So, you’re in love. You’ve met the person of your dreams, and they happen to be Moroccan. This is wonderful, exciting, and, let’s be honest, a little bit nerve-wracking. You are about to be welcomed into a family that is famous for its warmth, generosity, and incredible hospitality.
And now, the big day is coming. You’re going to meet the in-laws.
You want to make a good impression. You want to show respect. More than anything, you want to connect with them and show them that you love and respect their child and their culture. While a smile is universal, in a Moroccan household, the language is the key to the heart.
That language is Darija, the vibrant, expressive, and unique Moroccan Arabic dialect.
Don’t worry,no one expects you to be fluent. But learning a few key popular Darija phrases shows more than just linguistic skill. It shows effort, respect, and a genuine desire to be part of the family. It says, “I am not just a guest; I want to belong.”
This isn’t just a “Darija for beginners” list of “hello” and “goodbye.” These are 10 powerful, culturally-rich phrases, including key polite phrases in Moroccan Arabic and Moroccan hospitality phrases, that are perfectly chosen for the in-law scenario. Using them correctly will do more than just impress; it will build a bridge.
Let’s dive in.
1. The Respectful Greeting: Salamu Alaykum (السلام عليكم)
Literal Translation: “Peace be upon you.” The Response: Wa Alaykum Salam (وعليكم السلام) – “And upon you be peace.”
Why it’s essential: You might be tempted to use the short, casual “Salam” (Hello). While common among friends, when greeting your in-laws for the first time, or any elder, using the full, formal Salamu Alaykum is a sign of deep respect. It’s one of the most important phrases for meeting Moroccan parents.
How to use it: Walk into the room, make eye contact (especially with the eldest members of the family first), smile warmly, and say Salamu Alaykum to the room. When they reply Wa Alaykum Salam, the ice is officially broken. This simple act immediately frames you as polite, traditional (in a good way), and respectful of their culture.
Cultural Pro-Tip: This greeting is often accompanied by a light handshake or, between people of the same gender who know each other well, a kiss on each cheek (often two, three, or even four!). Follow their lead, but the verbal greeting is your first, most important step.
2. The Golden Phrase (After a Meal): Allah ya3tek saha (الله يعطيك الصحة)
Literal Translation: “May God give you health.”
Why it’s essential: This is, without a doubt, the most important phrase on this list. In Morocco, food is not just sustenance; it is the primary expression of love, care, and hospitality. Your mother-in-law (the Mima) has likely spent hours, if not days, preparing a feast for you.
A simple “Shukran” (Thank you) is fine, but it’s weak. Allah ya3tek saha is the correct, powerful, and deeply appreciative response.
How to use it: After you finish a meal, and you will be full, you turn to the person who cooked (and even to the host in general) and say it with genuine gratitude. You are not just thanking them for the food; you are thanking them for the effort, the time, and the love they poured into it, and you are wishing them health in return.
This is one of those Moroccan Arabic phrases that shows you get it. Expect a beaming smile in return.
3. The Sincere Compliment: Bnin Bezzaf! (بنين بزاف!)
Literal Translation: “Very delicious!”
Why it’s essential: This is the perfect follow-up to Allah ya3tek saha. While you are eating, you must compliment the food. This isn’t optional. It’s part of the social contract of a Moroccan meal.
How to use it: After taking a few bites of that heavenly tagine or couscous, look at the cook with a look of pure bliss and say, Bnin Bezzaf! Tbarke’Allah! (We’ll get to Tbarke’Allah next). Say it with feeling. Say it like you mean it.
This is one of the most beloved common Darija sayings. Hearing that their food is not just “good” but bnin bezzaf is a source of great pride for the host. You’re not just complimenting a dish; you’re validating their role as a generous and skilled provider.
4. The Anti-Evil-Eye Compliment: Tbarke’Allah (تبارك الله)
Literal Translation: “God has blessed” or “God has willed.”
Why it’s essential: This is a complex and crucial Moroccan dialect essential. In Moroccan culture, like many others, there is a strong belief in the “evil eye” (l’ayn), the idea that direct praise or envy can bring bad luck.
To give a compliment safely, you must buffer it with a phrase that attributes the goodness to God. Tbarke’Allah (or Masha’Allah) is the shield.
How to use it: Do you like their home? “Your house is beautiful, Tbarke’Allah.” Are their grandchildren cute? “They are so adorable, Tbarke’Allah.” Is the food amazing? “This tagine is incredible, Tbarke’Allah 3alik (God has blessed you).”
Using this shows immense cultural sensitivity. It demonstrates that you understand this deep-rooted nuance, and it allows you to compliment your new family freely without an accidental cultural misstep.
5. The All-Purpose Blessing: Bsahtek (بصحتك)
Literal Translation: “To your health.” (The plural version for a group is Bsahtkom)
Why it’s essential: This is one of the most versatile and popular Darija phrases you will ever learn. It’s used in dozens of contexts.
How to use it:
- When someone is eating: This is the most common use. Before you all start a meal, the host might say Bsahtkom, and you can say it to others at the table.
- When someone buys something new: Your father-in-law shows you his new djellaba? You say Bsahtek!
- When someone gets a haircut or showers: Literally, “to your health.”
- When you give a gift: You hand them the gift and say Bsahtek.
The standard reply is… you guessed it… Allah y3atek saha! This creates a beautiful, polite loop of wishing each other health.
Want to hear how these words are pronounced and learn even more vocabulary? Follow us on Instagram and Pinterest where we share daily Darija words, audio clips, and tips to boost your learning!
6. The “I’m Full” Lifesaver: Safi, Shbe3t. Allah ykhlef. (صافي، شبعت. الله يخلف)
Literal Translation: “That’s it, I’m full. May God replenish.”
Why it’s essential: You will be overfed. This is not a possibility; it is a guarantee. Moroccan hospitality phrases are built around the concept of karam (generosity), and this means your plate will be refilled constantly.
Just saying “I’m full” (Shbe3t) can be seen as a bit blunt or even ungrateful. You need to soften it. Safi (that’s enough) is the first step. But the magic part is Allah ykhlef.
How to use it: When your mother-in-law approaches with a third (or fourth) serving, put your hand over your heart, smile, and say: “Safi, baraka. Shbe3t. It was so delicious, Allah ykhlef.”
You are politely declining while simultaneously thanking them for their generosity and praying that God repays and replenishes their pantry. This is a high-level, sophisticated move that will earn you major points.
7. The Deeper “Thank You”: Barak Allahu Fik (بارك الله فيك)
Literal Translation: “May God bless you.”
Why it’s essential: Shukran (Thank you) and Shukran Bezzaf (Thank you very much) are essential. You should use them. But Barak Allahu Fik is a level up. It’s deeper, warmer, and more spiritual.
How to use it: Use Shukran for small things, like someone passing the salt. Use Barak Allahu Fik for significant things.
- When your father-in-law gives you a heartfelt welcome to the family.
- When your mother-in-law gives you a thoughtful gift.
- When someone goes far out of their way to help you.
This phrase carries spiritual weight and shows deep, sincere appreciation. It’s one of the most beautiful polite phrases in Moroccan Arabic. (Note: you say Fik to a man, Fiki to a woman, and Fikom to a group).
8. The Ritual of Asking: Labas? Kulshi Bikhir? (لباس؟ كلشي بخير؟)
Literal Translation: “How are you? Is everything well?”
Why it’s essential: Learning how to speak Moroccan Arabic is as much about ritual as it is about vocabulary. In Morocco, you never just ask “How are you?” once. It’s a back-and-forth ritual that shows you genuinely care.
How to use it: You: Salamu Alaykum. Labas? (How are you?) In-Law: Labas, hamdulillah. W’nta, labas? (Fine, praise God. And you, are you fine?) You: Labas, hamdulillah. Kulshi bikhir? L’famila labas? (Fine, praise God. Is everything well? Is the family well?)
This exchange can go on for a minute or two. You ask about their health, their family, their work. This is not small talk; it’s the real conversation. It shows you aren’t just rushing to the point. You are taking the time to truly connect and show interest in their well-being.
9. The Polite Request: Afak (عفاك)
Literal Translation: “Please” (or “excuse me”).
Why it’s essential: This is a basic manner, but it’s crucial. “Please” and “thank you” are the building blocks of politeness in any culture. In Darija, Afak is your go-to.
How to use it:
- Atini l’ma afak. (Give me the water, please.)
- Afak, where is the bathroom? (Even if you say the rest in English, starting with Afak shows effort.)
- If you need to get someone’s attention, a gentle Afak is the polite way to do it.
It’s simple, but it’s one of those Moroccan Arabic phrases that shows you are a considerate and well-mannered person.
10. The Warm “Good Night”: Tesbah ala khir (تصبح على خير)
Literal Translation: “May you wake up to goodness.”
Why it’s essential: At the end of a long, wonderful evening, this is how you say good night. It’s so much warmer and more meaningful than a simple “Good night.” Like many Darija phrases, it’s a small prayer, a wish for well-being.
How to use it: As you are heading to bed or parting for the evening, you say Tesbah ala khir to your father-in-law (or Tesbhi ala khir to your mother-in-law). They will respond, Wa enta min ahlu (And you are among its people) or a similar kind wish.
It ends the day on a note of warmth, care, and perfect respect.
Beyond the Words: It’s the Effort That Impresses
You don’t need to be perfect. You will mispronounce things. You will mix up Fik and Fiki. They will know you are learning.
And they will love you for it.
The goal of learning these popular Darija phrases is not to sound like a native. The goal is to show that you care enough to try. To show that you respect their culture, honor their family, and are making a genuine effort to bridge the gap and become one of them.
A Moroccan family (and especially in-laws) will not judge your pronunciation. They will celebrate your effort. Your willingness to learn these common Darija sayings speaks volumes about your character and your love for their child.
So, practice these phrases. Write them down. Say them out loud. And when the time comes, say them with a big, warm, confident smile. You’re not just a guest anymore, you’re weld l’familia (one of the family).
B’tawfiq! (Good luck!)
