Greetings
السلام / Salam
sa-LAM
Hello. Universal, and in Marrakech usually followed immediately by 'labas?'
Daily life
بشحال؟ / Bech-hal?
besh-HAL
'How much?' The most useful phrase in the city. Asking in Darija rather than French changes the first number you are quoted.
غالي بزاف / Ghali bezzaf
GHA-li bez-ZAF
'Far too expensive.' Say it with a smile and start walking; this is the expected next move, not rudeness.
درب / Derb
DERB
An alley in the medina, usually a dead end. Your address is a derb and a number, and taxis cannot enter — you meet people at the nearest square.
مقدم / Moqaddem
mo-QAD-dem
The neighbourhood official under the caïd. He signs the attestation de résidence your carte de séjour depends on, and knows exactly who lives in your derb.
Culture
رياض / Riad
ree-YAD
A medina house built inward around a courtyard garden. Strictly the courtyard is the riad; the whole house is a dar. Everyone says riad.
حمام / Hammam
ham-MAM
The steam bath, and a real social institution. Note that drought restrictions have periodically closed public hammams for part of the week.
الجامع الفنا / Jemaa el-Fnaa
jem-AA el-FNAA
The main square. Locals mostly avoid its evening food stalls and eat in the surrounding streets — follow that lead.
Social
سي / سيدي / Si / Sidi
see / SEE-dee
A respectful 'sir', used constantly with tradesmen and officials. 'Lalla' is the equivalent for women. Using it changes how an interaction goes.
الله يعاون / Allah y'awen
AL-lah ya-OU-en
'May God help you.' The standard, gentle way to decline a beggar or a persistent seller. Firmer than 'no' and less confrontational.
Emergency
19 / 15 / 150
—
19 for police in the city, 15 for an ambulance, 150 for the protection civile. 177 is the Gendarmerie Royale, which covers the roads out toward the Atlas and Essaouira.
Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.