By. Kaylah Cruz-Herrera
Moroccan Survival 101: it's okay to share a taxi with strangers, only tip a couple of dirhams, and know these words!
(Please excuse the transliteration. Darija isn't written in the Arabic alphabet, let alone the English one!)
1. Sh-weeeee-ah. / Bi-zzzeff!
Little/Big Use these words in any situation. Abverb, adjective, exclamation... you name it. You should also use hand gestures to emphasize your point.
2. Feeen...?
Where is...? Use this word for practical reasons and, if you're like me, if you want people to think you speak more Arabic than you really do. If you ask in Arabic, then the response will be in Arabic. Just nod you're head and pray that they use hand gestures that point you in the right direction.
3. Saah-fee.
Enough/That's good/It's alright/Stop Use this for anything and everything. Taxi drivers, waiters, hanoot (cornerstore) guys, family members, small children... The list goes on. I'm pretty that I use this word out of context all of the time, but it still works!
4. Kh-dem-al-count-oor!
Turn on the counter. There is only one place to use this expression, but it is vital!!! In a taxi, say this as soon as possible. Don't be rude about it, though! Most drivers will turn it on, but if they don't (which usually only happens if you're in a really touristy area), just say BSLAAAMAH! and jump out.
5. Laah-bes?
How are you?/Are you alright?/Are you okay? Always say this when greeting someone. Also say this when you think someone needs a friend.
6. Maah-fah-hemt-shhh!
I don't understand. Sometimes you speak Arabic so well that people are convinced that you're better than you actually are. Unfortunately, this can be a problem when they try to start a deep conversation with you. Politely say this and try the convo again.
Moroccan Survival 101: it's okay to share a taxi with strangers, only tip a couple of dirhams, and know these words!
(Please excuse the transliteration. Darija isn't written in the Arabic alphabet, let alone the English one!)
1. Sh-weeeee-ah. / Bi-zzzeff!
Little/Big Use these words in any situation. Abverb, adjective, exclamation... you name it. You should also use hand gestures to emphasize your point.
2. Feeen...?
Where is...? Use this word for practical reasons and, if you're like me, if you want people to think you speak more Arabic than you really do. If you ask in Arabic, then the response will be in Arabic. Just nod you're head and pray that they use hand gestures that point you in the right direction.
3. Saah-fee.
Enough/That's good/It's alright/Stop Use this for anything and everything. Taxi drivers, waiters, hanoot (cornerstore) guys, family members, small children... The list goes on. I'm pretty that I use this word out of context all of the time, but it still works!
4. Kh-dem-al-count-oor!
Turn on the counter. There is only one place to use this expression, but it is vital!!! In a taxi, say this as soon as possible. Don't be rude about it, though! Most drivers will turn it on, but if they don't (which usually only happens if you're in a really touristy area), just say BSLAAAMAH! and jump out.
5. Laah-bes?
How are you?/Are you alright?/Are you okay? Always say this when greeting someone. Also say this when you think someone needs a friend.
6. Maah-fah-hemt-shhh!
I don't understand. Sometimes you speak Arabic so well that people are convinced that you're better than you actually are. Unfortunately, this can be a problem when they try to start a deep conversation with you. Politely say this and try the convo again.
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