🌍 Overview: What Language Is Spoken in Morocco?
Morocco is a linguistically diverse country. In 2025, four main languages dominate daily life:
| Language | Role | Where You’ll Hear It |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | Official state language | Schools, institutions |
| Darija | Spoken Moroccan Arabic dialect | Daily conversations, TV |
| French | Administrative, business, education | Government, banks, signage |
| Amazigh | Indigenous languages (Berber) | Rural areas, Amazigh regions |
| English | Growing 3rd language | Youth, tourism, online |
đź“š 1. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
Modern Standard Arabic is Morocco’s official language and is used in:
- Education
- News media
- Courts and formal documents
But it’s not what people speak day to day. MSA is closer to classical Arabic and used in written and formal contexts only. Most Moroccans understand it but don’t use it conversationally.
🌟 2. Moroccan Arabic (Darija)
This is the real spoken language. Darija is a Moroccan dialect that mixes:
- Classical Arabic
- Amazigh
- French
- Spanish (especially in the north)
Example Phrases:
| English | Darija |
| Hello | Salam |
| How are you? | Labas? |
| I’m fine, thanks | Labas, shukran |
| Thank you | Shukran |
| Yes / No | Ah / La |
| Please | 3afak |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Smeh liya |
| How much is this? | Bshhal hadi? |
| Where is the bus station? | Fin kayna stasyon dyal l-kar? |
| I don’t speak Arabic | Ma-kan-hdrch l’arabia |
| Do you speak English? | Kat-hdr inglizia? |
| I want to buy this | Bghit n-shri hadi |
| Good morning | Sbah l-khir |
| Good night | Tsbah 3la khir |
| What’s your name? | Shno smitk? |
If you’re moving to Morocco, learning basic Darija will make daily life 10x easier.
You can get by in most major cities with 50-100 phrases. A printable cheat sheet can be a lifesaver!
🇫🇷 3. French in Morocco
French is everywhere in Morocco. It’s the main language for:
- Banks
- Legal contracts
- Universities and private schools
- Business communication
It’s common to see:
- Menus written in French
- Moroccan people switching between Darija and French in one sentence
Important: Most official websites are in French and Arabic only.
Useful French phrases for Morocco:
| English | French |
| I would like a coffee | Je voudrais un café |
| Where is the bathroom? | OĂą sont les toilettes ? |
| How much is this? | Combien ça coûte ? |
| I don’t speak French | Je ne parle pas français |
🇲🇦 4. Amazigh (Berber) Languages
Spoken by over 30% of Moroccans, Amazigh includes:
- Tachelhit (south)
- Tamazight (central)
- Tarifit (north)
Tifinagh (Amazigh alphabet) is now visible on road signs, schools, and public buildings.
If you’re living in cities like Agadir, Ouarzazate, or Al Hoceima, you will hear Amazigh daily.
| English | Tachelhit (example) |
| Welcome | Azul |
| Thank you | Tanmirt |
| Yes / No | Ih / Oho |
🇬🇧 5. Is English Spoken in Morocco?
Yes — but not fluently everywhere.
Where English is common:
- Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier
- Hotels, riads, cafes in tourist areas
- Private schools and international universities
- Among Gen Z & tech workers
Where it’s limited:
- Rural towns and traditional markets
- Government offices or small clinics
Tip:
Use Google Translate + basic French or Darija to get by smoothly.
🎓 Education & Learning Options
Want to study or improve a local language?
- Language centers: American Language Center, Institut Français, Berlitz
- Apps: Duolingo (French), Anki decks (Darija), Memrise, Glossika
- Local tutors: Available on Facebook groups or language exchanges (ex: “Morocco Language Exchange”)
🧠Summary for Expats & Digital Nomads
| Need | Language(s) to Know |
| Renting a home | French, Darija |
| Government paperwork | Arabic, French |
| Socializing | Darija, some French/English |
| Working remotely | English |
| Shopping/daily errands | Darija |
| Healthcare | French, Arabic |
