In Marrakech people often answer in French or English, but the language of the street is Darija, Moroccan Arabic. To be well received, learn "salam" (hello), "shukran" (thank you), "afak" (please), "la, shukran" (no thanks, very useful with touts) and "bqaddash?" (how much?). The tables give each phrase in Latin letters, with a simple pronunciation and the meaning. Darija has no fixed spelling: you will see other spellings on signs, and the sound matters more than the writing.
kh and gh are throaty sounds (like the "ch" in Scottish "loch" and a gargled "r"); 3 marks a throat sound English lacks: say it as a short vowel.
To "Salam alaykum" (peace be upon you), the reply is "wa alaykum salam". A right hand on the heart after a handshake is a common gesture.
"La, shukran" said with a smile is enough for an unsolicited guide; keep walking and do not hand over money straight away.
In the souk the first price is a starting point: ask "Bqaddash?", then "Ghali bzzaf", and only name a price if you are ready to buy.
Emergency numbers
In Morocco, the urban police are on 19, the Royal Gendarmerie on 177 and the civil protection (ambulance, fire) on 15 (usual numbers, to check with your foreign ministry before you leave, October 2026). Our guide to scams to avoid in Marrakech lists the situations where these phrases help.
Where to practise
The best way is in real situations: a cooking class with a market visit or an evening food tasting on Jemaa el-Fna lets you hear and order dish names. See also the Marrakech medina guide and cooking classes in Marrakech.
