How do you say hello and thank you in Morocco?
In Morocco, hello is said "Salam Alekum" and thank you "Choukran" in Darija (Moroccan Arabic). These basic expressions will help you create a warm first contact with Moroccans.
Essential greetings in Darija
« Salam Alekum » (السلام عليكم) is the universal greeting in Morocco, literally meaning "peace be upon you". The appropriate response is « Wa alekum salam » (وعليكم السلام).
« Choukran » (شكرا) expresses gratitude in a simple and direct way. To strengthen your thanks, add « Choukran bezaf » (thank you very much).
Variations depending on the time of day
- In the morning: « Sbah el kheir » (good morning)
- In the afternoon/evening: « Masa el kheir » (good evening)
- At bedtime: « Tisbah ala kheir » (good night)
Advice from our local agency
A simple « Salam Alekum » accompanied by a smile opens all doors in Morocco. Moroccans greatly appreciate the effort of visitors to speak a few words of Darija, even with an approximate accent.