Transportation is part of daily life in Morocco. Whether you are taking a taxi, riding a bus, or asking for directions, knowing basic transportation vocabulary in Moroccan Darija makes everything easier. Darija is the language people actually use in the street, not textbook Arabic.
This post covers the most common transportation vocabulary used by Moroccans every day, with simple examples you can recognize and reuse.
Transportation Vocabulary in Moroccan Darija
Common Vehicles in Darija
Car
- Tomobil (from French, very common)
- Sayyara (more Arabic, less used in daily speech)
Example:
Bghit nkri had tomobil – I want to rent this car
Bus
- Tobis (city bus)
- Kar (long-distance bus)
Example:
1. Fin kayn tobis dyal Medina? – Where is the bus to Medina?
2. Bghit nched lkar dyal casablanca – I want to take the Bus to Casablanca
Learn more about Question Phrases in Moroccan Darija
Train
- Tran (most common) : You can get a ticket from ONCF Tickets website.
- Qitar (Standard arabic – rare in daily Darija)
Example:
1. Imta yji tran dyal Fes? – What time is the train to Fes?
2. Had tran t9il bzaf – This train is very slow
Taxi
- Taxi (small city taxi) Each city has a different Taxi color ( Rabat: Blue, Casablanca: Red , Sale: Yellow.. )
A small taxi can be shared by up to two or three people going to the same destination.
For example, friends or family can take one small taxi together and pay the fare only once. Otherwise, each passenger pays the same amount separately. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it?
Example: when there is already a passenger in the taxi
- Salam, ghadi l-medina? – Hi, are you going to the medina?
If yes, the driver will ask you to get in.
Example: when the taxi is empty
- Salam, dini l-medina 3afak – Hello, take me to the medina, please.
The driver must take you to your destination; no excuses are accepted.
- Big taxi – Taxi kbir (shared taxi between cities or towns) each passenger pays a standard fare, even if they are friends or family.
Example:
1. Bghit taxi kbir dyal Marrakech – I want the big taxi going to Marrakech
Airplane
- Tayyara
Example:
Tayyara dyali f sab3a – My plane is at seven
Airport
- Matar
Example:
Fin kayn Taxi li Kaydi lmatar? – where’s the taxi going to the airport?
Bicycle
- Pikala
Example:
Bghit Pikala – I want a bicycle
Motorcycle / Scooter
- Motor
Example:
Had lmotor wa3er – this Motorcycle is great
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!
Directions and Movement
Right – Limen
Left – Liser
Straight – Nichan
Turn – Dour
Stop – Baraka
Go – Sir
Where is…? – Fin kayn…?
Example:
Dor limen w sir nichan – Turn right and go straight
Fin kayna lma7ata ? – Where is the station?
Public Transport Words
Ticket – Tadkira
Station – Ma7ata (train or bus station)
Price / Fare – Taman
Full – 3amer
Empty – Khawi
Example:
Tadkira wahda L Marrakech, b-sh7al? – One ticket to Marrakech, how much?
Tobis 3amer– The bus is full
Airport Vocabulary
Airport – Matar
Flight – Vol (French word)
Luggage – Baliza
Customs – Diwana
Example:
Baliza dyali hna – My luggage is here
Vol m3atel ? – Is the flight delayed?
Safety and Road Vocabulary
Seatbelt – Samta
Speed – Sor3a
Accident – Ksida
Police – Bolice
Example:
Dir samta dyalk– Put on your seatbelt
Kayna ksida f triq – There is an accident on the road
Useful Daily Phrases
Kifash nwsal l medina? – How do I get to the medina?
Had tobis s7i7? – Is this the right bus?
Momkin twslni l’hotel? – Can you drop me at the hotel?
Taman ghali shwiya – The price is a bit high
Master Price Negotiation in Moroccan Darija .
Final Notes
Transportation vocabulary in Darija is practical and used every day. You don’t need perfect grammar. Even a few words make a big difference, especially with taxi drivers, bus conductors, and people in the street.
Practice these words, listen to how locals pronounce them, and use them without fear. Moroccans appreciate effort more than perfection.
Sir m3a s-salama – Go safely.
FAQs About Transportation vocabulary in Moroccan Darija
What is the difference between a petit taxi and a grand taxi in Morocco?
A petit taxi operates inside cities and usually carries up to two or three passengers going to the same destination. If you ride alone, you pay the full fare. A grand taxi is a shared taxi that travels between cities or towns, and each passenger pays a fixed price, even if they are friends or family.
Is transportation vocabulary in Moroccan Darija different from Standard Arabic?
Yes. Transportation vocabulary in Moroccan Darija is very different from Standard Arabic. Moroccans commonly use Darija words influenced by French, such as tomobil (car), tobis (bus), and Vol (flight). These are the words you will hear in real conversations, especially with taxi drivers and locals.
Do taxi drivers in Morocco have to take you to your destination?
Yes. By law, a petit taxi driver must take you to your destination as long as it is within the city and reasonable. They are not supposed to refuse without a valid reason. Knowing basic transportation vocabulary in Moroccan Darija helps avoid misunderstandings.
Why is learning transportation vocabulary in Moroccan Darija important?
Learning transportation vocabulary in Moroccan Darija helps you move around confidently, avoid confusion, and communicate naturally with locals. It is especially useful when taking taxis, asking for directions, or using public transport where English is rarely spoken.
