may take
some practice at first.
In English, this doubling of a consonant sound never occurs in the middle of words, but is very
common from the end of one word to the beginning of another. Compare the difference between the
single d in lay down and the double dd in laid down. Noticing the difference between the single
d and double dd in this example will give you some idea of how a shedda affects pronunciation.
It cannot be stressed enough that sheddaaffectsnotonlythepronunciationofaword,butalsoits
meaning,especiallyforverbs. Recognizing when shedda is used and learning to pronounce it correctly
yourself is an important task in your study of Moroccan Arabic.
The Definite Article

In English, the definite article is the word the. It is different from the indefinite articles, which
are a and an. In English, the definite article speaks about something specific: Iwashed the dog
definite
today (you know which dog Im speaking about). The indefinite the
articles
talkarticle
about something nonspecific: Isawadogtoday (you dont know the dog Im speaking about).
In Arabic, the definite article is not always used exactly as in English. When written in Arabic script, it
is composed of two letters, al (), attached to the beginning of a noun or an adjective. Here is the
Arabic script for the book:
These two letters are always written in Arabic script for a definite article, but they are not always
pronounced. In Moroccan Arabic, the first letter, a (), is never pronounced. Two possibilities exist,

therefore, for pronouncing the definite article. Sometimes, the second letter, l (), is pronounced.
Other times, instead of pronouncing the l (), the first letter of the word is doubled with a shedda.
Whether the definite article is pronounced with l or by doubling the first letter with shedda is
determinedbywhichletteristhefirstletteroftheword. Lets look at these two different possibilities.
The Moon Letters

In the first possibility, the Arabic definite article is pronounced with an l ( )at the beginning of a
word. All words that begin with the following letters follow this rule:
i/y
u/w
These letters are called moonletters, because the Arabic word for moon, qamar, begins with one of the
letters in the group. Notice in the following examples that the definite article is pronounced by adding
an l to the word:
ktab
bnt
a girl
a book
the book
lktab
a boy
wld
the boy
lwld
the girl
lbnt
a moon
qamar
the moon
lqamar
The Sun Letters
In the second possibility, the Arabic definite article is pronounced by doubling the first letter of a word
with a shedda. All words that begin with the following letters follow this rule:
n
These letters are known as sunletters, because the Arabic word for sun, ms, begins with one of the
letters in the group. Notice in the following examples that the definite article is pronounced by
doubling the first letter of the word by using shedda.
a house
d
ar
the house
d-d
ar
a man
rajl
the man
rrajl
a street
znqa
the street
zznqa
a sun
ms
the sun
ms
Supplementary Grammar Lessons

These are lessons you can work on by yourself or with your tutor once you arrive at your site. It is
unlikely you will be able to complete them during stage, unless you already have some experience with
Arabic.
Making Intransitive Verbs into Transitive Verbs

Intransitive verbs are verbs that do not require a direct object such as:
to come in
dxl
to be afraid
xaf
to go out
xrj
to drink
rb
to laugh
d
k
to understand
fhm
to fall
t
a
to go up
t
l
to go down
hbt
All these verbs are trilateral (i.e. they are made up of three letters) and they can be made transitive by
doubling their middle consonant (i.e. putting a shedda on it). The new transitive verb normally has the
meaning to make someone do something. Look at how the meaning changes when the intransitive
verb dk
to laugh is changed into a transitive verb:
You are laughing / you laugh.
katd
k.
You make me laugh.
katd
kni.
Here is a list of verbs commonly used in their transitive form:

to make (someone or
something) enter / to bring in
dxxl
to make (someone or
something) exit / to take out
xrrj
to make (so/sth) laugh
d
k
to drop / to throw down (i.e. to

make something fall)
t
iy
to frighten (i.e. to make

someone afraid)
xuwf
to water (i.e. to make something rrb

drink)
to make (someone) understand / fhhm

to explain
to make go up / to promote / to
take up
t
ll
to bring down / to demote
hbbt
Some examples:
I brought in a dog to the house
but my father took it out.
dxxlt wad lklb l d

-d
ar
welakin bba xrrju.
The clown makes small kids

laugh.
lklun kayd
k ddrari
s
s
ar.

.
.

Take this table out of here,

please.
xrrj afak had t

t
bla mn
hna.
Passive Verbs
Transitive verbs can be made passive by adding t ( )to them, as shown below:
ktb
to write
to be written (masc.)
tktb
to be written (fem.)
tktbat
to be written (plur.)
tktbu
to understand
fhm
to be understood (masc.)
tfhm
to be understood (fem.)
tfhmat
to be understood (plur.)
tfhmu
to buy
ra
to be bought (masc.)
tra
to be bought (fem.)
trat
to be bought (plur.)
trau
to steal
srq
to be stolen (masc.)
tsrq
to be stolen (fem.)
tsrqat
to be stolen (plur.)
tsrqu
Some examples:
Ali ate pizza.
li kla lpitza.
The pizza was eaten.
tklat lpitza.
The teacher wrote the lesson.
lustad ktb ddrs.
The lesson was written.
ddrs tktb.
The students understood the

riddle.
ttlamd fhmu lluz.
The riddle was understood.
lluz tfhm.
Laila bought some clothes.
layla rat lwayj.
Some clothes were bought.
lwayj trau.
Exercise:
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
Put the sentences below in the passive form.
1. ls
s
q tts
wira f lit
.
2. ba u lfllaa lms
ul dyalhum.
3. s
bnat Jamila lwayj.
4. hrrs Peter lkisan.
5. smma Aziz bntu Ibtisam.
1.
.
.
2.
3.
.
4. .
5.
.
6. sm t s
s
da lbar.
6. .
7. jlat Lupe lpurt

abl.
7. .
8. jrat Jill s
b ha b lmus.
8. .
148 Moroccan Arabic

9. t
at Aicha lkadu l Malika.
10. kra i wad had d
-d
ar.
9. .
10. .
The Past Progressive

The Moroccan Arabic equivalent for the English past progressive (was doing, were doing) is the past of
kan ( )to be followed by the present tense. For example:
He was talking.
kan kaytkllm.
He wasnt talking.
ma-kan- kaytkllm.
You were talking.
knti kattkllm.
I wasnt working
ma-knt- kanxdm.
She was writing.
kant katktb.
This construction can also be translated as used to. For example:

I used to sell cars.
knt kanbi t
t
umubilat.
Whether a given occurrence of this construction is to be translated as past progressive or used to

depends upon the context.
I used to travel a lot.
knt kansafr bzzaf.
s
wira, knt
When I was in Essaouira, I used mlli knt f s
kanakul
lut
kul nhar.
to eat fish every day.
knt kantfrrj f ttlfaza
I was watching TV when
mlli dqq i wad f
someone knocked at the door.
lbab.
knt kanxdm f had
I used to work in this school.
lmdrasa.
knt kanjri kul s
ba.
I used to run every morning.
knt kankmi bzzaf,
I used to smoke a lot but I quit
welakin ma-bqit-
smoking (dont smoke anymore). kankmi.
.

.
.

.

.
Exercise:
mlli ana (kan / qra) f jjami a f

mirikan, (kan / skn) m a wad l
a'ila mirikaniya. l a'ila m a mn
(kan / skn), ndha juj d lbnat
(kan / qra) m aya f jjami a. wda
mnhum (kan / t llm) l rbiya lfus
a,
u ana (kan / raj )m aha ddurus
dyalha. lustad lli (kan / qrra) l
rbiya lfus
a f dik jjami a smitu
dduktur Jawad. huwa ms
ri welakin dar
jinsiya mirikaniya.
( / )

( / )
( / )

.
( / )
( / ) ( / )
.
( / )

.
The Verb to remain

The verb bqa ( )to remain is followed by the present tense or by the active participle (see section
below) when it corresponds to the English kept doing something. Some examples:
She kept waiting for them.
bqat kattsnnahum.
He kept on searching in the well

until he got tired.
bqa kayqllb f lbir tta

ya.
He kept going (habitually).
bqa kaymi.
He kept going (continued on his

way, on one occasion).
bqa mai.

.

.
When negated, bqa ( )in verb phrases is equivalent to no longer, not anymore, with either past or
present meaning. For example:
He didnt (doesnt) laugh at them ma-bqa- kayd
k lihum.
anymore.
The active participle baqi preceding the present tense is equivalent to the English still.
Hes still working with us.
huwa baqi kayxdm m ana.
Verb Participles
Verb participles are adjectives derived from verbs. They agree in gender and number, like all
adjectives, but not in person (I, you, he) or tense (past, present). Transitive verbs have two participles,
an active and a passive participle. Intransitive verbs have only an active participle.
The Active Participle

Verb Stem
Active Participle
to write
ktb
to open
ll
katb(a)
))
having opened all(a)
)
)
having written
150 Moroccan Arabic
to sell
ba
to buy
ra
having sold
bay (a)
))
having bought
ari(a)
))
Some examples:
kan katb ddurus dyalu.
kant bay a d
-d
ar
She had sold her house.
dyalha.
I found him standing at the door. lqitu waqf f lbab.
He is wearing a new shirt today. huwa labs qamija jdida.
He had written he lessons.
I saw her wearing a green coat.
ftha labsa kbbutxd

r.
Everyday I see him walking on

this street.
kul nhar kanufu mai f

had zznqa.

.
.
.

.
.

.

For a small group of verbs, the active participle must be used in order to express a current (i.e.
progressive) activity. For these verbs, the present tense expresses only a habitual activity
Verb Stem
Active Participle
to sit / stay
gls
sitting
gals
to wear
lbs
wearing
labs
to sleep
n s
sleeping
na s
to leave / exit
xrj
leaving
xarj
to enter
dxl
entering
daxl
to return
rj
returning
raj
to stand
wqf
standing
waqf
to travel
safr
traveling
msafr
to rent
kra
renting
kari
to regret
ndm
regretting
nadm
to be quiet
skt
being quiet
sakt
to be afraid
xaf
being afraid
xayf
to spend the
night
bat
spending the
night
bayt
Some examples:
He wears a green shirt every
day. (habitual present tense)
kaylbs qamija xd
ra kul
nhar.
He is wearing a green shirt.

(now participle)
huwa labs qamija xd

ra.
She goes to sleep at 10:00.

(habitual present tense)
katn s f 10:00.
She is sleeping.
(now participle)
hiya na sa.
.
10:00

.
Passive Participle
Verb Stem
Passive Participle
to write
ktb
(having been)
written
mktub(a)
))
to open
ll
(having been)
opened
mlul(a)
))
to sell
ba
(having been)
sold
mbiu (a)
))
to buy
ra
(having been)
bought
mri(a)
))
to make
(manufacture)
s
n
(having been)
made /
manufactured
ms
nu (a)
))
Some examples:
This tray is made of silver.
had s
s
iniya ms
nu a mn
lfd
d
a.
These boxes have something

written on them.
had s
nadq mktub lihum i
laja.
This letter is written; I need only

a stamp to send it.
had lbra mktuba, xs

s
ni
ir t-tanbr ba n-s
ift
ha.
Go to my room, the door is

open.
sir l lbit dyali rah lbab

mlul.
Intransitive Verbs with Only One Participle

Verb Stem
Participle
xd
d
r
having garnished
having been garnished
mxd
d
r(a)
)
)
to cover
t
t
a
having covered
having been covered
mt
t
i(a)
)
)
to travel
safr
having traveled
having been traveled
msafr(a)
))
to rest
rta
having rested
having been rested
mrta(a)
))
to go flat
tf
having gone flat

having been gone flat
mfu(a)
))
to hide
xbba
having hidden
having been hidden
mxbbi(a)
))
to garnish
Some examples:
152 Moroccan Arabic
She is traveling now because

she is on vacation.
hiya msafra daba it

ndha ut
la.
Im relaxed since I finished my

work.
ana mrta mlli kmmlt

lxdma dyali.
The tajine is garnished with

prunes and almonds.
t
t
ajin mxd
d
r b lbrquq u
lluz.
He is covered with a blanket

because he is cold.
huwa mt
t
i b lkaa it
jah lbrd.
She was hidden behind the door. kant mxbbya mur lbab.
Exercise: In the sentences below, supply the proper form of the participle of the
verb written in parentheses.
1. Aicha (safr) l fransa.
1. )( .
2. kant Sara (ll) lbab.
).
2. (
3. d
-d
ar dyal sn (ba )
4. kant Layla (ma) ssuq.
3. ) )
4. )( .
) ).
5.
5. la xlliti ssrjm (ll).
6. ) ).
6. lbar mlli jit kant xti (n s).

7. lqamija dyali (wssx).
7.
).
)
8. we (sdd) lbab dyal lkuzina?
8. ) (
9. kant Su ad (ab) lbar.
9. )(
.
10. t
iybt ddjaj (mmr) b lluz.
11. had lkas (s
n )f fransa.
12. we kant Erika (gls) f d
-d
ar?
13. had lktab (trjm) mn l rbiya l
nngliziya.
14. ana (rf) blli djun (rj )
lmrib.
10. (
).
11. )( .
12. )(
13. )( .
14.
)( )( .
Conjunctions
either ... or
imma ... wlla
Either send a letter or call me.
imma s
iftliya bra wlla
iytliya f ttilifun.
in order to
ba
I am learning Arabic in order to

talk to people.
kant llm l rbiya ba

ntkllm m a nnas.
if
we
...

.
I want to know if you read this

book.
bit n-rf we qriti had

lktab.
when / since
mlli / mnin
When I came to Rabat I took the mlli / mnin jit l rrbat

ddit ttran.
train.
I have been sick since I came to mlli jit l rrbatu ana
mrid
a.
Rabat.
who / whom / which / that
lli
The man who is sitting at that

table is my friend.
rrajl lli gals f dik

t
t
bla s
abi.
The book that I read is

important.
lktab lli qrit muhimm.
until
tta
I wont sleep until I finish this

book.
ma-adi- n-n s tta

nkmml had lktab.
as soon as
ir
As soon as I finished my work I

went out.
ir kmmlt lxdma dyali u

xrjt.
whenever
wqt mma
Whenever I am upset I cry.
wqt mma tqllqt kanbki.
although / even though
waxxa
Although John is not a Muslim

he fasts.
waxxa John mai muslim

kays
um.
but
welakin
I want to help you but I cant.
bit n-awnk welakin

maqddit-.
before
qbl ma
/
.
.
), even if the past is referred to.

This conjunction requires the present tense without the prefix ka (
I always read before I sleep.
dima kanqra qbl ma nn

s.
after
b d ma
In sentences having this conjunction, the verb of the subsequent phrase has to be in the same tense as
the first one.
After I went home, I showered.
b d ma mit l d
-d
ar,
duwt.
that
blli
I knew that you werent there.
rft blli ma-knti-.
154 Moroccan Arabic
it
since / when / because
Since you had a lot of work, why it ndk lxdma bzzaf

la miti l ssinima?
did you go to the cinema?
When I was in Marrakech I went it knt f Marrakech

mit l lMenara.
to the Menara.
mit l t
t
bib it knt
I went to the doctor because I
mrid
.
was sick.

.
.
because
laqqa
He didnt go to school because

he didnt wake up early.
ma-ma- l lmdrasa
laqqa ma-faq- bkri.
without
bla ma
They talked without thinking.
hd
ru bla ma y-fkru.
wherever
fin mma

.

.
Wherever there is water there is fin mma kayn lma, kayna

layat.
life.
then
ad
I ate then slept.
klit ad n st.
Exercise:
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate conjunction from the list.
ba
it
mlli
laqqa ad
tta
blli
1. ma-adi- n-safr ____ t-ji.

2. xs
s
k t-rfi ____ tta i aja mas
iba.
3. bit n-duw ____ n-rta.
4. bau y-rfu ____ kayna i mdrasa hna.
5. ddwa ____ st mlt mzyan.
6. ____ kant mrid
a mat l nd t
t
bib.
7. bat t-ufu ____ ma-ndha- lwqt.
8. fkkr ____ jawb.
9. lmdina ____ knt sakn fiha kbira.
10. ktbt bra ____ n st.
11. kayakul ____ y-sl yddih ____
kayakul b lfrit
a.
12. ma-safrat- ____ ma-ndha- lflus.
we bla ma l-li welakin qbl
1. ____ .
2. ____
.
3. ____ .
4. ____ .
5. ____ .
6. ____ .
7. ____ .
.
8. ____
9. ____ .
10. ____ .
11. ____
____
.
12. ____ .
More Useful Expressions

You were given some useful expressions on pages 19 to 21. Here are more expressions, including many
God phrases.
God Phrases
May God bless your parents.
(used often when asking for a service /
information or to express gratitude to
someone)
Our parents and yours. (a

response to the above)
May God cure you. (used to show

sympathy toward a sick person)
lla y-rm lwalidin.
walidina u walidik.
lla y-afi.
May God not show you any

harm. (a response to the above)
lhla y-wrrik bas.
May God magnify the good

deeds. (used to offer condolences for
ajarakum llah.
someones death)
May God make your child a

l.
good person. (used to complement a lla y-s
.
.

.
parent on his/her child)
May God grant you grace. (used

when saying goodbye to a friend or
congratulating him/her on a job well
done)
May God grant you grace.

I swear to God. (expresses that

what you said was true)
Used to express excuse me when
someone does something for you, such
as: hands you socks or shoes, pours
water over your hands to wash them,
etc. It is also used when the speaker
mentions words like donkey or trash.
May God grant you pride and

honor. (used as a response to the
tbark llah lik.
lla y-bark fik.
ullah.
aak.
zzk llah.
above)
Used on the arrival of somebody la slamtk.

after a trip.
Response to the above.
lla y-sllmk.
May God make your life easier.
lla y-shl.
(said to beggars)
.
.
.
Other Expressions
Would you please help me?
we ymkn lik t-awnni?
If you dont mind.
ila jat la xat

rk.
It is my pleasure.
la rras u l in.

.
.
156 Moroccan Arabic

.
Youre welcome.
la ukran la wajib.
God forgives.
lla y-sam.
It is all right. (no harm done)
i bas ma kayn.
There is no harm. (response to

apology)
ma fiha bas.
Thats fine.
ddnya hanya.
Im going on ...
adi n-mi nhar...
...
and Ill be back on ...
u adi n-rj nhar...
...
Really ?/!
bs
s
?/!

/!
Its shameful.
uma
Shame on you.
uma lik.
Its none of your business.
mai lk.
Hurry up.
srbi / dya / t
lq rask.
You are right.
ndk lqq.
I agree with you.
ana mttafq m ak.
Watch out!
ndak!
Move aside.
balak.
How do we say ... in Arabic?
kifa kangulu ... b l

rbiya.
.
...
Is there another word?
we kayna i klma xura?
Is there an easy word?
we kayna i klma
sahla?
.
.
/ / .
.
.
Moroccan Holidays
Holidays in Morocco are extremely important and festive occasions. Women and girls have henna
parties and come out of their houses to celebrate. Visitors are entertained and gifts are exchanged
among friends. Particular religious rites are performed. Special sweets and foods are washed down by
glass after glass of mint tea as everyone gets caught up in the socializing and celebrating.
Religious Holidays
There are both religious and civil holidays in Morocco. The Gregorian calendar, based on solar
computation, is used for civil purposes. This is the calendar Westerners generally use.
The Islamic calendar, based on lunar computation, divides the year into twelve months which
reoccur in varying relationship to the Gregorian year and complete their cycle every thirty years of 355
days. These thirtyyear cycles consist of nineteen years of 354 days and eleven years of 355 days. Thus,
the Islamic calendar gains 10 to 11 days a year on the Gregorian year.
This calendar is called the Hegiran calendar because its starting point was the hegira, when
Mohamed fled from Mecca in 622 of the Gregorian calendar. This calendar is used for religious
purposes in Morocco.
Month
1st
Transcription
Name
muarram
2nd
3rd
safar
4th
5th
rabi ttani
jumada lluwla
6
7th
jumada ttanya
rajab
8th
9th
a ban
ramadan
10
11th
uwal
th
th
12
th
rabi lluwl
du lqi da
du lijja
Arabic
Festivals
10th of the month: aura
12th of the month: id l-mulud
15th of the month: bana
1st of the month: l-id s-sir

10th of the month: l-id l-kbir
Here are descriptions of the major festivals:

aura
muarram, the first month of the Islamic year, is in Morocco called hr aura, the month of the
aura. It has derived this name from the feast on the tenth day of the month. This day, called nhar
aura is the Islamic New Years Day. It is said that Allah created Adam and Eve, heaven and hell, and
life and death on the 10th.
The month of aura is rich in magical qualities. The ninth and particularly the tenth day are
blessed days, and on the latter, many sacred or wonderful events are said to have taken place in the
past. In Morocco, baraka is also generally ascribed to those days. Magic, good, or evil is extensively
practiced on the aura day and on the preceding night which is said to favor witches. People gather
and many wear masks and costumes and speak in disguised voices on the night before the aura. It is
believed that magic practiced at this time of year will produce an effect which lasts for the whole year.
Good food has a place in the rejoicing of aura, in accordance with the traditional saying of the
Prophet, Who give the plenty to his household on the aura day, God will bestow plenty upon him
158 Moroccan Arabic

throughout the remainder of the year. Cow, bullock, goat, sheep, dried dates, and eggs are fixed
according to local custom. Visits to the graves of relatives and almsgiving are common at this time.
Of great interest are the fire and water rites practiced at aura, to which purificatory and other
beneficial effects are ascribed. On aura eve, the bonfire night fires are built throughout the town
and the people sing and dance around them. The chief object of the rite is to purify men and animals or
to protect them from evil influences, since there is baraka (blessings) from those fires.
Similar effects are attributed to the water rites which even more frequently are practiced on the
following morning. It is a general belief that there is baraka in all water on this morning. To take a bath
on the morning of the aura day is a very widespread custom, and in many cases it was expressly said
that it must be done before sunrise. Children are traditionally involved in this festival. They dressup,
play small drums, and are given gifts during this holiday.
id
lmulud
In Morocco, the third month of the Islamic year is called hr lmulud, the month of the mulud.
These names are given because of the feast celebrating the birth of the Prophet which commences on
the twelfth day of the month and lasts for several days. The mulud is a particularly blessed month and
all children born during it are considered fortunate.
The Prophets Birthday has more significance in Morocco because Morocco is a Kingdom rather
than a republic, and King Mohamed VI is a descendant of the Prophet. The anniversary is brilliantly
celebrated at the Imperial Palace in Rabat and in the evening in Sale a great procession of candles takes
place.
In Meknes the Aissaoua brotherhood has its own unique celebration worth seeing. Followers of the
holy man, lhadi Ben Aissa throng to Meknes and play music, dance, celebrate and make what is called
the small pilgrimage to nearby saints tombs.
bana
The eighth month of the Moroccan year is called ban. On the fifteenth day a festival known as
bana takes place. According to legend, this is the day that Allah registers all the actions of mankind
which they are to perform during the year and all the children of men who are to be born and die in the
year.
Traditionally, barren women gather in homes in the neighborhood and cook a couscous meal with
special spices. This meal is eaten by the women and children at home or in the mosque. The barren
women in the group hope this will help them to give birth during the upcoming year.
bana is also the month before the month of fasting, Ramadan. People think of the difficult
month ahead and have a feast. Craftsmen guilds often have parties on this night involving music and
feasting.
laylatu lqadr
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic year. The most important feature of Ramadan is the
complete abstinence from food, drink and sexual activity from daybreak to sunset. Every Muslim who
has reached the age of puberty must fast. Pregnant women, menstruating women, travelers, and those
who are ill are exempt from fasting, but should make it up at a later date.
According Islam, there is one night in Ramadan which is more important than any other, namely,
laylatu lqadr, the night of power. The Koran is said to have been sent down to the Prophet on that
night. This night is one of the last ten nights of Ramadan, but its exact date has not been discovered by
anyone but the Prophet himself. Tradition fixes it to be one of the odd nightsthe 21 st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or
29thand in Morocco it is celebrated on the 27th day.
On the night of the 27th, the men go to the mosque to pray. From sundown to daybreak, the imam
(the prayer leader) reads the Koran. The complete Koran is read before the sun rises. It is believed by
some that the sky will open up during this night and wishes will ascend directly to Allah and be

granted. During the night, special meals of couscous are prepared and brought to the mosques. Those
unable to go to the mosque eat specially prepared meals at home. Each family gives part of the meal to
the poor.
l id ssir

Immediately following Ramadan is l id ssir

, or the little feast. Everyone stays up very late
hoping to hear the announcement that the new moon has been sighted and Ramadan and fasting are
over. When it has officially been sighted, a threeday festival ensues in which almsgiving plays a major
role. The alms usually consist of food items like wheat or barley, and each family does the best it can.
The chief religious rite of the feast is a prayer service at the mosque.
l id lkbir
On the tenth day of the month du lijja, the last month of the year, the Islamic world celebrates
its yearly sacrificial feast. In Morocco it is known as l id lkbir or the great feast. This is the central
feast in Islam, comparable to and derived from the feast of the atonement, Abrahams substitute
sacrifice, for the remission of sins. Hence, the animal sacrificed must be mature and without blemish.
Every family must have its own sheep just as Americans need turkeys for the proper celebration of
Thanksgiving. Those who cannot afford a sheep buy a lamb or another less expensive animal. In
Morocco, the animal cannot be slain until the King has killed his sheep. Then in each household, the
head of the family kills the sheep (sometimes a butcher is asked to come to the house and perform the
ritual). The sheep is eaten in an orderly fashion determined by local custom. For example, on the first
day, the liver, heart, stomach, and lungs are eaten. On the second day, normally the head and feet are
eaten. However, the head and feet can be eaten on the first day if that is the local custom. There are
purification and sanctification customs and rites that prepare the people for the holy feast and its
principal feature, the sacrifice. People must purify and sanctify themselves in order to benefit from the
holy feast and its sacrifice. Personal cleanliness should be observed. Men and boys visit the barber and
often make a trip to the hammam as well.
Henna is used not merely as a cosmetic, but as a means of protection against evil influences.
Women paint their hands with it and, in many cases, also their feet. Among some ethnic groups, henna
is also applied to domestic animals.
Almsgiving and prayer are two other purification rites practiced during the great feast. Gifts are
exchanged between family members and a portion of the meal is given to the poor. The day begins with
prayer. The chief praying ceremony takes place in the morning at the mosque.
Moussems
Many Moroccan communities commemorate local saints, or marabous, in a yearly festival or
moussem. Most moussems are held near the tomb of the marabou and involve music, dancing and
fantasia. For a very famous marabous moussem, people will come from very far away. Some very
famous moussems celebrate Moulay Bouchaib (near El Jadida), Moulay Brahim (near Marrakech),
Moulay Ya qub (Fes), and Moulay Idriss (Moulay Idriss). Many towns have their own moussems
known only to those in the region.
National Holidays
In addition to the religious holidays, some important civil holidays commemorating significant
events in Moroccos recent history are celebrated. The most important of these are Independence Day,
the Throne feast, Green March Day, and King Mohameds birthday.
The Festival of the Throne, or id l-r, is the biggest of the civil holidays. This festival
commemorates the coming to power of the King on July 30, 1999. Celebrations including parades with
nationalistic anthems, usually occur in the cities with local government officials, like the governor,
making appearances. Traditionally during this holiday, country people come to visit their city relatives,
who are expected to feed and house them for the duration of the festival. There is often a special
emphasis on improving the appearance of the town prior to this holiday. City employees clean streets
160 Moroccan Arabic

and paint walls, and townspeople are sometimes required by government officials to paint their doors,
whitewash their houses, and display flags.
Green March Day is also celebrated by large parades in most of Morocco. This day commemorates
one of the greatest achievements of King Hassan II: the mobilization of 350,000 Moroccans for the
march into the Sahara territory. On November 6, 1975, the first Moroccan marchers, under the
leadership of the then Prime Minister Ahmed Osman, set out from Tarfaya and entered the Spanish
territory. During the celebration, those who went on the actual march once again dress up in green and
reenact the march.
Independence Day, or id l-istiqlal, commemorates the November 18, 1956 return of
Mohamed V from his Frenchimposed exile in Madagascar. This day gives rise to receptions at the
Imperial Palace and parades and celebrations all over Morocco.
The last of these major national holidays celebrates the Kings Birthday, August 21, 1962. There are
many organized celebrations in Rabat and broadcasts on the radio praising the King.
Regional Festivals
There are also many regional festivals which are centered around a particular product in which a
region specializes. The product is displayed and sold; music and other activities take place in an
atmosphere similar to a country fair.
Some famous regional festivals are the Cherry Festival in Sefrou, the Date Festival in Erfoud, the
Rose Festival in El-Kelaa MGouna (near Ouarzazate), the Marrakech Folklore and Music Festival, and
the Immouzer Honey Festival (near Agadir).
One of the most interesting festivals in Morocco is the reenactment of an ancient market in the
High Atlas mountains. At one time, these very isolated High Atlas tribes would gather yearly at a
specific point near Imilchil where many mountain paths met for the yearly market. Provisions for
many months were bought and sold and at one time one of the reasons for coming was to acquire a
bride. Men would meet a girl for the first time and pay her dowry then take her home. Some say this
practice still exists and others say it is just a reenactment for tourists, but in any case, it is a large
market where many Berbers still buy many of the coming years provisions.
Religious, civil, and regional festivals are an excellent chance to get out and see interesting things,
meet people on an informal basis, and have fun. Dates of these celebrations can be obtained from the
national tourist office branches in many cities, but people in your community will usually provide you
with the information about your region.
It should be noted that the same festival may be celebrated somewhat differently in various sections
of the country. For example, in Errachidia Province, a far greater emphasis is put on Green March Day
than in other sections of Morocco because that province provided the first contingent for the march.
Be sure to check out the expectations of your community for a particular holiday, particularly in
terms of visitation, entertaining, giftgiving, and participation, so you can get as involved as possible and
enjoy the holidays.
Glossary of Verbs
This glossary provides both the present tense and past tense conjugations for the subject I, making it
possible for you to determine how to conjugate irregular verbs.
English
First Person
Present Tense
kan-ib
First Person
Past Tense
bt
qdr
kan-qdr
qdrt
rb
kan-rb
rbt
kan-sqqt
sqqt
t
Transcription
Arabic
absent, to be
ab
able, to be
absorb
abort (a fetus)
sqqt
qbl
kan-qbl
qblt
accomplish
qqeq
kan-qqeq
qqeqt
accuse
ttahm
kan-ttahm
ttahmt
accustom
t uwd
kan-t uwd
t uwdt
wllf
kan-wllf
wllft
wj
kan-wj
wj t
d
rr
kan-d
rr
d
rrit
tarf b
kan-tarf
tarft
t arf m a
kan-t arf
t arft
t rrf m a
kan-t rrf
t rrft
zad
kan-zid
zdt
adopt (a child, an idea)
tbnna
kan-tbnna
tbnnit
advance
tqddm
kan-tqddm
tqddmt
advise
ns
kan-ns
ns
t
affect
attr la
kan-attr
attrt
afraid (of), to be
xaf (mn)
) )
kan-xaf
xft
age (get old)
rf
kan-rf
rft
agree (with)
ttafq (m a)
) )
kan-ttafq
ttafqt
nt
kan-nt
nt
t
d
k
kan-d
k
d
kt
kan-llel
llelt
accept
ache
acknowledge
acquaint with, become
acquainted with, sth/sb
add
amuse
analyze
llel
angry, to be
tqllq
kan-tqllq
tqllqt
annoy
s
dd
kan-s
dd
s
dd t
answer
jawb
kan-jawb
jawbt
appear
ban
kan-ban
bnt
applaud
s
ffq
kan-s
ffq
s
ffqt
apply (a rule, an idea)
t
bbq
kan-t
bbq
t
bbqt
qddm t
alab
kan-qddm
qddmt
iyn
kan-iyn
iynt
qrrb mn
kan-qrrb
qrrbt
apply for (a job)

appoint
approach
162 Moroccan Arabic

First Person
Present Tense
kan-txas
m
First Person
Past Tense
txas
mt
kan-rttb
rttbt
dd
kan-dd
ddit
bs
kan-bs
bst
qbtla
kan-qbt
qbt
t
ws
l
kan-ws
l
ws
lt
arrive, to make
ws
s
l
kan-ws
s
l
ws
s
lt
ascend
t
l
kan-t
l
t
l t
ask
suwl
kan-suwl
suwlt
ask (in marriage)
xt
b
kan-xt
b
xt
bt
assemble (parts)
rkkb
kan-rkkb
rkkbt
hjm la
kan-hjm
hjmt
attempt
awl
kan-awl
awlt
attend
d
r f
kan-d
r
d
rt
rdd l-bal
kan-rdd l-bal
rddit l-bal
d
a rasu
kan-d
i rasi
d
it rasi
avoid
tjnnb
kan-tjnnb
tjnnbt
banter
tflla
kan-tflla
tfllit
bargain
tt
t
r
kan-tt
t
r
tt
t
rt
bark
nb
kan-nb
nbt
bathe
sl
kan-sl
slt
tmmem
kan-tmmem
tmmemt
kan
kan-kun
knt
t
bbl
kan-t
bbl
t
bblt
lb
kan-lb
lbt
become
wlla
kan-wlli
wllit
become accustomed
wllf
kan-wllf
wllft
ts
ab m a
kan-ts
ab
ts
abt
rb
kan-rb
rbt
t
lb
kan-t
lb
t
lbt
bda
kan-bda
bdit
belch/burp
tgrr
kan-tgrr
tgrr t
believe sb
tiyq
kan-tiyq
tiyqt
believe (in)
amn (b)
) )
kan-amn
amnt
stafd (mn)
) )
kan-stafd
stafdt
xan
kan-xun
xnt
kbbr
kan-kbbr
kbbrt
wld
kan-wld
wldt
English
Transcription
Arabic
txas
m (m a)
) )
arrange
rttb
arrest sb
argue (with)
arrive
attack
attention, pay
be
beat (drum)
beat sb (in a game)
befriend
beg
begin
benefit (from)
betray
bigger, to make
birth, to give
bite
d
d
First Person
Present Tense
kan-d
d
blow up (with air)
nfx
kan-nfx
nfxt
blow up (explode)
frg
kan-frg
frg t
boil
lla
kan-lli
llit
born, to be
tzad
kan-tzad
tzadt
borrow
tsllf
kan-tsllf
tsllft
dr
kan-dr
drt
break
hrrs
kan-hrrs
hrrst
broken, to be
thrrs
kan-thrrs
thrrst
break down (machine)
txssr
kan-txssr
txssrt
breathe
tnffs
kan-tnffs
tnffst
jab
kan-jib
jbt
brush (hair)
mt
kan-mt
mt
t
build
bna
kan-bni
bnit
burn
rq
kan-rq
rqt
burnt, to be
trq
kan-trq
trqt
burst (pipe)
tfrg
kan-tfrg
tfrg t
bury
dfn
kan-dfn
dfnt
buy
ra
kan-ri
rit
call
iytl/la
kan-iyt
iyt
t
kan-d
rb
d
rbt
kan-iyt
iyt
t
thnna
kan-thnna
thnnit
qdr
kan-qdr
qdrt
xiym
kan-xiym
xiymt
kan-qbt
qbt
t
thla f
kan-thla
thlat
carry
hzz
kan-hzz
hzzit
carve (wood)
nq
kan-nq
nqt
cash
s
rrf
kan-s
rrf
s
rrft
catch
dd
kan-dd
ddit
qbt
kan-qbt
qbt
t
xltla
kan-xlt
xlt
t
lq la
kan-lq
lqt
sbbeb
kan-sbbeb
sbbebt
tsbbeb f
kan-tsbbeb
tsbbebt
English
bow
bring
call on the phone
calm, to be (to not worry)

can
camp
capture
care of, to take
catch up (with)
cause
Transcription
d
rb t
tilifun
iytl
qbt
Arabic
First Person
Past Tense
d
d
it
164 Moroccan Arabic

First Person
Present Tense
kan-tafl
First Person
Past Tense
taflt
kan-raqb
raqbt
bddl
kan-bddl
bddlt
change (money)
s
rrf
kan-s
rrf
s
rrft
change (weather)
tbddl
kan-tbddl
tbddlt
charge of, to be in
tkllf b
kan-tkllf
tkllft
cheat
kan-
it
cheat (exam)
nql
kan-nql
nqlt
cheat out of
mt
kan-mt
mtt
chew
md
kan-md
md
t
xtar
kan-xtar
xtarit
kan-mxd
mxd
t
s
ffq
kan-s
ffq
s
ffqt
kan-r
rt
wd
d
kan-wd
d
wd
d
t
clean
nqqa
kan-nqqi
nqqit
clean (pipes)
srr
kan-srr
srrt
climb
t
l
kan-t
l
t
l t
clog
xnq
kan-xnq
xnqt
close
sdd
kan-sdd
sddit
kan-mmd
mmd
t
English
Transcription
Arabic
tafl b
censor (prices, film)
raqb
change
celebrate
choose
churn
clap
clarify
mxd
close eyes
mmd
cold, to make
brrd
kan-brrd
brrdt
collapse
rab
kan-rib
rbt
collect
jm
kan-jm
jm t
come
ja
kan-ji
jit
comment
llq
kan-llq
llqt
compare
qarn bin
kan-qarn
qarnt
complain about
tkka mn
kan-tkka
tkkit
complain to
tkka la
kan-tkka
tkkit
complete
kmml
kan-kmml
kmmlt
concentrate
rkkz
kan-rkkz
rkkzt
hmm
kay-hmm
hmm
httm b
kan-httm
httmt
confess
tarf
kan-tarf
tarft
confuse
iyr
kan-iyr
iyrt
ar
kan-ir
rt
hnna
kan-hnni
hnnit
concern
concerned with, to be
confused, to be
congratulate
English
conjugate
connect
Transcription
Arabic
s
rrf
rbt
First Person
Present Tense
kan-s
rrf
First Person
Past Tense
s
rrft
kan-rbt
rbt
t
kan-tawr
tawrt
kan-tas
l
tas
lt
kan-rd
i
rd
it
tawr (m a)
) )
contact
tas
l b
content with, to be (give

your blessing to)
rd
a la
continue in sth
stamr f
kan-stamr
stamrt
continue studies
tab
kan-tab
tab t
contribute
sahm
kan-sahm
sahmt
tkkm f
kan-tkkm
tkkmt
raqb
kan-raqb
raqbt
t
iyb
kan-t
iyb
t
iybt
t awn (m a)
) )
kan-t awn
t awnt
sllk
kan-sllk
sllkt
copy (by hand)
nql
kan-nql
nqlt
copy (photocopy)
nsx
kan-nsx
nsxt
s
e
kan-s
e
s
et
cost
swa
kan-swa
swit
cough
kan-k
kit
kb
kan-kb
kbt
count
sb
kan-sb
sbt
cram into
xa
kan-xi
xit
crazy, to be
mq
kan-mq
mqt
mmq
kan-mmq
mmqt
create
xlq
kan-xlq
xlqt
cross (road)
qt
kan-qt
qt
t
cross-breed
lqqm
kan-lqqm
lqqmt
bka
kan-bki
bkit
cry, to make
bkka
kan-bkki
bkkit
cure
dawa
kan-dawi
dawit
cured, to be
bra
kan-bra
brit
cut
qt
kan-qt
qt
t
ssn
kan-ssn
ssnt
jr
kan-jr
jrt
cut/injured, to be
tjr
kan-tjr
tjrt
cut( a pattern from cloth)
fs
s
l
kan-fs
s
l
fs
s
lt
damage
xssr
kan-xssr
xssrt
dampen
fzzg
kan-fzzg
fzzgt
consult (with)
control
cook
cooperate (with)
cope
correct
crazy, to make
cry
cut (hair)
cut/injure (skin)
166 Moroccan Arabic
First Person
Present Tense
kan-fzg
First Person
Past Tense
fzgt
kan-t
t
t
s
mmk
kan-s
mmk
s
mmkt
t aml m a
kan-t aml
t amlt
decide
qrrer
kan-qrrer
qrrert
declare
ln
kan-ln
lnt
decrease
nqs
kan-nqs
nqs
t
dedicate
hda
kan-hdi
hdit
defeat
lb
kan-lb
lbt
defend
daf la
kan-daf
daf t
define
dded
kan-dded
ddedt
defy
tdda
kan-tdda
tddit
delay
t
t
l
kan-t
t
l
t
t
lt
deprive
rm
kan-rm
rmt
descend
hbt
kan-hbt
hbt
t
nzl
kan-nzl
nzlt
describe
ws
f
kan-ws
f
ws
ft
deserve
staq
kan-staq
staqt
design
xt
t
et
kan-xt
t
et
xt
t
et
t
kan-mut
mtt
English
damp, to get
dance
deafen
deal with sb
Transcription
Arabic
fzg
mat la
destroy
hddm
kan-hddm
hddmt
develop
t
uwr
kan-t
uwr
t
uwrt
develop (film)
xrrj
kan-xrrj
xrrjt
mat
kan-mut
mtt
xtalf (m a)
) )
kan-xtalf
xtalft
dig
fr
kan-fr
frt
digest
hd
m
kan-hd
m
hd
mt
t a
kan-t a
t it
wjjh
kan-wjjh
wjjht
amr
kan-amr
amrt
wssx
kan-wssx
wssxt
dirty, to get
tussx
kan-tussx
tussxt
disappear
br
kan-br
brt
discipline
addb
kan-addb
addbt
rbba
kan-rbbi
rbbit
ktaf
kan-ktaf
ktaft
desire strongly
die
differ (from)
dinner, to have
direct
direct (as an order)
dirty, to make
discover
First Person
Present Tense
kan-naq
First Person
Past Tense
naqt
ma-ml-
ma-kan-ml-
ma-mlt-
krh
kan-krh
krht
dissolve sth
duwb
kan-duwb
duwbt
distribute
frrq
kan-frrq
frrqt
b d (mn)
) )
kan-b d
b dt
qsm
kan-qsm
qsmt
t
llq
kan-t
llq
t
llqt
dax
kan-dux
dxt
duwx
kan-duwx
duwxt
do
dar
kan-dir
drt
drag
jrr
kan-jrr
jrrit
draw
rsm
kan-rsm
rsmt
draw up (water from a

well)
jbd
kan-jbd
jbdt
lm (b)
) )
kan-lm
lmt
lbs
kan-lbs
lbst
tfrks
kan-tfrks
tfrkst
rb
kan-rb
rbt
rrb
kan-rrb
rrbt
drip
qt
r
kan-qt
r
qt
rt
drive
s
ag
kan-s
ug
s
gt
drive crazy
mmq
kan-mmq
mmqt
drop sth
t
iy
kan-t
iy
t
iyt
drown
rq
kan-rq
rqt
drunk, to get
skr
kan-skr
skrt
dry, to get
nf
kan-nf
nft
ybs
kan-ybs
ybst
nf
kan-nf
nft
ybbs
kan-ybbs
ybbst
jffef
kan-jffef
jffeft
s
b
kan-s
b
s
bt
earn (money)
s
uwr
kan-s
uwr
s
uwrt
easy, to make
shhl
kan-shhl
shhlt
eat
kla
kan-akul
klit
eat breakfast
ft
r
kan-ft
r
ft
rt
tdda
kan-tdda
tddit
English
discuss (a topic)
dislike
distance oneself (from)

divide
divorce
dizzy, to get
dizzy, to make
dream (about)
dress
dress up (slang)
drink
drink, to make
dry sth
dry (a wet floor)

dye
eat lunch
Transcription
Arabic
naq
168 Moroccan Arabic
First Person
Present Tense
kan-t a
First Person
Past Tense
t it
qtas
d
kan-qtas
d
qtas
dt
elect
ntaxb
kan-ntaxb
ntaxbt
embarrass sb
kan-m
mt
embarrassed, to be
kan-m
mt
embrace
anq
kan-anq
anqt
embrace Islam
slm
kan-slm
slmt
hajr
kan-hajr
hajrt
xwa
kan-xwi
xwit
encourage
jj
kan-jj
jj t
enjoy sth
tbr
kan-tbr
tbr t
enroll
tsjjl
kan-tsjjl
tsjjlt
enter
dxl
kan-dxl
dxlt
envy
sd
kan-sd
sdt
erase
ms
kan-ms
mst
ma
kan-mi
mit
hrb
kan-hrb
hrbt
qddr
kan-qddr
qddrt
xwa
kan-xwi
xwit
evict
xrrj
kan-xrrj
xrrjt
evolve
tt
uwr
kan-tt
uwr
tt
uwrt
exaggerate (slang)
bal
kan-bal
balt
tbadl m a
kan-tbadl
tbadlt
English
Transcription
Arabic
eat dinner
t a
economize
emigrate
empty
escape
estimate
evacuate
(house/country)
exchange
exhibit
rd
kan-rd
rd
t
exit
xrj
kan-xrj
xrjt
expensive, to get
la
kay-la
la
experience
jrrb
kan-jrrb
jrrbt
expire
tqad
a
kay-tqad
a
tqad
a
explain
kan-r
rt
fssr
kan-fssr
fssrt
explode
tfrg
kan-tfrg
tfrg t
exploit
stal
kan-stal
stalt
export
s
ddr
kan-s
ddr
s
ddrt
express
bbr
kan-bbr
bbrt
txllsmn
kan-txlls
txlls
t
tqabl m a
kan-tqabl
tqablt
exterminate
face
English
facilitate
First Person
Present Tense
kan-shhl
First Person
Past Tense
shhlt
Transcription
Arabic
shhl
fail
sqt
kan-sqt
sqt
t
faint
sxf
kan-sxf
sxft
fall
t
a
kan-t
i
t
t
fall, to make
t
iy
kan-t
iy
t
iyt
fake
zuwr
kan-zuwr
zuwrt
fart
zq
kan-zq
zqt
zuwr
kan-zuwr
zuwrt
fast
s
am
kan-s
um
s
mt
fear
xaf
kan-xaf
xft
feed
wkkl
kan-wkkl
wkklt
feed fodder
llf
kan-llf
llft
feel
ss
kan-ss
ssit
xmr
kan-xmr
xmrt
fight (physically)
tdabz
kan-tdabz
tdabzt
fill (intransitive)
mr
kan-mr
mrt
fill out
mmr
kan-mmr
mmrt
fill up
mmr
kan-mmr
mmrt
filter
s
ffa
kan-s
ffi
s
ffit
finance
muwl
kan-muwl
muwlt
lqa
kan-lqa
lqit
kmml
kan-kmml
kmmlt
sala
kan-sali
salit
finished, to be
tsala
kan-tsala
tsalit
fish
s
iyd
kan-s
iyd
s
iydt
fix
s
awb
kan-s
awb
s
awbt
s
l
kan-s
l
s
lt
kan-grrs
grrs
t
tzzl b
kan-tzzl
tzzlt
flee
hrb
kan-hrb
hrbt
flip
qlb
kan-qlb
qlbt
fly
t
ar
kan-t
ir
t
rt
fold
t
wa
kan-t
wi
t
wit
follow
tb
kan-tb
tb t
forbid
rrm
kan-rrm
rrmt
force open
fr
kan-fr
fr t
forge (signature)
zuwr
kan-zuwr
zuwrt
falsify
ferment
find
finish
flatten (bread)
flatter (a female)
grrs
170 Moroccan Arabic

First Person
Present Tense
kan-nsa
First Person
Past Tense
nsit
kan-sm
smt
kan-tnbba'
tnbba't
rrer
kan-rrer
rrert
t
lq
kan-t
lq
t
lqt
jmd
kan-jmd
jmdt
jmmd
kan-jmmd
jmmdt
qla
kan-qli
qlit
qqeq
kan-qqeq
qqeqt
full (of food), to be
kan-b
b t
fun, to make
d
k
kan-d
k
d
kt
nt
kan-nt
nt
t
d
k la
kan-d
k
d
kt
tflla la
kan-tflla
tfllit
ksb
kan-ksb
ksbt
rb
kan-rb
rbt
gamble
qmmr
kan-qmmr
qmmrt
gather
jm
kan-jm
jm t
gather (with people)
jtam
kan-jtam
jtam t
gaze
nzez
kan-nzez
nzezt
generalize
mmem
kan-mmem
mmemt
generate
wlld
kan-wlld
wlldt
xda
kan-axud
xdit
dd
kan-dd
ddit
get down
hbt
kan-hbt
hbt
t
get off
nzl
kan-nzl
nzlt
get on
rkb
kan-rkb
rkbt
t
l
kan-t
l
t
l t
thnna mn
kan-thnna
thnnit
txllsmn
kan-txlls
txlls
t
kan-mrd
mrd
t
kan-duz
dzt
kan-nud
nd
t
wllf
kan-wllf
wllft
give
t
a
kan-t
i
t
it
give a ride
dda
kan-ddi
ddit
ws
s
l
kan-ws
s
l
ws
s
lt
English
Transcription
Arabic
forget
nsa
forgive
sm l
foretell
tnbba
free
freeze
freeze sth
fry
fulfill sth
fun of, to make

gain
get
get rid of
get sick
get through
get up
get used to
mrd
daz mn
nad

First Person
Present Tense
kan-xt
b
First Person
Past Tense
xt
bt
kan-rjj
rjj t
kan-rdd
rddit
t
llq
kan-t
llq
t
llqt
d
rr
kan-d
rr
d
rrit
xnzr f
kan-xnzr
xnzrt
lm
kan-lm
lm t
d
wa
kan-d
wi
d
wit
ls
s
q
kan-ls
s
q
ls
s
qt
go
ma
kan-mi
mit
go ahead of/in front of
sbq
kan-sbq
sbqt
go by
daz la
kan-duz
dzt
go out
xrj
kan-xrj
xrjt
daz mn
kan-duz
dzt
t
l
kan-t
l
t
l t
hd
r f
kan-hd
r
hd
rt
km la
kan-km
kmt
English
give a speech
give back
give off
give pain
glare at
gleam
glue
go through
go up
gossip about
govern
Transcription
Arabic
xt
b
rjj
rdd
qbt
kan-qbt
qbt
t
dd
kan-dd
ddit
graze
r a
kay-r a
r a
greet
sllm la
kan-sllm
sllmt
tsalm
kan-tsalm
tsalmt
grill
wa
kan-wi
wit
grind
t
n
kan-t
n
t
nt
grow (get older/bigger)
kbr
kan-kbr
kbrt
guarantee
d
mn
kan-d
mn
d
mnt
guard
ss
kan-ss
ssit
hand
mdd
kan-mdd
mddit
hang
llq
kan-llq
llqt
hang to dry
nr
kan-nr
nrt
happen
wq
kay-wq
wq
jra
kay-jra
jra
t
ra
kay-t
ra
t
ra
fr
kan-fr
frt
frr
kan-frr
frrt
s
d
kan-s
d
s
dt
kay-tfqqs
tfqqs
kan-krh
krht
grab
greet one another
happy, to be
happy, to make
harvest
hatch
hate
tfqqs
krh
172 Moroccan Arabic
First Person
Present Tense
ndi
First Person
Past Tense
kan ndi
sm
kan-sm
sm t
sxxn
kan-sxxn
sxxnt
awn
kan-awn
awnt
sr
kan-sr
srt
hesitate
trdded
kan-trdded
trddedt
hide sth
xbba
kan-xbba
xbbit
hide (oneself)
txbba
kan-txbba
txbbit
hire (a car)
kra
kan-kri
krit
hit
d
rb
kan-d
rb
d
rbt
td
rb
kan-td
rb
td
rbt
dd
kan-dd
ddit
honor
rrf
kan-rrf
rrft
hope
tmnna
kan-tmnna
tmnnit
house
skkn
kan-skkn
skknt
hug
nnq
kan-nnq
nnqt
t anq
kan-t anq
t anqt
hungry, to be
ja
kan-ju
j t
hunt
s
iyd
kan-s
iyd
s
iydt
hurry
zrb
kan-zrb
zrbt
hurt
d
rr
kan-d
rr
d
rrit
miyk la
kan-miyk
miykt
mrd
kan-mrd
mrd
t
ill, to make
mrrd
kan-mrrd
mrrd
t
imagine
ts
uwr
kan-ts
uwr
ts
uwrt
txayl
kan-txayl
txaylt
imitate
qlld
kan-qlld
qlldt
import
stawrd
kan-stawrd
stawrdt
English
Transcription
Arabic
have
nd
hear
heat
help
herd
hit, to be
hold
hug one another
ignore (slang)
ill, to be
impose
frd
kan-frd
frd
t
imprison
sjn
kan-sjn
sjnt
dd f l bs
kan-dd
ddit
ssn
kan-ssn
ssnt
tssn
kan-tssn
tssnt
improvise
rtajl
kan-rtajl
rtajlt
increase
zad
kan-zid
zdt
indicate
biyn
kan-biyn
biynt
infect
ada
kan-adi
adit
improve
English
First Person
Present Tense
First Person
Past Tense
Transcription
Arabic
lm
kan-lm
lmt
xbr
kan-xbr
xbrt
inherit
wrt
kan-wrt
wrtt
injure
jr
kan-jr
jrt
inspect (education)
ftt
kan-ftt
fttt
install
blas
a
kan-blas
i
blas
it
rkkb
kan-rkkb
rkkbt
ayr
kan-ayr
ayrt
sbb
kan-sbb
sbbit
dmj
kan-dmj
dmjt
interest
httm
kay-httm
httm
interfere
tdxxl
kan-tdxxl
tdxxlt
interrupt
qat
kan-qat
qat
t
introduce
qddm
kan-qddm
qddmt
invent
xtar
kan-xtar
xtar t
invite
rdla
kan-rd
rd
t
dded
kan-dded
ddedt
sga
kan-sgi
sgit
sqa
kan-sqi
sqit
irritate
qllq
kan-qllq
qllqt
irritated, to be
tqllq
kan-tqllq
tqllqt
isolate
hmm
kan-hmm
hmmt
zl
kan-zl
zlt
ar la
kan-ir
rt
d
k
kan-d
k
d
kt
tflla
kan-tflla
tfllit
km la
kan-km
kmt
asb
kan-asb
asbt
jump
nqqz
kan-nqqz
nqqzt
justify
brrer
kan-brrer
brrert
keep
tafdb
kan-tafd
tafd
t
afdla
kan-afd
afd
t
qabl d
-d
ar
kan-qabl
qablt
gabl d
-d
ar
kan-gabl
gablt
at
kan-ut
tt
qdf
kan-qdf
qdft
xt
f
kan-xt
f
xt
ft
inform
insult
integrate
iron
irrigate
jealous, to be
joke
judge
keep house
kick (a ball)
kidnap
174 Moroccan Arabic
First Person
Present Tense
kan-bus
First Person
Past Tense
bst
jn
kan-jn
jnt
know
rf
kan-rf
rft
last (time)
bqa
kan-bqa
bqit
dam
kan-dum
dmt
t t
t
l
kan-t t
t
l
t t
t
lt
late, to make
t
t
l
kan-t
t
l
t
t
lt
laugh
d
k
kan-d
k
d
kt
d
k
kan-d
k
d
kt
kan-t
t
t
t
it
English
kiss
knead
late, to be
laugh, to make
Transcription
Arabic
bas
lay down
t
t
lay eggs
biyd
kan-biyd
biyd
t
lead
tz m
kan-tz m
tz mt
leak
sal
kan-sil
slt
qt
r
kan-qt
r
qt
rt
lean
tkka la
kan-tkka
tkkit
learn
t llm
kan-t llm
t llmt
leave
xrj
kan-xrj
xrjt
leave (a house/city for

another)
rl
kan-rl
rlt
leave alone
xlla
kan-xlli
xllit
leave behind
xlla
kan-xlli
xllit
lend
sllf
kan-sllf
sllft
lengthen
t
uwl
kan-t
uwl
t
uwlt
lessen
qllel
kan-qllel
qllelt
let
xlla
kan-xlli
xllit
let go of
t
lq mn
kan-t
lq
t
lqt
liberate
rrer
kan-rrer
rrert
lie
kdb
kan-kdb
kdbt
lift
hzz
kan-hzz
hzzit
light
kan- l
lt
like
ba
kan-bi
knt bai
jb
kay jbni
jbni
xffef
kan-xffef
xffeft
dded
kan-dded
ddedt
bs
kan-bs
bst
rj
kan-rj
rjt
lighten (weight)
limit
limp
First Person
Present Tense
kan-st
t
r
First Person
Past Tense
st
t
rt
skn
kan-skn
sknt
loan
sllf
kan-sllf
sllft
lock
sdd
kan-sdd
sddit
surt
kan-surt
surtt
af
kan-uf
ft
thlla f
kan-thlla
thllat
d
a
kan-d
i
d
it
look alike
tabh
kan-tabh
tabht
look behind
tlfft
kan-tlfft
tlfftt
gr
kan-gr
grt
look for
qllb la
kan-qllb
qllbt
look like
bh
kan-bh
bht
ban bal
kan-ban
bnt
look out (window)
t
ll
kan-t
ll
t
llit
loosen
t
lq
kan-t
lq
t
lqt
rxa
kan-rxi
rxit
rxf
kan-rxf
rxft
wd
d
r
kan-wd
d
r
wd
d
rt
tllf
kan-tllf
tllft
twd
d
r
kan-twd
d
r
twd
d
rt
ba
kan-bi
knt bai
mat la
kan-mut
mtt
nzzl
kan-nzzl
nzzlt
hbbt
kan-hbbt
hbbt
t
nqs
kan-nqs
nqs
t
kan-kbbr
kbbrt
kan-afd
afd
t
kan-s
awb
s
awbt
English
line, to draw a
live (reside)
look
look after
look down (on sb)
lose
lost, to be
love
lower
Transcription
Arabic
st
t
r
magnify
kbbr
maintain
afdla
s
awb
dar
kan-dir
drt
s
n
kan-s
n
s
n t
tkrfs la
kan-tkrfs
tkrfst
maltreat (destroy)
krfs
kan-krfs
krfst
manipulate
tkkm
kan-tkkm
tkkmt
s
n
kan-s
n
s
n t
nqqt
kan-nqqt
nqqt
t
kan-rm
rmt
make
make difficult for sb
manufacture
mark
rm
176 Moroccan Arabic

First Person
Present Tense
kan-tzuwj
First Person
Past Tense
tzuwjt
kan-zuwj
zuwjt
kssl
kan-kssl
ksslt
mean
na
kan-ni
nit
measure
br
kan-br
brt
English
Transcription
Arabic
tzuwj (b)
) )
marry off (daughter, etc.)
zuwj
massage (hammam)
marry (with)
mediate
twsst
kan-twsst
twsst
t
meet
tlaqa
kan-tlaqa
tlaqit
meeting, to have
jtam
kan-jtam
jtam t
melt
dab
kan-dub
dbt
memorize
fd
kan-fd
fd
t
kan-hdded
hddedt
kan-krfs
krfst
menace
hdded
mess up
krfs
migrate
hjr
kan-hjr
hjrt
milk
lb
kan-lb
lbt
mistake, to make a
lt
kan-lt
lt
t
kay-mi liya
ma liya
kan-xllt
xllt
t
d
a
kan-d
i
d
it
rs
kan-rs
rst
monopolize
takr
kan-takr
takrt
motivate
ffz
kan-ffz
ffzt
move sth
rrk
kan-rrk
rrkt
kz
kan-kz
kzt
trrk
kan-trrk
trrkt
tkz
kan-tkz
tkzt
move away from
b d mn
kan-b d
b dt
move residence
tuwl
kan-tuwl
tuwlt
rl
kan-rl
rlt
qtl
kan-qtl
qtlt
name
smma
kan-smmi
smmit
need
taj
kan-taj
tajt
neglect
sm f
kan-sm
smt
miss (a bus) 3rd person

mix
monitor (exam)
move
murder
ma la
xllt
frrt
kan-frrt
frrt
t
noise, to make
s
d
kan-s
d
s
d t
nominate
kan-r
rt
notice
lad
kan-lad
lad
t
obey
t
a
kan-t
i
t
t
object
ard
kan-ard
ard
t
English
oblige
Transcription
Arabic
frdla
bzzez la
First Person
Present Tense
First Person
Past Tense
kan-frd
frd
t
kan-bzzez
bzzezt
kan-lad
lad
t
observe
lad
occupy
tll
kan-tll
tllt
occur
wq
kay wq
wq
jra
kay jra
jra
hda
kan-hdi
hdit
ziyt
kan-ziyt
ziytt
old, to get
rf
kan-rf
rft
open
ll
kan-ll
llit
ft
kan-ft
ftt
operate (surgical)
ft
kan-ft
ftt
oppress
ddb
kan-ddb
ddbt
order sth
t
lb
kan-t
lb
t
lbt
order sb
amr
kan-amr
amrt
organize
nd
d
m
kan-nd
d
m
nd
d
mt
overcome
tllb la
kan-tllb
tllbt
tsal
kan-tsal
tsalt
owed, to be
sal
kan-sal
slt
own
mlk
kan-mlk
mlkt
pacify
hddn
kan-hddn
hddnt
pack
jm
kan-jm
jm t
paint
s
b
kan-s
b
s
bt
park (a car)
blas
a
kan-blas
a
blas
it
participate
ark
kan-ark
arkt
party
tafl
kan-tafl
taflt
pass
daz
kan-duz
dzt
fat
kan-fut
ftt
nj f
kan-nj
njt
daz la
kan-duz
dzt
ls
s
q
kan-ls
s
q
ls
s
qt
s
br
kan-s
br
s
brt
offer
oil
owe
pass (exam)
pass by
paste
patient, to be
pay
xlls
kan-xlls
xlls
t
paid, to be
txlls
kan-txlls
txlls
t
pay back
rdd l
kan-rdd
rddit
peel
qr
kan-qr
qrt
peel (skin)
tqr
kan-tqr
tqrt
178 Moroccan Arabic
English
Transcription
Arabic
xlla
sm l
persuade
permit
First Person
Present Tense
First Person
Past Tense
kan-xlli
xllit
kan-sm
smt
qn
kan-qn
qn t
photograph
s
uwr
kan-s
uwr
s
uwrt
photographed, to be
ts
uwr
kan-ts
uwr
ts
uwrt
pick (light fruit)
jna
kan-jni
jnit
pierce
tqb
kan-tqb
tqbt
pile up
rrm
kan-rrm
rrmt
kan-xt
t
et
xt
t
et
t
plan
xt
t
et
plant
zr
kan-zr
zr t
play
l b
kan-l b
l bt
please
jb
kan-jb
jbt
plow
rt
kan-rt
rtt
pluck
riy
kan-riy
riyt
poison
smmem
kan-smmem
smmemt
tsmmem
kan-tsmmem
tsmmemt
luwt
kan-luwt
luwtt
possess
mlk
kan-mlk
mlkt
postpone
ajjl
kan-ajjl
ajjlt
kbb
kan-kbb
kbbit
xwa
kan-xwi
xwit
t
bbq
kan-t
bbq
t
bbqt
md
kan-md
mdt
s
lla
kan-s
lli
s
llit
sbq
kan-sbq
sbqt
prefer
fd
d
l
kan-fd
d
l
fd
d
lt
prepare
wjjd
kan-wjjd
wjjdt
s
awb
kan-s
awb
s
awbt
kan-d
t
d
t
t
poisoned, to be
pollute
pour
practice
praise
pray
precede
pressure
d
t
dar bal
kan-dir
drt
biyn blli
kan-biyn
biynt
prevent
mn
kan-mn
mn t
print
t
b
kan-t
b
t
b t
produce
ntj
kan-ntj
ntjt
rb
kan-rb
rbt
stafd
kan-stafd
stafdt
pretend
profit
First Person
Present Tense
kan-tqddm
First Person
Past Tense
tqddmt
mn
kan-mn
mn t
wa d
kan-wa d
wa dt
nt
q
kan-nt
q
nt
qt
propose
qtar
kan-qtar
qtart
proud, to be
ftaxr
kan-ftaxr
ftaxrt
prune
zbr
kan-zbr
zbrt
publish
nr
kan-nr
nrt
pull
jrr
kan-jrr
jrrit
jbd
kan-jbd
jbdt
punish
aqb
kan-aqb
aqbt
push
df
kan-df
df t
wrrk la
kan-wrrk
wrrkt
brk la
kan-brk
brkt
English
Transcription
Arabic
tqddm
prohibit
promise
progress
pronounce
push (a button)
put
t
t
kan-t
t
t
t
it
put down
t
t
kan-t
t
t
t
it
put out (light)
t
fa
kan-t
fi
t
fit
put together (parts)
rkkb
kan-rkkb
rkkbt
quarrel
txas
m
kan-txas
m
txas
mt
skt
kan-skt
sktt
skkt
kan-skkt
skktt
quit
ma balu
kan-mi bali
mit bali
rain
t
a (l-ta)
) )
kat-t
i
t
at
raise
hzz
kan-hzz
hzzit
raise (children)
rbba
kan-rbbi
rbbit
raised, to be
trbba
kan-trbba
trbbit
rape
tas
b
kan-tas
b
tas
bt
read
qra
kan-qra
qrit
receive (a letter)
dd
kan-dd
ddit
t rrf
kan-t rrf
t rrft
sjjl
kan-sjjl
sjjlt
nqs
kan-nqs
nqst
reform
s
l
kan-s
l
s
lt
refuse
rfd
kan-rfd
rfd
t
refute
nfa
kan-nfi
nfit
regret
ndm
kan-ndm
ndmt
reimburse
uwd
kan-uwd
uwd
t
quiet, to be
quiet, to make
recognize
record
reduce
180 Moroccan Arabic
First Person
Present Tense
kan-fr
First Person
Past Tense
frt
rta
kan-rta
rtat
release
t
lq
kan-t
lq
t
lqt
rely on
uwl la
kan-uwl
uwlt
remain
bqa
kan-bqa
bqit
ql la
kan-ql
qlt
tfkkr
kan-tfkkr
tfkkrt
remind
fkkr
kan-fkkr
fkkrt
remove
iyd
kan-iyd
iydt
zuwl
kan-zuwl
zuwlt
jdded
kan-jdded
jddedt
kra
kan-kri
krit
s
awb
kan-s
awb
s
awbt
s
l
kan-s
l
s
lt
repeat
awd
kan-awd
awdt
repent
tab
kan-tub
tbt
reply
rdd
kan-rdd
rddit
request
t
lb mn
kan-t
lb
t
lbt
require
tt
lb
kan-tt
lb
tt
lbt
bh
kan-bh
bht
resign
staql
kan-staql
staqlt
resist
qawm
kan-qawm
qawmt
respect
tarm
kan-tarm
tarmt
respond
jawb
kan-jawb
jawbt
rest
rta
kan-rta
rtat
tqa d
kan-tqa d
tqa dt
return (to a place)
rj
kan-rj
rj t
return sth
rdd
kan-rdd
rddit
rjj
kan-rjj
rjj t
raj
kan-raj
raj t
ride
rkb
kan-rkb
rkbt
ride, to give a
dda
kan-ddi
ddit
kan-rkkb
rkkbt
kan-ws
s
l
ws
s
lt
llel
kan-llel
llelt
rise (like the sun)
t
l
kan-t
l
t
l t
rise (to wake up)
faq
kan-fiq
fqt
rot
fsd
kan-fsd
fsdt
English
rejoice
relax
remember
renew
rent
repair
resemble
retire
review
Transcription
Arabic
fr
rkkb
ws
s
l
rinse
English
round, to go
Transcription
Arabic
d
uwr
First Person
Present Tense
kan-d
uwr
First Person
Past Tense
d
uwrt
kan-kk
kkit
rub
kk
run
jra
kan-jri
jrit
run away
hrb
kan-hrb
hrbt
run out of
tqad
a
kan-tqad
a
tqad
it
zrb
kan-zrb
zrbt
sacrifice
d
a
kan-d
i
d
it
satisfy
qn
kan-qn
qn t
save
xbba
kan-xbbi
xbbit
xzn
kan-xzn
xznt
xbb
kan-xbb
xbb t
jm l flus
kan-jm
jm t
wffr
kan-wffr
wffrt
say
gal
kan-gul
glt
scratch
kk
kan-kk
kkit
scream
uwt
kan-uwt
uwtt
screw
ziyr
kan-ziyr
ziyrt
af
kan-uf
ft
tawf
kan-tawf
tawft
sell
ba
kan-bi
b t
send
s
ift
kan-s
ift
s
ift
t
separate
frrq
kan-frrq
frrqt
serve
srba
kan-srbi
srbit
set a bone
jbbr
kan-jbbr
jbbrt
rb
kan-rb
rbt
set up
rkkb
kan-rkkb
rkkbt
settle
staqr
kan-staqr
staqrt
sew
xiyt
kan-xiyt
xiyt
t
tr d
kan-tr d
tr dt
rjf
kan-rjf
rjft
sllm la
kan-sllm
sllmt
rrk
kan-rrk
rrkt
share
qsm
kan-qsm
qsmt
sharpen
njr
kan-njr
njrt
md
d
a
kan-md
d
i
md
d
it
ssn
kan-ssn
ssnt
sr
kan-sr
srt
rush
save (money)
see
see one another
set (the sun)
shake (palsy)
shake hands with
shake out
shave
shepherd
182 Moroccan Arabic
First Person
Present Tense
kan-lm
First Person
Past Tense
lm t
tr d
kan-tr d
tr dt
rjf
kan-rjf
rjft
shop (weekly market)
tsuwq
kan-tsuwq
tsuwqt
shop (food)
tqdda
kan-tqdda
tqddit
shorten
qs
s
r
kan-qs
s
r
qs
s
rt
shout
uwt
kan-uwt
uwtt
shovel
hzz b l bala
kan-hzz
hzzit
show
wrra
kan-wrri
wrrit
shower
duw
kan-duw
duwt
sdd
kan-sdd
sddit
kan-mmd
mmd
t
skt
kan-skt
sktt
sift
rbl
kan-rbl
rblt
sightsee
tsara
kan-tsara
tsarit
sna
kan-sni
snit
wqq
kan-wqq
wqq t
skkt
kan-skkt
skktt
skt
kan-skt
sktt
simplify
shhl
kan-shhl
shhlt
sing
nna
kan-nni
nnit
sink
t
s
kan-t
s
t
st
rq
kan-rq
rqt
sit
gls
kan-gls
glst
skin
slx
kan-slx
slxt
skip
nqqz
kan-nqqz
nqqzt
slap (in the face)
s
rfq
kan-s
rfq
s
rfqt
t
rr
kan-t
rr
t
rrt
slaughter
db
kan-db
dbt
sleep
n s
kan-n s
n st
n s
kan-n s
n st
slide
zlq
kan-zlq
zlqt
slip
zlq
kan-zlq
zlqt
lt
t
x
kan-lt
t
x
lt
t
xt
smell
mm
kan-mm
mmit
smile
btasm
kan-btasm
btasmt
kma
kan-kmi
kmit
English
Transcription
Arabic
shine
lm
shiver
shut
shut eyes
shut up
sign
silence sb
silent, to be
sleep, to make
smear
smoke
mmd
English
First Person
Present Tense
kan-hrrb
First Person
Past Tense
hrrbt
kan-t
s
t
st
kan-lm
lmt
ll
kan-ll
llit
tkllm
kan-tkllm
tkllmt
hd
r
kan-hd
r
hd
rt
dwa
kan-dwi
dwit
kan-txs
s
es
txs
s
es
t
Transcription
Arabic
hrrb
sneeze
t
s
solder
lm
solve
speak
smuggle
specialize
txs
s
es
spend money
s
rf
kan-s
rf
s
rft
spend the night
bat
kan-bat
btt
duwz
kan-duwz
duwzt
spin
zl
kan-zl
zlt
spit
dfl
kan-dfl
dflt
splash
kan-r
rit
fe
kan-fe
fet
sprain
df
kan-df
df t
spray
kan-r
rit
squeeze
s
r
kan-s
r
s
rt
ziyr
kan-ziyr
ziyrt
stamp
t
b
kan-t
b
t
b t
stand
wqf
kan-wqf
wqft
xnzr f
kan-xnzr
xnzrt
start
bda
kan-bda
bdit
startle
xl
kan-xl
xl t
txl
kan-txl
txl t
bqa
kan-bqa
bqit
gls
kan-gls
glst
stay up late
shr
kan-shr
shrt
steal
srq
kan-srq
srqt
ffr
kan-ffr
ffrt
ft
kan-ft
ft
t
fs
kan-fs
fst
sting
qrs
kan-qrs
qrs
t
stink
xnz
kan-xnz
xnzt
stir
rrk
kan-rrk
rrkt
stop
wqf
kan-wqf
wqft
bs
kan-bs
bst
spend time
spoil (a child)
stare angrily
startled, to be
stay
step on
184 Moroccan Arabic

First Person
Present Tense
kan-txas
m
First Person
Past Tense
txas
mt
kan-xzn
xznt
qjj
kan-qjj
qjjit
xnq
kan-xnq
xnqt
dar l id
rab
kan-dir
drt
stroll
tma
kan-tma
tmit
stretch
jbbd
kan-jbbd
jbbdt
kssl
kan-kssl
ksslt
qra
kan-qra
qrit
drs
kan-drs
drst
nj f
kan-nj
njt
English
Transcription
Arabic
txas
m m a
store
xzn
strangle
stop speaking with
strike (from work)
study
succeed at
suck
ms
s
kan-ms
s
ms
s
it
sue
d a
kan-d i
d it
suffer
t ddb
kan-t ddb
t ddbt
suggest
qtar
kan-qtar
qtart
sunbathe
tmm
kan-tmm
tmmt
surprise
faj'a
kan-faj'a
faj'at
staslm
kan-staslm
staslmt
nja
kan-nja
njit
kan-i
swallow
s
rt
kan-s
rt
s
rt
t
swarm (bees)
rt
kan-rt
rt t
lf b llah
kan-lf
lft
ahd
kan-ahd
ahdt
swear (oath)
qsm
kan-qsm
qsmt
sweat
rg
kan-rg
rgt
rq
kan-rq
rqt
sweep
t
t
b
kan-t
t
b
t
t
bt
swell
tnffx
kan-tnffx
tnffxt
swim
am
kan-um
t m
switch (off)
t
fa
kan-t
fi
t
fit
switch (on)
kan- l
lt
t at
f m a
kan-t at
f
t at
ft
xda
kan-axud
xdit
iyd
kan-iyd
iydt
zuwl
kan-zuwl
zuwlt
thlla f
kan-thlla
thllat
surrender
survive
swear
sympathize with
take
take away/off
take care of

First Person
Present Tense
kan-tkllf
First Person
Past Tense
tkllft
kan-tkllm
tkllmt
hd
r
kan-hd
r
hd
rt
talk nonsense
xrbq
kan-xrbq
xrbqt
tame
ruwd
kan-ruwd
ruwd
t
tape (record)
sjjl
kan-sjjl
sjjlt
tape (scotch)
ls
s
q
kan-ls
s
q
ls
s
qt
taste
daq
kan-duq
dqt
teach
qrra
kan-qrri
qrrit
llm
kan-llm
llmt
tear something
qt
t
kan-qt
t
qt
t
t
tear (to be torn)
tqt
t
kan-tqt
t
tqt
t
t
tease
qb
kan-qb
qbt
tflla
kan-tflla
tfllit
iytf
kan-iyt
iyt
t
kan-d
rb
d
rbt
kan-gul
glt
awd
kan-awd
awdt
thaw
dab
kan-dub
dbt
think
fkkr
kan-fkkr
fkkrt
xmmem
kan-xmmem
xmmemt
kan-d
nn
d
nnit
kan-hdded
hddedt
English
take charge of
talk
telephone
tell
Transcription
Arabic
tkllf b
tkllm
d
rb t
tilifun
gal
think that
d
nn blli
threaten
hdded
thresh
drs
kan-drs
drst
throw
la
kan-lu
lt
rma
kan-rmi
rmit
tickle
hrr
kan-hrr
hrrit
tie
rbt
kan-rbt
rbt
t
tie (belt)
zm
kan-zm
zmt
ziyr
kan-ziyr
ziyrt
ya
kan-ya
yit
tired, to make
iya
kan-iya
iyit
torture
ddb
kan-ddb
ddbt
touch
qas
kan-qis
qst
mss
kan-mss
mssit
trade
tajr
kan-tajr
tajrt
train
drrb
kan-drrb
drrbt
tighten
tired, to be
186 Moroccan Arabic
First Person
Present Tense
kan-trjm
First Person
Past Tense
trjmt
safr
kan-safr
safrt
t aml m a
kan-t aml
t amlt
trick
mt
kan-mt
mtt
trip
tr
kan-tr
trt
trust
taq f
kan-tiq
tqt
try (to attempt to do sth)
awl
kan-awl
awlt
try (to experience sth)
jrrb
kan-jrrb
jrrbt
try on
qiys
kan-qiys
qiyst
d
ar
kan-d
ur
d
rt
d
uwr
kan-d
uwr
d
uwrt
nqsmn
kan-nqs
nqs
t
turn off
t
fa
kan-t
fi
t
fit
turn on
kan- l
lt
turn over sth
qlb
kan-qlb
qlbt
glb
kan-glb
glbt
twist
lwa
kan-lwi
lwit
understand
fhm
kan-fhm
fhmt
understand, to make
fhhm
kan-fhhm
fhhmt
unite
wd
kan-wd
wdt
upset
qllq
kan-qllq
qllqt
upset, to be
tqllq
kan-tqllq
tqllqt
sta ml
kan-sta ml
sta mlt
use (land)
stal
kan-stal
stalt
use to, to be of
s
l l
kan-s
l
s
lt
used to, to become
wllf
kan-wllf
wllft
useful, to be
nf
kan-nf
nf t
vaccinate
lqq
kan-lqq
lqqt
zar
kan-zur
zrt
tqiya
kan-tqiya
tqiyit
rdd
kan-rdd
rddit
tsnna
kan-tsnna
tsnnit
ayn
kan-ayn
aynt
fiyq
kan-fiyq
fiyqt
faq
kan-fiq
fqt
walk
tma
kan-tma
tmit
walk around
tsara
kan-tsara
tsarit
English
Transcription
Arabic
translate
trjm
travel
treat (people)
turn
turn around
turn down (volume)
use
visit
vomit
wait
wake someone
wake up

First Person
Present Tense
kan-tma
First Person
Past Tense
tmit
kan-bi
bit
kan-sxxn
sxxnt
sxn
kan-sxn
sxnt
warn
ddr
kan-ddr
ddrt
water
sqa
kan-sqi
sqit
sga
kan-sgi
sgit
sl
kan-sl
slt
wash (clothes)
s
bbn
kan-s
bbn
s
bbnt
wash (floor)
siyq
kan-siyq
siyqt
waste
d
iy
kan-d
iy
d
iy t
watch (TV)
tfrrj
kan-tfrrj
tfrrjt
wave
iyr l
kan-iyr
iyrt
wear
lbs
kan-lbs
lbst
weave
nsj
kan-nsj
nsjt
weep
bka
kan-bki
bkit
weigh
br
kan-br
brt
wzn
kan-wzn
wznt
rb
kan-rb
rbt
staqbl
kan-staqbl
staqblt
suda
kan-sudi
sudit
bra
kan-bra
brit
fzzg
kan-fzzg
fzzgt
fzg
kan-fzg
fzgt
whistle
s
ffr
kan-s
ffr
s
ffrt
widen
wss
kan-wss
wss t
rb
kan-rb
rbt
jffef
kan-jffef
jffeft
ms
kan-ms
mst
ma
kan-mi
mit
sxf
kan-sxf
sxft
tmnna
kan-tmnna
tmnnit
ybs
kan-ybs
ybst
lwa
kan-lwa
lwit
hd
kan-hd
hdt
t jjb
kan-t jjb
t jjbt
xmmem f
kan-xmmem
xmmemt
xdm
kan-xdm
xdmt
English
Transcription
Arabic
tma
ba
warm / heat
sxxn
warm, to be
want
wash
welcome
weld
well, to be
wet, to make
wet, to be
win
wipe dry (floor)
wipe off
wiped out, to be
wish
wither
witness
wonder at
work
188 Moroccan Arabic
English
First Person
Present Tense
kan-tt
n
First Person
Past Tense
tt
nt
kan-duwd
duwdt
kan-swa
swit
jr
kan-jr
jrt
ktb
kan-ktb
ktbt
Transcription
Arabic
worry
tt
n
wormy, to get
duwd
worth, to be
swa
wound
write
Grammar Index
Active Participles, 151
Adjectives
Comparative, 81
Masculine and Feminine, 78
Singular and Plural, 78
Superlative, 82
Comparative Adjectives, 81
Comparing Like Objects, 81
Conditional, 111
Conjunctions, 154
Definite Article, 147
Demonstrative Adjectives, 16
DemonstrativePronouns, 14
Duration, 17
Dyal, 13
Future Tense, 102
Negation, 103
adi, 104
Have you ever..., 54
Ive never..., 54
Imperative, 69
In order to, 68
Independent Pronouns, 7
Infinitive, 46
Intransitive Verbs
Making into Transitive Verbs, 148
With Only One Participle, 153
Kayn, 37
Moon Letters, 147
Negation, 52
Nouns
Masculine and Feminine, 9
Numbers
1 thru 10, 22
100, 200, 300 ... 999, 26
1000, 2000, 3000 ..., 27
11 thru 19, 24
20, 30, 40 ... 99, 25
Fractions, 30
Ordinal, 29
Object Pronouns, 55
Participles, 151
Active, 151
adi, 104
Kayn, 37
Passive, 153
Passive Participles, 153
Passive Verbs, 149
Past Progressive, 150
Past Tense
Irregular Verbs, 48
Regular Verbs, 46
Possession
Dyal, 13
Pronouns, 8
Questions, 17
Possessive Pronouns, 8
Prepositions, 42
With Pronoun Endings, 115
With Verbs, 115
Present Tense
Irregular Verbs with Final a, 64
Irregular Verbs with Middle a, 60
Regular Verbs, 58
Pronouns
Independent, 7
Object, 55
Possessive, 8
Question Words, 56
Sun Letters, 147
Superlative Adjectives, 82
There is, 37
Time, 30
Using One Verb after Another, 68
Verbs
Participles, 151
to have, 40
to need/have to/should, 95
to please, 92
to remain, 151
to want, 36
to want/like, 96
Using One after Another, 68
Vocabulary Index
Adjectives, 78
Bargaining, 72
Body Parts, 97
Bus, 108
Butagas, 135
Butcher, 88
Buying Produce, 86
Caf, 89
Cities, 10
City bus, 108
Clothing, 73
Colors, 75
Communication, 21
Congratulations, 21
Days of the Week, 45
Directions, 43
Doors and Windows, 139
Drinks, 89
Environment Sector, 122
Family, 38
Finding a House, 125
Food, 34, 84, 85, 88, 89
Fruit, 85
Furniture, 127
God Phrases, 157
Greetings, 5
Hanoot Items, 34
Health, 98
Health Sector, 123
Help, 20
Hotel, 110
Household Items, 127
Hygiene, 20
Islamic Calendar, 159
Kitchenware, 127
Marital Status, 10
Mealtime, 19
Meat, 88
Money, 33
Months, 45
Nationalities, 10
Nighttime, 20
Peace Corps, 120
Places in Town, 43
Police Station, 137
Political Harassment, 141
Post Office, 113
Prepositions, 42
Question Words, 56
Restaurant, 90
Seasons, 45
Sexual Harassment, 129
Shopping, 34
Sick, 21, 98
Site Visit, 100
Sleeping, 20
Small Business Development, 124
Spices, 88
Taxi, 107, 131
Thanking, 19
Theft, 137
Time Expressions
Future, 105
Past, 46
Present, 59
Toiletries, 34
Train, 109
Transportation, 21
Travel, 107
Units of Measurement, 86
Vegetables, 84
Verbs, 47, 49, 50, 51, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67
Youth Development, 121

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Table of Contents

Food and Drink.....................................................................................................................85

Peace Corps / Morocco 3

Transcription of Moroccan Arabic

Sounds You Already Know

the normal English sound /b/

the normal English sound /d/

the normal English sound /f/

the normal English sound /g/ as in go

the normal English sound /h/ as in hi.

the /zh/ sound represented by the s in pleasure

the normal English sound /k/

the normal English sound /l/

the normal English sound /m/

the normal English sound /n/

the long o sound // as in bone (this transcription character is not used

the normal English sound /p/

the normal English sound /s/

the normal English sound /t/

the long oo sound // as in food

the normal English sound /v/

the normal English sound /w/

the normal English sound /y/

the normal English sound /z/

the long ee sound // as in meet

the normal English sound /sh/ as in she

the ee you as in see you later

the Arabic emphatic d

the Arabic emphatic s

the Arabic emphatic t

Peace Corps / Morocco 3

like the English h, except pronounce deep in the throat as a loud

This sound will be difficult at first. It can be approximated by

time (as in: Ive seen

him one time)

Words & Syllables Without Vowels

Why Not Just Write sh?

This small character,

Getting Started with Moroccan Arabic

Greeting expressions and appropriate responses

A: Good afternoon / evening

Whats your name?

Nice to meet you.

How are you (masc.)?

How are you (fem.)?

Are you fine?

Good, thanks be to God.

Good, thanks be to God.

Peace Corps / Morocco 7

Exercise: Put this dialogue in the correct order.

Chris: kif dayra?

Chris: labas, lamdullah.

Chris: smiti Chris. u nti?

Amy: bixir, lamdullah. u nta?

you (masc. singular)

you (fem. singular)

your (sing.) book

your (plur.) book

your (sing.) watch

your (plur.) watch

1. your (plur.) house 6. their place

wrqa (sheet of paper, ticket)

Peace Corps / Morocco 9