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Spanish, French and Darija: what people speak

You will be understood in French almost everywhere, and in Spanish more often than you might think. With ten words of Darija, you will get a smile.

Last checked: November 2026

The languages of Morocco

The 2011 Constitution recognises two languages of the State: Arabic and Amazigh. On the street people speak Darija, Moroccan Arabic, which according to the 2024 census is spoken by the entire population, and one in four people also speaks an Amazigh language.

French is understood by almost everyone, according to the tourist office: it is the language of signs, menus and many services.

Spanish

The Instituto Cervantes estimates that Morocco has around 1.1 million Spanish speakers. Its historical presence is strongest in the north and the south-west, and the Cervantes has centres in Tangier, Tetouan, Rabat, Casablanca, Fez and Marrakesh, with branches in Larache, Chefchaouen, Meknes, Al Hoceima, Nador and Agadir.

The tourist office says Spanish is widely spoken in the north and the south. If you are not understood in Spanish, try French.

Twenty words of Darija

Approximate transcriptions, from the tourist office and a vocabulary list from Universitat Jaume I.

  • Salam: hello. Bslama: goodbye. Marhba: welcome.
  • Shukran: thank you. Shukran bezzaf: thank you very much.
  • Afak: please. Smahli: sorry, excuse me.
  • Iyeh or naam: yes. La: no.
  • Bch'hal?: how much is it? Ghali bezaf: too expensive.
  • Fin kayn...?: where is...? Mahatta: station. Banka: bank.
  • Lyoum: today. Ghedda: tomorrow.
  • Mezyan: good. Wakha: OK. Safi: that's it, enough.
  • Tbib: doctor. Sbitar: hospital.

Frequently asked questions

Is Spanish spoken in Morocco?

Yes, especially in the north: the Instituto Cervantes estimates around 1.1 million Spanish speakers.

Which language is most useful for a tourist?

French, which almost everyone understands; in the north, Spanish too.

How do you say thank you in Moroccan Arabic?

“Shukran”. And “shukran bezzaf” for thank you very much.

Sources (5)

Every fact on this page comes from a source consulted on the date shown.

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