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Table of ContentsIntroduction 1
Learning Moroccan Arabic 1Transcription of Moroccan Arabic 1
Getting Started with Moroccan Arabic 1Greetings 1Independent Pronouns 1Possessive Pronouns 1Masculine and Feminine Nouns 1
Describing Yourself1Nationalities, Cities, and Marital Status 1The Possessive Word “dyal” 1Demonstrative Adjectives & Demonstrative Pronouns 1Asking about Possession 1
Useful Expressions 1Numerals 1
Cardinal Numbers 1Ordinal Numbers / Fractions 1Time 1
Getting Started Shopping 1Money 1At the Hanoot 1Verb “to want” 1Kayn for “There is” 1
Family 1Family Members 1Verb “to have” 1
Directions 1Prepositions 1Directions 1
Past Events 1Time Vocabulary 1Past Tense – Regular Verbs 1Past Tense – Irregular Verbs 1Negation 1Have you ever... / I’ve never...1Object Pronouns 1Question Words 1
Daily Routines 1Present Tense – Regular Verbs 1Present Tense – Irregular Verbs with Middle “a” 1Present Tense – Irregular Verbs with Final “a” 1Using One Verb after Another1The Imperative 1
Bargaining 1Bargaining 1Clothing 1Adjectives 1Comparative and Superlative Adjectives 1
Shopping For Food 1Fruits and Vegetables 1Buying Produce 1Spices and Meat 1
Food and Drink 1
Food and Drink 2The Reflexive verb “to please / to like” 2The Verb “to need, to have to, must, should” 2The Verb “to want, to like” 2
Medical & Body 2Body Parts2Health Problems 2
Site Visit Expressions 2Travel 2
Future Tense 2Travel 2
At the Hotel 2Hotel Accommodation 2The Conditional 2
At the Post Office 2The Post Office 2Using Prepositions with Pronoun Endings & Verbs 2
Describing the Peace Corps Mission 2Peace Corps 2Youth Development 2Environment 2Health 2Small Business Development 2
Renting a House 2Finding a House 2Furnishing a House 2
Safety and Security 2Sexual Harassment 2At the Taxi Stand 2At Work 2Forgetting a Wallet in a Taxi / Filing a Report 2Butagas 2Hash 2Theft 2House Security / Doors and Windows 2Political Harassment 2
Appendices 2Pronunciation of Moroccan Arabic 2
Understanding How Sounds Are Made 2Pronunciation of Non-English Consonants 2Pronunciation of Shedda 2The Definite Article 2
Supplementary Grammar Lessons 2Making Intransitive Verbs into Transitive Verbs 2Passive Verbs 2The Past Progressive 2The Verb “to remain” 2Verb Participles 2Conjunctions 2
More Useful Expressions 2Moroccan Holidays 2
Religious Holidays 2National Holidays 2
Glossary of Verbs 2Grammar Index 2Vocabulary Index 2
IntroductionLearning Moroccan ArabicEven under the best conditions, learning a new language can be challenging. Add to this challenge the rigors of Peace Corps training, and you’re faced with what will be one of the most demanding—and rewarding—aspects of your Peace Corps experience: learning to communicate to Moroccans in their own language. But it can be done. And rest as-sured that you can do it. Here are a few reasons why:
· You are immersed in the language: Some people may need to hear a word three times to remember it; others may need thirty. Learning Moroccan Arabic while living and training with Moroccans gives you the chance to hear the language used again and again.
· You have daily language classes with Moroccan teachers: You’re not only immersed in the language; you also have the opportunity to receive feedback from native speakers on the many questions that predictably crop up when one learns a new language.
· Peace Corps has over forty years of experience in Morocco: Your training, including this manual, benefits from the collective experience gained by training thousands of Americans to live and work in Morocco. You will benefit from and contribute to that legacy.
Despite these advantages, at times you may still feel like the task of learning Moroccan Arabic is too much to handle. Remember that volunteers like you having been doing it for decades, however. One of the most rewarding aspects of your time will be communi-cating with Moroccans in Arabic, surprising them and yourself with how well you know the language. When that time arrives, your hard work will have been worth it.
Transcription of Moroccan ArabicIn order for trainees to move quickly into Moroccan Arabic (also called “Darija”), Peace Corps uses a system of transcription that substitutes characters of the Latin alphabet (a, b, c, d, . . . ) for characters from Arabic script ( ج ت، ب، ،أ ، . . .). With this system, it isn’t necessary for a trainee to learn all of Arabic script before he or she begins to learn the language. On the contrary, once you become familiar with the system of transcription, you will be able to “read” and “write” Moroccan Arabic fairly quickly—using characters you are familiar with. You will also learn Arabic script during training, but with tran-scription it isn’t necessary to know it right away. Throughout the book, therefore, you will always see both the original Arabic script and the transcription. Becoming familiar with the Peace Corps’ system of transcription is one of the best things you can do, early on, to help yourself learn Moroccan Arabic. Practicing the different sounds of Moroccan Arabic until you can reproduce them is another. This introduction is intended mainly to help you get started with the system of transcription, and as a result it will mention only briefly the different sounds of Arabic. However, a fuller explanation can be found on page 144.
Sounds You Already Know The large majority of consonants in Moroccan Arabic are similar to sounds that we have in English. The vowels in Arabic are also similar to English vowels. In the following table, each transcription character that represents a sound you already know will be explained. The sounds are not necessarily what you may expect, but each char-acter was matched with a sound for good reasons.
Transcription Character
Arabic Char-acter Description
a ى/ _/ ا sometimes the /ä/ in “father,” sometimes the /a/ in “mad”
b ب the normal English sound /b/
d د the normal English sound /d/
e _ / ا the short “e” sound /e/ as in “met” (this transcription character is not used often, only when confusion would be caused by using the transcription character “a”)
f ف the normal English sound /f/
g گ the normal English sound /g/ as in “go”
h ه the normal English sound /h/ as in “hi.”
i _ / ي the long “ee” sound /ē/ as in “meet”
j ج the /zh/ sound represented by the ‘s’ in “pleasure”
k ك the normal English sound /k/
l ل the normal English sound /l/
m م the normal English sound /m/
n ن the normal English sound /n/
o و the long “o” sound /ō/ as in “bone” (this transcription character is not used often, mainly for French words that have entered Moroccan Arabic)
p پ the normal English sound /p/
r رthis is not the normal English “r,” but a “flap” similar to the Spanish “r” or to the sound Americans make when they quickly say “gotta” as in “I gotta go.”
s س the normal English sound /s/
t ت the normal English sound /t/
u و the long “oo” sound /ü/ as in “food”
v ڤ the normal English sound /v/
w و the normal English sound /w/
y ي the normal English sound /y/
z ز the normal English sound /z/
š ش the normal English sound /sh/ as in “she”
Some vowel combinations
ay ـاي the “ay” as in “say”
au ـاو the “ow” as in “cow”
iu ـيو the “ee you” as in “see you later”
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New SoundsThere are eight consonants in Moroccan Arabic that we do not have in English. It may take you some time to be able to pronounce these correctly. At this point, what’s impor-tant is that you learn the transcription character for each of these sounds. See page 144 for more information on how to pronounce the sounds in Moroccan Arabic.
Transcription Character
Arabic Char-acter Sound
d ض the Arabic emphatic “d” These sounds are pronounced like their non-emphatic counterparts, but with a lower pitch and a greater tension in the tongue and throat.
s ص the Arabic emphatic “s”
t ط the Arabic emphatic “t”
q ق like the English /k/ but pronounced further back in the throat
x خ like the ‘ch’ in the German “Bach;” some people use this sound to say yech!
ġ غ like the x sound above, but pronounced using your voice box; simi-lar to the French “r”
н ح like the English “h,” except pronounce deep in the throat as a loud raspy whisper.
ع عThis sound will be difficult at first. It can be approximated by pro-nouncing the ‘a’ in “fat” with the tongue against the bottom of the mouth and from as deep in the throat as possible
SheddaIf you see a transcription character doubled, that means that a “shedda” is over that char-acter in the Arabic script. For example, in the following table, you will see how the tran-scription changes for “shedda,” and thus the pronunciation.
English Translation Transcription Arabic
Scriptwoman mra مراtime (as in: “I’ve seen him one time”)
mrra مرة
Notice that these two words are spelled differently in the transcription. The word “woman” does not have a shedda on the “r” in Arabic script, and that is why there is only one “r” in the transcription. The word “time” does have a shedda in the Arabic script, and that is why the transcription doubles the letter “r.” These two words are pronounced differently, so you must pay attention to doubled letters in transcription. To learn more about how we pronounce the shedda in Arabic, see page 146. For now, what’s important is that you understand the transcription.
4 • Moroccan Arabic
Other SymbolsSometimes, you will see a hyphen used in the transcription. This has three purposes:
1. It indicates the definite article: For some letters, the definite article (the word “the”) is made by adding the letter “l.” For others, it is made by doubling the first letter. In both cases, a hyphen will be used to indicate to you that the word has the definite article in front of it. See page 147 for more info on the definite article.
2. It connects the present tense prefix: The present tense prefix (“kan,” “kat,” or “kay”) will be connected to the verb with a hyphen. This will make it easier for you to understand what verb you are looking at.
3. It connects the negative prefix (“ma”) and the negative suffix (“š”) to a verb.In these instances, the hyphen does not necessarily indicate a change in pronunciation. The hyphen is there to make it easy for you to see when a definite article is being used, for example, or which verb is being used. It is a visual indicator, not an indicator of pro-nunciation. Sometimes the rhythm of speech may seem to break with the hyphen; other times the letters before and after the hyphen will be pronounced together.
Another symbol you will sometimes see is the apostrophe ( ' ). When you see an apostro-phe, it indicates a “glottal stop,” which is the break between vowels as heard in the Eng-lish exclamation “uh oh.” That is to say, if you see an apostrophe you should not connect the sounds before the apostrophe with the sounds after the apostrophe. Pronounce them with a break in the middle.
Words & Syllables Without VowelsSometimes you will see syllables or even whole words without any vowels written in them. This is normal in Moroccan Arabic. To the English speaker, however, this seems impossible, since we have always been taught that all words must contain a vowel sound. Which side is correct? Well, in a sense they both are. In reality, it is indeed possible to pronounce consonants together without articulating a vowel sound; we do it a lot in Eng-lish at the beginning of words. Think about the word street. We pronounce three conso-nants—s, t, and r—without any vowels between them. So it is possible. The only chal-lenge with Arabic is that the consonant combinations are new for English speakers (we don’t put the /sh/ sound next to the /m/ sound, for example, but in Arabic they do).However, try for a moment to pronounce only the letters “str,” not the whole word “street.” In this case, most English speakers will hear something that sounds like the word “stir.” With certain consonant combinations, that is to say, it sounds to the English speaker like there is a vowel in the middle, even if there isn’t. The “vowel” is in reality just the normal sound made as one consonant sound transitions to another. Part of learning Moroccan Arabic is becoming comfortable with new consonant combina-tions and practicing those combinations without necessarily placing a vowel in the mid-dle. The transcription words, you will notice, only include characters for vowels when there really is a vowel in the word. It may seem difficult at first, but it is better to accus-tom yourself to this as early as you can.
This small character, which looks like a “w,” is the shedda. That is why the transcription has a doubled “r.”
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Why Not Just Write “sh”?A final point about the transcription. At times it may seem overly complicated to some-one beginning Moroccan Arabic. For example, why doesn’t it just use “sh” for the /sh/ sound? The answer is this: every sound must have just a single character to represent it. Why? Well, in Arabic it is normal for the /h/ sound to follow the /s/ sound. If we used “sh” to represent the /sh/ sound, there would not be any way to represent an /s/ plus /h/ sound, because it too would look like “sh.” Using the symbol š to represent /sh/ makes it possible to represent /s/ plus /h/ and /sh/ plus /h/ (yes, in Arabic both these combinations are used).All of this concerns a larger point: the transcription system used in this book may appear complex at first, but it has been carefully thought out and in the end it is the easiest sys-tem possible. That said, the sooner you can make the transition to reading Arabic script, the easier it will be to pronounce Arabic correctly.
Getting Started with Moroccan ArabicObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• greet people and introduce yourself• use independent pronouns to make simple sentences• use possessive pronouns to indicate possession• distinguish between masculine and feminine nouns
GreetingsCultural Points
Greetings and farewells (good byes) are two important aspects of Moroccan life. Greetings are not to be compared with the quick American “hi.” It takes time for two people to exchange different questions and answers which interest them about each other, their families, and life in general. Greetings change from one region to another, both in the questions posed and in the fashion of the greeting (i.e. shaking hands, kissing cheeks head or hands, or putting one’s hand over one’s heart after shaking hands).
If you greet a group of people, then the way you greet the first person is the way you should greet everyone in the group. Don’t be surprised if you are greeted by a friend but he does not introduce you to other people with whom he may be talking. Do not be surprised if you are in a group and you are not greeted as others are in the group (people may be shy to greet a stranger.) It is also not necessary to give an overly detailed re-sponse to a greeting—only the usual response is expected. For example, “How are you?” requires only a simple “Fine, thanks be to God.”
How do people greet each other in different cultures?
Greeting expressions and appropriate responsesA: Peace be upon youB: And peace be upon you (too)
ssalamu عalaykumwa عalaykum ssalam
عليكم السالمالسالم عليكم و
A: Good morningB: Good morning
sbaн lxirsbaн lxir
الخير صباحالخير صباح
A: Good afternoon / eveningB: Good afternoon / evening
msa lxirmsa lxir
الخير مساالخير مسا
name smiya سميةWhat’s your name? šnu smitk? سميتك؟ شنو
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my name... smiti... ...سميتي
your name... smitk... ...سميتك
his name... smitu... ...سميتو
her name... smitha... ...سميتها
Nice to meet you. mtšrfin متشرفينHow are you (masc.)? kif dayr? داير؟ كيفHow are you (fem.)? kif dayra? دايرة؟ كيفAre you fine? labas? باس؟ الGood, thanks be to God. labas, lнamdullah الله الحمد باس الGood, thanks be to God. bixir, lнamdullah الله الحمد بخيرEverything is fine. kulši bixir بخير كلشيGoodbye bslama السالمة بGood night layla saعida سعيدة ليلة
Greetings DialogueJohn: ssalamu عalaykum. عليكم السالم :دجون
Mohamed: wa عalaykum ssalam. السالم عليكم و :محمد
John: kif dayr? داير؟ كيف :دجونMohamed: labas, lнamdullah. u nta? و. الحمد باس ال نت؟ الله :محمد
John: bixir, lнamdullah. الله الحمد بخير :دجونMohamed: šnu smitk? سميتك؟ شنو :محمد
John: smiti John. u nta? و. سميتي نت؟ دجون :دجونMohamed: smiti Mohamed. محمد سميتي :محمد
John: mtšrfin. متشرفين :دجونMohamed: mtšrfin. متشرفين :محمد
Transcription Reminder – see page 1 for the full table with all transcription characters.š:the /sh/ sound as in “she”a:the ‘a’ in “father” or the ‘a’ in “mad”x:the ‘ch’ in the German “Bach” or thei:the ‘ee’ in “meet”Scottish “loch” See page144.u:the ‘oo’ in “food”
8 • Moroccan Arabic
Exercise: Put this dialogue in the correct order.Chris: sbaн lxir. الخير صباح :كريس
Amy: mtšrfin. متشرفين :أيميChris: kif dayra? دايرة؟ كيف :كريس
Amy: šnu smitk? سميتك؟ شنو :أيميChris: labas, lнamdullah. الله الحمد باس ال :كريس
Amy: smiti Amy. أيمي سميتي :أيميChris: smiti Chris. u nti? و. سميتي نت؟ كريس :كريس
Amy: sbaн lxir. الخير صباح :أيميChris: mtšrfin. متشرفين :كريس
Amy: bixir, lнamdullah. u nta? الله الحمد بخير :أيمي
Independent PronounsWe call the following pronouns “independent” because they are not attached to other words, such as nouns, verbs, or prepositions (see “Possessive Pronouns,” next page, and “Object Pronouns,” page 55). The pronouns are often used in a number of different ways.
I ana أناyou (masc. singular) nta نتyou (fem. singular) nti نتhe huwa هوshe hiya هيwe нna حناyou (plural) ntuma نتماthey huma هما
When they are followed by a noun or an adjective, the verb “to be” is not necessary. It is implied already, and simple sentences can be made by using independent pronouns with a nouns or adjectives.
I am a teacher. ana ustad. أستاد أنا .
She is tired. hiya عiyana. انة هي عي .
Transcription Reminder – see page 1 for the full table with all transcription characters.h:the normal English /h/ sound as inн:like the English “h,” except pronounce it“hello.”deep in the throat as a loud raspy whisper. See page 145.
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Possessive PronounsIn Darija, a suffix (ending) may be added to the end of words in order to express posses-sion.
my i / ya* ـيا/ ـيyour (singular) k ـكhis u / h* ـه/ ـوher ha ـهاour na ـناyour (plural) kum ـكمtheir hum ـهم
* For the “my” and “his” forms, the first ending is used for words ending in consonants, while the second is used with words ending in vowels. For example, smiti (my name), but xuya (my brother).Example of possessive pronouns with the noun “book.”
book ktab كتابmy book ktabi كتابيyour (sing.) book ktabk كتابكhis book ktabu كتابوher book ktabha كتابهاour book ktabna كتابناyour (plur.) book ktabkum كتابكمtheir book ktabhum كتابهم
Most feminine nouns in Arabic have an “a” sound at the end of the word. In Arabic script, this “a” is actually a silent “t” that is only pronounced on certain occasions. For all feminine words ending in this silent “t” (ة), we drop the sound “a” and substitute it with “t” before adding a possessive pronoun. For example, the feminine noun magana (a watch).
watch magana مگانةmy watch maganti مگانتيyour (sing.) watch magantk مگانتكhis watch magantu مگانتوher watch magantha مگانتهاour watch magantna مگانتناyour (plur.) watch magantkum مگانتكمtheir watch maganthum مگانتهم
Exercise: Use the following words with the appropriate possessive pro-noun.
• dar (house) • blasa (place) • ktab (book) • wrqa (sheet of paper, ticket)
10 • Moroccan Arabic
1. your (plur.) house 6. their place2. my place 7. her house3. his book 8. his ticket4. our place 9. your (sing.) book5. your (sing.) ticket 10. their house
Masculine and Feminine NounsIn Arabic, all nouns are either masculine or feminine. In general, nouns ending in “a” (the silent “t” (ة) in Arabic script) are feminine. For example:
name smiya سميةcity mdina مدينةchicken (a single one) djaja دجاجةtelevision tlfaza تلفزة
The feminine is formed from the masculine (for nouns indicating professions or partici-ples) by adding “a” (the silent “t” (ة) in Arabic script) to the end of the word. For exam-ple:
male teacher ustad أستادfemale teacher ustada أستادةworking (masc. participle) xddam خدامworking (fem. participle) xddama خدامة
Some words without “a” (the silent “t” (ة) in Arabic script) are nonetheless feminine. First, words and proper names which are by their nature feminine:
mother om أمAmal (girl’s name) amal أمل
Second, most (though not all) parts of the body that come in pairs are feminine:
an eye inع عينa hand yd يدa foot rjl رجلan ear udn ودن
Third, a small number of nouns which do not fall into any category and yet are feminine:
the house ddar الدارthe sun ššms الشمس
Transcription Reminder – see page 1 for the full table with all transcription characters.j:the /zh/ sound, like the ‘s’ in the Remember that if two characters in a row areword “pleasure.”the same, a “shedda” is used, and we pronounceع:See page 146.that sound longer. See pages 3 and 146.
Describing YourselfObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• ask and answer questions about nationalities, cities, age, and marital status• use the possessive word “dyal” to indicate possession• use demonstrative pronouns and adjectives in simple sentences• ask questions about possessionCultural Points
Avoid asking about the salary and age (sometimes) of people, especially women. Men should not enquire about the wives or other female relations of someone—this could be seen as expressing an inappropriate interest. People won’t always tell you about their jobs and other personal concerns if not asked. Religion can be a sensitive issue and sometimes people are not willing to express their views.
Nationalities, Cities, and Marital StatusVocabulary and Expressions
Where are you (masc.) from? mnin nta? نت؟ منينWhere are you (fem.) from? mnin nti? نت؟ منينI am from the U.S. ana mn mirikan. مريكان من أنا .
I am American. ana mirikani(ya). ( أنا ة) مريكاني .
I am from Morocco. ana mn lmġrib. المغرب من أنا .
I am Moroccan. ana mġribi(ya). ( أنا ة) مغربي .
Are you ... ? weš nta/nti ... ? ؟... نت/ نت واشAre you from the U.S.? weš nta/nti mn mirikan? مريكان؟ من نت/ نت واشWhere are you from in the U.S.? mnin nta/nti f mirikan? مريكان؟ ف نت/ نت منينAnd you? u nta/nti? نت؟/ نت وcity mdina مدينةstate wilaya واليةbig (fem.) kbira كبيرةsmall (fem.) sġira صغيرةExcuse me. (to man / woman) smн li / smнi li لي سمحي/ لي سمحI am not ... ana maši ... ماشي أنا ...
but welakin ولكنengaged (fem.) mxtuba مخطوبةmarried (masc. / fem.) mzuwj / mzuwja مزوجة/ مزوجNo, not yet. lla mazal / lla baqi / مازال ال باقي الAre you a tourist? weš nta/nti turist? تريست؟ نت/ نت واش
I work with the Peace Corps.ana xddam(a) mعa hay'at ssalam. ( أنا مع) ة السالم هيئة خدام .
12 • Moroccan Arabic
DialogueFatima:ssalamu عalaykum. عليكم السالم :فاطمة
Tom:wa عalaykum ssalam. السالم عليكم و :طومFatima:smн li, weš nta fransawi? فرنساوي؟ نت واش لي، سمح :فاطمة
Tom:lla, ana mirikani. مريكاني أنا ال، . :طومFatima:mnin f mirikan? مريكان؟ ف منين :فاطمة
Tom:mn mdint Seattle f wilayat Washington. u nti? و. والية ف سياتل مدينة من نت؟ واشنطن :طوم
Fatima:mn Rabat. الرباط من . :فاطمةTom:šнal f عmrk? عمرك؟ ف شحال :طوم
Fatima:tnayn u عšrin عam. u nta? و. عشرين و تنين نت؟ عام :فاطمةTom:rbعa u tlatin عam. عام تالتين و ربعة . :طوم
Fatima:weš nta mzuwj wlla mazal? مزوج نت واش مازال؟ وال :فاطمةTom:mazal. u nti? و. نت؟ مازال :طوم
Fatima:lla, baqiya. weš nta turist? واش. ال، توريست؟ نت باقية :فاطمةTom:lla, ana xddam mعa
hay'at ssalam. السالم هيئة مع خدام أنا ال، . :طوم
Fatima:bslama. السالمة ب . :فاطمةTom:nšufk mn bعd. بعد من نشوفك . :طوم
Exercise:Complete each section of this dialogue.
The Possessive Word “dyal”In Moroccan Arabic, you have already learned that possession can be expressed by adding the possessive pronouns to the end of a word (see page 8). Another way to ex-press possession is through the word dyal. It is placed after a noun with the definite arti-cle “the,” which in Arabic may be either the letter “l” or a doubling of the first consonant of a word (see page 147 for more information on the Arabic definite article). The same possessive pronouns you learned before are attached to the end of dyal. You can also use a name with dyal. Some examples:
Using Possessive Pronoun Using “dyal”book ktab
كتابthe book lktab
الكتابmy book ktabi
كتابيmy book lktab dyali
ديالي الكتابJohn’s book lktab dyal John
دجون ديال الكتاب
Here is a list of dyal with all of the possessive pronoun endings:
my / mine dyali ديالي
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your / yours (sing.) dyalk ديالكhis / his dyalu ديالوher / hers dyalha ديالهاour / ours dyalna ديالناyour / yours dyalkum ديالكمtheir / theirs dyalhum ديالهم
As the list above shows, the forms dyali, dyalk, etc. also mean “mine,” “yours,” etc.
This pen is mine. had sstilo dyali. ديالي الستيلو هد .
That rug is yours. dik zzrbiya dyalk. ديالك الزربية ديك .
Exercise:Substitute the underlined words by the correspond-ing possessive pronoun endings.
1. sstilu dyal John. دجون ديال الستيلو .
2. lktab dyal Amber. أمبر ديال الكتاب .
3. ddar dyal Driss u Zubida. زوبيدة و دريس ديال الدار .
14 • Moroccan Arabic
Demonstrative Adjectives & Demonstrative PronounsThis, that, these, and those are used often in Arabic, like in English. But, unlike in Eng-lish, in Arabic we must be aware of whether they act as adjectives or pronouns. Think about how we use these words in English. Sometimes, we use them before a noun. When we use them before a noun, they are called demonstrative adjectives.
This car is John’s. I like these towels.I want that book. Those flowers smell lovely.
Sometimes, we use them by themselves. In this case, they are called demonstrative pro-nouns.
This is John’s. I like these.I want that. Those smell lovely.
It isn’t necessary to know their names, but it is necessary to pay attention to whether they are before a noun or not. Let’s first look at the pronoun forms in Arabic, which you will use often even as a beginner.
Demonstrative Pronounsthis (masc.) hada هداthis (fem.) hadi هديthese (plur.) hadu هدوthat (masc.) hadak هداكthat (fem.) hadik هديكthose (plur.) haduk هدوك
These forms may be used at the beginning of a sentence, in the middle or at the end of a sentence, or in questions. In Arabic, these pronouns can represent people.
This is a chair. hada kursi. كرسي هدا .
This is a table. hadi tbla. طبلة هدي .
This is Abdallah. hada Abdallah. عبدالله هدا .
This is Aicha. hadi Aicha. عيشة هدي .
What’s this? (masc. object) šnu / aš hada? هدا؟ أش/ شنوWhat’s this? (fem. object) šnu / aš hadi? هدي؟ أش/ شنوWho is this? (masc.) škun hada? هدا؟ شكونWho is this? (fem.) škun hadi? هدي؟ شكونWhat is that? (masc. object) šnu / aš hadak? هداك؟ أش/ شنوWho is that? (fem.) škun hadik? هديك؟ شكون
At first, you may have difficulty knowing whether to use the masculine or feminine form of this or that. Moroccans should understand you even if you make an error with gender, however.
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Exercise:Write as many correct sentences as you can using the words from the following table.
e.g. hada rajl mzyan. مزيان راجل هدا .(This is a good man.)
hada wld (masc. sing.) mzyan (masc. sing.)هدا ولد مزيانhadi bnt (fem. sing.) mzyanin (masc. plur.)هدي بنت مزيانين hadu qhwa (fem. sing.) mzyana (fem. sing.)هدو قهوة مزيانة hadak wlad (masc. plur.) mzyanat (fem. plur.)هداك والد مزيانات hadik rajl (masc. sing.) kbir (masc. sing.)هديك راجل كبيرhaduk dar (fem. sing.) kbira (fem. sing.)هدوك دار كبيرة
yalat (fem. plur.)ع kbar (masc./fem. plur.)عياالت كبارmdina (fem. sing.) frнan (masc. sing.)مدينة فرحانbnat (fem. plur.) frнanin (masc. plur.)بنات فرحانينblad (masc. sing.) frнana (fem. sing.)بالد فرحانة
frнanat (fem. plur.)فرحانات
Transcription Reminder – see page 1 for the full table with all transcription characters.š:the /sh/ sound as in “she”a:the ‘a’ in “father” or the ‘a’ in “mad”x:the ‘ch’ in the German “Bach” or thei:the ‘ee’ in “meet”Scottish “loch” See page144.u:the ‘oo’ in “food”ġ:the French “r,” like a light garglek:the normal /k/ soundSee page 145.q:like the English /k/ but pronounced t:pronounced like t, d, and s, but with a lower pitch and a greater tension in the tongue and throat. See page 145.further back in the throat. See page 144.d:s:
16 • Moroccan Arabic
Demonstrative Adjectivesthis/these (masc. / fem. / plur.) had هدthat (masc.) dak داكthat (fem.) dik ديكthose (plur.) duk دوك
As you can see, the this/these form (had) is the same for masculine, feminine, and plural. For all the demonstrative adjectives, you must use the definite article in front of the nouns that follow them. This means using an “l” in front of “moon letters” or doubling the first letter of “sun letters” (see page 147).
this man had rrajl الراجل هدthis woman had lmra المرا هدthese men had rrjal الرجال هدthese women had lعyalat العياالت هدThis city is big. had lmdina kbira. كبيرة المدينة هد .
That house is big. dik ddar kbira. كبيرة الدار ديك .
Talking about a General SituationSometimes in English, we use the words this and that to talk about general situations, not about specific things.
Some of the students are always late for class. I don’t like that.In Arabic, different expressions are used for these meanings.
this (general situation) had šši الشي هدthat (general situation) dak šši الشي داك
After some experience hearing native speakers, you should be able to know when to use the normal demonstrative pronouns and when to use these expressions. Some examples:
What is this? (this thing, this ob-ject)
aš hada? هدا؟ أش
What is this? (situation, affair) aš had šši? الشي؟ هد أشI want that. (that thing, that ob-ject)
bġit hadak. هداك بغيت .
That’s what I want. (a situation or outcome)
dak šši lli bġit. بغيت اللي الشي داك .
Using a Demonstrative Pronoun to Express DurationWith a present tense verb form, an active participle expressing current activity, or an equational sentence, the demonstrative pronoun hadi is used to express duration, like the English present perfect tense or present perfect progressive tense. It is used with a time expression and u (and) followed by the rest of the sentence:
hadi + time expression + u + rest of sentenceI’ve been waiting for you for two hours. (Literally: This is two hours and I am waiting for you.)
hadi saعtayn u ana kantsnak. كنتسناك أنا و ساعتين هدي .
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He’s been asleep for a long time. (Literally: This is a long time and he is sleeping.)
hadi muda u huwa naعs. ناعس هو و مدة هدي .
He’s been in Morocco for three years. (Literally: This is three years and he is in Morocco.)
hadi tlt snin u huwa f lmaġrib. المغرب ف هو و سنين تلت هدي .
Asking about PossessionThe possessive word dyal (ديال) may be used with mn (من) to mean “whose.”
Whose book is this? dyal mn had lktab? الكتاب؟ هد من ديالThis is Amber’s book. had lktab dyal Amber. أمبر ديال الكتاب هد .
Is this Hicham’s book?weš had lktab dyal Hicham? هشام؟ ديال الكتاب هد واش
No, it’s not his. lla, maši dyalu. ديالو ماشي ال، .
Whose house is this? dyal mn had ddar? الدار؟ هد من ديالThis house is Malika’s. had ddar dyal Malika. مليكة ديال الدار هد .
Is this house Malika’s?weš had ddar dyal Ma-lika? مليكة؟ ديال الدار هد واش
Yes, it’s hers. iyeh, dyalha. ديالها إيه، .
weš had ddar dyal Malika?
iyeh, dyalha.
18 • Moroccan Arabic
Exercise:Ask a question about possession for each picture. Then, give the correct answer. The first one is done for you.
Q: dyal mn had l-bisklit?A: had l-bisklit dyal Hassan.
Hassanالبسكليت؟ هد من ديال
ديال البسكليت هد.حسن
SaidQ: _______________________?A: ___________________Said. ؟_______________
.سعيد____________
Q: _______________________?A: __________________Ahmed.
Ahmed
؟_______________.أحمد____________
Q: _______________________?A: ___________________Aziz.
Aziz
؟_______________.عزيز____________
?
?
?
?
Useful ExpressionsHere are some expressions to help you with homestay, travel, and other situations where your language may not yet be at a point where you are able to communicate well in Mo-roccan Arabic. If you follow the pronunciation of the transcriptions, Moroccans should understand you. More expressions can be found in the appendix. See page 157.
Mealtime ExpressionsIn the name of God (said when you begin an activity: eating, drinking, work-ing, studying, traveling, etc.).
bismillah الله بسم
Thanks to God (said after finishing a meal, or after expressing that all is well in life).
lнamdullah الله الحمد
I don’t eat ... meateggsfishchicken
makanakulš...llнm lbid lнut ddjaj
/ الحوت/ البيض/ اللحم كناكلش ما .الدجاج
I drink tea / coffee without sugar.kanšrb atay / lqhwa bla skkar. سكر بال القهوة/ أتاي كنشرب .
I eat everything. kanakul kulši. كلشي كناكل .
I eat vegetables only. kanakul ġir lxodra. الخضرة غير كناكل .
I don’t feel like eating. ma-fiya ma-y-akul. ياكل ما فيا ما .
I want just/only ... bġit ġir ... غير بغيت ...
I don’t want to have breakfast. mabġitš nftr. نفطر بغيتش ما .
The food is delicious. lmakla bnina. بنينة الماكلة .
I’m full. šbعt. .شبعت
I want to learn how to cook. bġit n-tعllm n-tiyb. نطيب نتعلم بغيت .
May God replenish / reward you. (said after a meal to thank host)
lla yxlf. يخلف الله .
To your health (said to someone af-ter eating, drinking, coming out of the hammam, wearing new clothes, having a hair cut, etc.)
bssннa. الصحة ب .
May God grant you health too. (response to the above)
lla yعtik ssннa الصحة يعطيك الله .
Thanking ExpressionsThank you. šukran. شكرا
You’re welcome. bla jmil. جميل بال .
20 • Moroccan Arabic
Expressions for Nighttime / SleepingI’m tired. (male speaker) ana عiyan. عيان أنا .
I’m tired. (female speaker) ana عiyana. عيانة أنا .
I want to read a little bit. bġit nqra šwiya. شوية نقرى بغيت .
I want to go to bed. bġit nnعs. نعس بغيت .
Where I am going to sleep? fin ġadi nnعs. نعس؟ غادي فينExcuse me, I want to go to bed. (addressing a group of people)
smнu li, bġit nmši nnعs. نعس نمشي بغيت لي، سمحو .
I want to go to bed early. bġit nnعs bkri. بكري نعس بغيت .
I want to get up early. bġit nfiq bkri. بكري نفيق بغيت .
I want a blanket. bġit waнd lmanta. المانطة واحد بغيت .
Hygiene/Cleanliness ExpressionsI want to wash my hands with soap.
bġit nġsl yddi b ssabun. الصابون ب يدي نغسل بغيت .
I want to brush my teeth. bġit nġsl snani. سناني نغسل بغيت .
I want hot water, please. bġit lma ssxun عafak. السخون الما بغيت .
I want to take a shower. bġit nduwš. ندوش بغيت .
I want to go to the hammam. bġit nmši lнmmam. الحمام نمشي بغيت .
I want to change my clothes. bġit nbddl нwayji. حوايجي نبدل بغيت .
Where is the toilet? fin bit lma? الما؟ بيت فين
I want to do laundry. bġit n-sbbn нwayji. حوايجي نصبن بغيت .
Where can I do laundry? fin ymkn n-sbbn нwayji. حوايجي نصبن يمكن فين .
Offering Help / Asking for FavorsCan I help you? weš nعawnk? نعاونك؟ واش
Excuse me. (to a man) smн li. لي سمح .
Excuse me. (to a woman) smнi li. لي سمحي .
Give me ... please. .afakع ... tiniع عفاك... عطيني .
Being SickI’m sick. (male speaker) ana mrid. مريض أنا .
I’m sick. (female speaker) ana mrida. مريضة أنا .
I want to rest a bit. bġit n-rtaн swiya. سوية نرتاح بغيت .
Do you feel better? briti šwiya? شوية؟ بريتي
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Transportation ExpressionsI want to go to ... bġit nmši l ... ل نمشي بغيت ...
Take me to ... please. ddini l ... عafak. عفاك... ل ديني .
Stop here, please. wqf hna عafak. عفاك هنا وقف .
Is the meter on? weš lkuntur xddam? خدام؟ الكونتور واش
Turn on the meter, please. xddm lkuntur عafak. عفاك الكونتور خدم .
Responses to Problems/Difficulties/ApologiesIt’s not a problem. maši muškil. مشكل ماشي .
There is no problem. makayn muškil. مشكل كاين ما .
CongratulationsCongratulations. mbruk مبروك
Happy holiday. mbruk lعid. العيد مبروك .
May God grant you grace. (re-sponse to the above)
lla ybark fik. فيك يبارك الله .
CommunicationI don’t understand. mafhmtš. فهمتش ما .
I don’t know. manعrf. نعرف ما .
Slowly please. b šwiya عafak. عفاك شوية ب .
Repeat please. (to a man) .afakع awdع عفاك عاود .
Repeat please. (to a woman) .afakع awdiع عفاك عاودي .
What did you say? šnu glti? گلتي؟ شنو
NumeralsObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to :• count in Moroccan Arabic• combine numbers with nouns to indicate amounts• ask and answer questions about time
When we talk about numerals, we want to be able to do two things. First, we have to be able to count. That is, we have to learn our numbers. Second, we have to be able to use the numbers with objects. In other words, we have to be able to say things like “five ap-ples” or “twentyseven students” or “one hundred fortythree volunteers.” In English, we never think of these two tasks separately. We simply use a number in combination with the plural form of some object. In Arabic, however, we have to learn how to combine different numbers with objects, sometimes using a plural form, some-times a singular, sometimes with a letter in between the two, sometimes not. As in all things Arabic, what seems difficult now becomes natural with time.
Cardinal NumbersCardinal numbers refer to the normal numbers we use (one, two, three...). They are dif -ferent than ordinal numbers (first, second, third...) and fractions (onehalf, onethird, one-fourth...). For now, we start with the cardinal numbers. We will work with ordinal num-bers and fractions later.
Numbers 1 thru 10In Moroccan Arabic, there are two ways to combine the numbers 3 thru 10 with an ob-ject. We sometimes use the “full” or normal form of the number, and sometimes we use a “short” form of the number. Here is a table listing the full form of numbers 1 thru 10 and the short form of numbers 3 thru 10.
Full Forms Short Formsone (masc.) waнd واحد Ø Ø
one (fem.) wнda وحدة Ø Ø
two juj جوج Ø Ø
three tlata تالتة tlt تلتfour rbعa ربعة rbع ربعfive xmsa خمسة xms خمسsix stta ستة stt ستseven sbعa سبعة sbع سبعeight tmnya تمنية tmn تمنnine tsعud تسعود tsع تسعten šraع عشرة šrع عشر
Peace Corps / Morocco • 23
For the numbers 3 thru 10, we combine the full form of a number and a noun like this:number (full form) + d (د) + plural noun with definite article
For the numbers 3 thru 10, we combine the short form of a number and a noun like this:number (short form) + plural noun (no definite article)
Eight books (using full form) tmnya d lktub الكتوب د تمنيةFive dirhams (using full form) xmsa d ddrahm الدراهم د خمسةFive dirhams (using short form) xms drahm دراهم خمس
The numbers one and two have some special qualities.
The number one (waнd/wнda) differs from all other numbers because in Arabic, it acts like an adjective. This means that it comes after a noun, like other adjec-tives, and that it must agree in gender with the noun, like other adjectives.
one book (book is masc.) ktab waнd واحد كتابone girl (girl is fem.) bnt wнda وحدة بنت
Sometimes, you may hear waнd (not wнda) used before a noun. In this case, it is not act-ing as a number, but rather as an indefinite article (like the English “a” or “an”). Don’t worry about it now, just be aware of it.
a book waнd lktab الكتاب واحدa girl waнd lbnt البنت واحد
The number two (juj) can be used as a full or short form with plural nouns.
two books juj d lktub الكتوب د جوجtwo books juj ktub كتوب جوج
However, when two is part of a compound number (as in twentytwo), a different form is used. Here, we use the form tnayn (تنين). This will be shown in the section on numbers from 20 thru 99.
Dual noun formsIn English, nouns have a singular and a plural form. In Arabic, nouns also have a singu-lar and plural form, but a small number of nouns also have a dual form. The dual form is used for these nouns when we refer to two of something. For nouns that have a dual form, therefore, we don’t use juj. The dual form includes the idea of “two.” The dual form is usually made by adding “ayn” to the end of the singular form. In the following ta-bles, the first three examples have dual forms, but the last two are normal and therefore use their plural form.
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24 • Moroccan Arabic
Singular Form Dual Formday yum يوم yumayn يومينmonth šhr شهر šhrayn شهرينyear amع عام amaynع عامين
But...
Singular Form Plural Form
week simana سيمانة juj d ssimanat د جوج السيمانات
minute dqiqa دقيقة juj dqayq دقايق جوج
Numbers 11 thru 19The numbers 11 thru 19 do not have a short form. Only numbers 3 thru 10 have a short form.
eleven нdaš حضاشtwelve tnaš طناشthirteen tltaš تلطاشfourteen rbعtaš ربعطاشfifteen xmstaš خمسطاشsixteen sttaš سطاشseventeen sbعtaš سبعطاشeighteen tmntaš تمنطاشnineteen tsعtaš تسعطاش
For numbers 11 thru 19, we can combine a number and a noun like this:
number + + singular noun (no definite article)
sixteen years sttaš r عam عام ر سطاشsixteen years sttaš l عam عام ل سطاشeighteen girls tmntaš r bnt بنت ر تمنطاشeighteen girls tmntaš l bnt بنت ل تمنطاش
Numbers 20, 30, 40 ... 99For a multiple of ten (20, 30, 40 etc.) in Arabic, we simply use the name for that number, like in English. For numbers such as 21, 22, or 23, however, it is not like English. In Arabic, the “ones” digit is pronounced first, followed by the word “and,” then followed by the “tens” digit. For example, in Arabic the number 21 is literally “one and twenty”
r (ر)or
l (ل)
Yes — the singular!In Arabic, the plural form is only used for numbers 2 thru 10. The singular is used for everything else!
Peace Corps / Morocco • 25
while the number 47 is literally “seven and forty.” Also, remember that for the numbers 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, and 92, we do not use juj. Rather, we use tnayn. Here is a list of the multiples of ten, with examples of numbers between each multiple:
twenty šrinع عشرينtwentyoneliterally: one and twenty
waнd u عšrin عشرين و واحد
twentytwoliterally: two and twentyRemember: “tnayn,” not “juj”
tnayn u عšrin عشرين و تنين
twentythreeliterally: three and twenty
tlata u عšrin عشرين و تالتة
twentyfour rbعa u عšrin عشرين و ربعةthirty tlatin تالتين
thirtyone waнd u tlatin تالتين و واحدthirtytwo tnayn u tlatin تالتين و تنينthirtythree tlata u tlatin تالتين و تالتة
forty rbعin ربعينfortyone waнd u rbعin ربعين و واحدfortytwo tnayn u rbعin ربعين و تنين
fifty xmsin خمسينsixty sttin ستينseventy sbعin سبعينeighty tmanin تمانينninety tsعin تسعين
ninetynine tsعud u tsعin تسعين و تسعود
For numbers 20 thru 99, we can combine a number and a noun like this:number + singular noun (no definite article)
fortytwo years tnayn u rbعin عam عام ربعين و تنينninety dirhams tsعin drhm درهم تسعينthirtyeight books tmnya u tlatin ktab كتاب تالتين و تمنية
Numbers 100, 200, 300 ... 999The Arabic word for 100 is miya. For 200, there is a dual form of miyatayn. For 300 thru 900, we use the short form of the numbers 3 thru 9 plus miya. For numbers such as 107 or 257, we will use the appropriate multiple of 100 followed by the word “and” and then the rest of the number. Some examples:
one hundred miya مـيـةone hundred oneliterally: one hundred and one
miya u waнd واحد و مية
26 • Moroccan Arabic
one hundred twoliterally: one hundred and two
miya u juj جوج و مية
one hundred tenliterally: one hundred and ten
miya u عšra عشرة و مية
one hundred eleven miya u нdaš حضاش و ميةone hundred twentyoneliterally: one hundred and one and twenty
miya u waнd u عšrin عشرين و واحد و مية
one hundred twentytwoliterally: one hundred and two and twenty
miya u tnayn u عšrin عشرين و تنين و مية
one hundred ninetynine miya u tsعud u tsعin تسعين و تسعود و ميةtwo hundred miyatayn تـيـن ـ مـي
two hundred fiftysevenliterally: two hundred and seven and fifty
miyatayn u sbعa u xm-sin
تين خمسين و سبعة و مي
three hundred tlt miya مية تلتthree hundred fortyfiveliterally: three hundred and five and forty
tlt miya u xmsa u rbinع ربعين و خمسة و مية تلت
four hundred rbع miya مية ربعfive hundred xms miya مية خمسsix hundred stt miya مية ستseven hundred sbع miya مية سبعeight hundred tmn miya مية تمنnine hundred tsع miya مية تسع
nine hundred ninetyninetsع miya u tsعud u tsinع تسعين و تسعود و مية تسع
Exact multiples of 100 (100, 300, 400, etc. – not 137 or 278) are combined with a noun like this:
number + t (ت) + singular nounfour hundred chairs rbع miyat kursi كرسي مية ربعsix hundred ryal stt miyat ryal ريال مية ست
But when a number between 100 and 999 is not an exact multiple of 100 (e.g. 167, 492, 504), we combine the number with a noun according to the rule for the final digits of the number.
105 books (use the rule for “5”) miya u xmsa d lktub الكتوب د خمسة و مية214 books (use the rule for “14”) miyatayn u rbعtaš r ktab تين كتاب ر ربعطاش و مي
657 books (use the rule for “57”)stt miya u sbعa u xmsin ktab
كتاب خمسين و سبعة و مية ست
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Exercise:Match the number with the correct Arabic translation.
199 miya u tsعud u rbعin ربعين و تسعود و مية2 tsعud u sttin ستين و تسعود
11 miya u stta u xmsin خمسين و ستة و مية149 xmsa u sbعin سبعين و خمسة137 miya u tsعud u tsعin تسعين و تسعود و مية75 нdaš حضاش69 miya u sbعa u tlatin تالتين و سبعة و مية
156 juj جوج
Numbers 1000, 2000, 3000 ... The word for “thousand” has the singular form alf, the dual form alfayn, and the plural form alaf. The plural form is used with the short form of the numbers 3 thru 10 from “3” thousand to “10” thousand. Then we return to the singular form (like we do for all Ara-bic nouns). Like the word for “hundred,” it is followed by “and” when the number is not an exact multiple of 1000 (e.g. 1027 or 4738). From 1000 onward:
one thousand alf ألفone thousand one alf u waнd واحد و ألفone thousand fifteen alf u xmstaš خمسطاش و ألفone thousand three hundred sixtyseven (literally: one thou-sand and three hundred and seven and sixty)
alf u tlt miya u sbعa u sttin
ستين و سبعة و مية تلت و ألف
two thousand alfayn ألفين
two thousand twentytwoalfayn u tnayn u šrinع عشرين و تنين و ألفين
three thousand tlt alaf أالف تلت
three thousand seven hun-dred and fifty
tlt alaf u sbع miya u xmsin
خمسين و مية سبع و أالف تلت
four thousand rbع alaf أالف ربعfive thousand xms alaf أالف خمسsix thousand stt alaf أالف ستseven thousand sbع alaf أالف سبعeight thousand tmn alaf أالف تمنnine thousand tsع alaf أالف تسع
nine thousand nine hundred ninetynine
tsع alaf u tsع miya u tsعud u tsعin
و تسعود و مية تسع و أالف تسع تسعين
ten thousand šr alafع أالف عشر
28 • Moroccan Arabic
eleven thousand нdaš r alf ألف ر حضاشtwo hundred thousand miyatayn alf تين ألف مي
999,999tsع miya u tsعud u tsعin alf u tsع miya u tsعud u tsعin
و ألف تسعين و تسعود و مية تسع تسعين و تسعود و مية تسع
Exact multiples of 1000 can be combined with nouns in two ways:number + singular noun
Or...number + d (د) + plural noun with definite article
five thousand boys xms alaf wld ولد أالف خمسfive thousand boys xms alaf d lwlad الوالد د أالف خمس
Numbers larger than 1000 that are not exact multiples of 1000 are combined with nouns according to the rules for the final digits, as you saw with numbers that were not exact multiples of 100.
Larger NumbersSingular Plural
million(s) mlyun مليون mlayn مالينbillion(s) mlyar مليار mlayr مالير
Exercise:Correctly combine numbers with nouns by filling in the blanks using the following numbers and any neces-sary letters: 1, 3, 8, 13, 20, 400, or 1000. There may be more than one correct answer for each.
3 d lbnat (the girls) البنات د 3dar (house) دارstilu (pen) ستيلوdrhm (dirham) درهمmutatawwiع (volunteer) متطوعrjal (men) رجالustad (teacher) أستادotil (hotel) أوطيلmagana (watch) مگانةlعyalat (the women) العياالت
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Ordinal Numbers / FractionsOrdinal NumbersFor numbers 1 thru 12, there is a separate form for cardinal and ordinal numbers. From 13 on there is no difference between the cardinal and ordinal number.
first lluwl اللولsecond tteni التانيthird ttalt التالتfourth rrabع الرابعfifth lxams الخامسsixth ssat / ssads السادس/ الساتseventh ssabع السابعeighth ttamn التامنninth ttasع التاسعtenth lعašr العاشرeleventh lнadš الحاضشtwelfth ttanš الطانش
Ordinal numbers act like adjectives, and therefore must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe. Listed are the masculine singular forms. To make the femi-nine form, add a (ة) to the ordinal number. To make it plural, add in (ين).
Masculine Feminine Plural
firstlluwl lluwla lluwlinاللول اللولة اللولين
thirdttalt ttalta ttaltinالتالت التالتة التالتين
Fractionshalf ns نصthird tulut تلتfourth rubuع / rbع ربع/ ربع
TimeTo express time, we use the demonstrative pronoun hadi and the appropriate number with the definite article (see page 147 for more info on the definite article). This means that for 1:00, 5:00, 10:00, and 11:00, we will use the letter l (ل) before the number, while for the others, we will double the first consonant.
one lwнda الوحدة seven ssbعa السبعة
30 • Moroccan Arabic
two jjuj الجوج eight ttmnya التمنيةthree ttlata التالتة nine ttsعud التسعودfour rrbعa الربعة ten lعšra العشرةfive lxmsa الخمسة eleven lнdaš الحضاشsix sstta الستة twelve ttnaš الطناش
Like in English, Arabic uses certain words to express things like “quarter to five,” “half past seven,” etc.
before ql قل twenty minutes tulut تلتand u و half ns نصexactly nišan نيشان quarter to lla rob رب الquarter rbع ربع five minutes qsm قصم
ten minutes qsmayn قصمين
Some examples of asking and answering about time:
What time is it? šнal hadi f ssaعa? الساعة؟ ف هدي شحالIt is exactly one o’clock. hadi lwнda nišan. نيشان الوحدة هدي .
It is five minutes past two. hadi jjuj u qsm. قصم و الجوج هدي .
It is ten minutes past three. hadi ttlata u qsmayn. قصمين و التالتة هدي .
It is a quarter past four. hadi rrbعa u rbع. ربع و الربعة هدي .
It is twenty minutes past five. hadi lxmsa u tulut. تلت و الخمسة هدي .
It is twentyfive minutes past six.hadi sstta u xmsa u .šrinع عشرين و خمسة و الستة هدي .
It is seven thirty. hadi ssbعa u ns. نص و السبعة هدي .
It is eight thirtyfive.hadi tmnya u xmsa u tlatin. تالتين و خمسة و التمنية هدي .
It is twenty minutes to nine. hadi ttsعud ql tulut. تلت قل التسعود هدي .
It is a quarter to ten. hadi lعšra lla rob. العشرة هدي رب ال .
It is ten minutes to eleven hadi lнdaš ql qsmayn. قصمين قل الحضاش هدي .
It is five minutes to twelve. hadi ttnaš ql qsm. قصم قل الطناش هدي .
6:30 A.M. sstta u ns d ssbaн الصباح د نص و الستة5:15 P.M. lxmsa u rbع d lعšiya العشية د ربع و الخمسة .
Exercise:Match the times with the correct Arabic translation.
10:30 lwнda u qsm قصم و الوحدة12:00 lнdaš u qsmayn قصمين و الحضاش
1:05 ttnaš nišhan نيشان الطناش2:20 lعšra ql tulut تلت قل العشرة
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11:10 lعšra u ns نص و العشرة9:40 jjuj u tulut تلت و الجوج
32 • Moroccan Arabic
Exercise:Give the time in Arabic for each clock or watch.
Getting Started ShoppingObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• convert between dirhams, ryals, and franks• buy items you need from a store• use the verb “bġa” in simple sentences to indicate a desire• indicate the presence or absence or someone or something with “kayn”
Moneylflus الفلوس
When converting ryals to dirhams, divide by 20.e.g. 100 ryals: 100 ÷ 20 = 5 DH.
From franks to ryals, divide by 5. For example, 200 franks ÷ 5 = 40 ryals.From franks to dirhams, divide by 100. For example, 200 franks ÷ 100 = 2 DH.From ryals to dirhams, divide by 20. For example, 40 ryals ÷ 20 = 2 DH.From ryals to franks, multiply by 5. For example, 40 ryals × 5 = 200 franks.From dirhams to ryals, multiply by 20. For example, 2 DH × 20 = 40 ryals.From dirhams to franks, multiply by 100. For example, 2 DH × 100 = 200 franks.
Exercise:Convert the money amounts.1. Convert to dirhams
35 ryal 150 ryal 365 ryal 270 ryal 555 ryal2. Convert to ryals
10½ DH 30 DH 25 DH 125 DH 19 DH
100 frank 20 ryal1 dirham
×5
÷5
×100
÷100
×20
÷20
34 • Moroccan Arabic
At the HanootVocabulary
store нanut حانوت peanuts kaw kaw كاو كاوstore keeper mul lнanut الحانوت مول almonds lluz اللوزsoda lmonada المونادا bottle lqrعa القرعةchocolate ššklat الشكالط bottle of water qrعa d lma الما د قرعةcandies lнlwa الحلوة Kleenex kliniks كلنكس
gum lmska المسكة toilet paperppapiyi jinik جنيك پاپيي
cookies lbiskwi البسكوي tooth paste dontifris دونتفريسjuice lعasir العصير soap ssabun الصابونbread lxubz الخبز shampoo ššampwan الشمبوانjam lkonfitur الكنفتور detergent tid تيدbutter zzbda الزبدة bleach javel جاڤيل
eggs lbid البيض batterieslнjrat d rradyu
د الحجرات الراديو
yogurt danon دانون razor rrazwar الرازوارmilk lнlib الحليب tobacco store ssaka الصاكةcoffee lqhwa القهوة cigarettes lgarru الگاروtea atay أتاي package(s) bakiya(t) بكيات/ باكيةsugar sskkar ر السكcheese lfrmaj الفرماج money lflus الفلوسoil zzit الزيت change ssrf الصرف
ExpressionsDo you have ... ? weš عndk ... ? ؟... عندك واش
Yes, I do (have). iyeh, عndi. عندي إيه، .
No, I don’t (have). lla, maعndiš. عنديش ما ال، .
Is there ... ? weš kayn ... ? ؟... كاين واشYes, there is. (masc.) iyeh, kayn / mujud موجود/ كاين إيه،Yes, there is. (fem.) iyeh, kayna / mujuda موجودة/ كاينة إيه،No, there isn’t. (masc.) lla, makaynš. كاينش ما ال،No, there isn’t. (fem.) lla, makaynaš. ماكايناش ال،
Give me ... please. .afakع ... tiniع عفاك... عطيني .
What do you want ma’am / sir? šnu bġiti a lalla/sidi? سيدي؟/ لال أ بغيتي شنو
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How much? bšнal? بشحالDo you have change? weš عndk ssrf? الصرف؟ عندك واشDo you have change for ... ? weš عndk ssrf dyal..? ؟... ديال الصرف عندك واش
Literliter itru إترو¼ liter rubuع itru إترو ربع½ liter ns itru إترو نص1 liter waнd itru إترو واحد2 liters juj itru إترو جوج
I want ½ a liter of milk. bġit ns itru d lнlib. الحليب د إترو نص بغيت .
DialogueKarla: ssalamu عalaykum. عليكم السالم :كارال
mul lнanut: wa عalaykum ssalam.šnu bġiti a lalla?
شنو. عليكم و لال؟ أ بغيتي السالم الحانوت مول :
Karla: weš عndk šklat? شكالط؟ عندك واش :كارال
mul lнanut: iyeh, mujud a lalla. أ موجود إيه، لال . الحانوت مول :
Karla: .tini juj bakiyatعbšнal?
بشحال؟. جوج عطيني بكيات :كارال
mul lнanut: tnaš l drhm. درهم ل طناش . الحانوت مول :
Karla: hak, barak llah u fik. فيك و الله بارك هاك، . :كارال
mul lнanut: bla jmil جميل بال . الحانوت مول :
1. feen kayna Karla? كارال؟ كاينة فين .1
2. weš šrat lнlib? الحليب؟ شرات واش .2
3. šnu šrat mn lнanut? الحانوت؟ من شرات شنو .3
4. šнal mn bakiya? بكية؟ من شحال .4
5. bšнal? بشحال؟ .5
36 • Moroccan Arabic
Verb “to want”In Moroccan Arabic, the verb “to want” is bġa (بغى). This verb uses the past tense but has a present tense meaning. When conjugated in the present tense, bġa means “to like” (see page 96).
I want bġit بغيتyou want (sing.) bġiti بغيتيhe wants bġa بغىshe wants bġat بغاتwe want bġina بغيناyou want (plur.) bġitu بغيتوthey want bġau بغاو
Verb + Noun ExamplesI want tea. bġit atay. أتاي بغيت .
Do you want coffee with sugar? weš bġiti lqhwa b skkar? ر؟ ب القهوة بغيتي واش السكAli wants a glass of water. Ali bġa kas d lma. الما د كاس بغى علي .
Driss and Fatima don’t want soda.
Driss u Fatima mabġauš lmonada. المونادا بغاوش ما فاطمة و دريس .
Exercise:Make as many sentences as you can.e.g. Hicham bġa kuka.
Hicham هشام bgit بغيت atay أتايhiya هي bġa بغى lнlib الحليبFatima فاطمة bġau بغاو нlwa b šklat الشكالط ب حلوةhuwa هو bġat بغات lqhwa القهوةhuma هما bġiti بغيتي asir llimunع الليمون عصيرana أنا bġina بغينا qhwa bla skkar سكر بال قهوةнna حنا bġitu بغيتو kuka كوكاntuma نتماnta نتnti نت
Listening Exercisegarsun: ssalamu عalaykum. عليكم السالم :گارسون
Amy, Jack, & Chris: wa عalaykum ssalam. السالم عليكم و و دجاك، أيمي،
:كريس
garsun: aš нb lxatr? الخاطر؟ حب أش :گارسون
Jack: ana bġit عasir llimun. الليمون عصير بغيت أنا . :دجاكgarsun: waxxa a sidi, u nta? نت؟ و سيدي، أ وخا :گارسون
Peace Corps / Morocco • 37
Chris: ana bġit qhwa ns ns. نص نص قهوة بغيت أنا . :كريس
garsun: waxxa a sidi, u nti? نت؟ و سيدي، أ وخا :گارسون
Amy: bġit qhwa kнla. كحلة قهوة بغيت . :أيميgarsun: mrнba, عla rras u lعin. العين و الراس على مرحبا، . :گارسون
1. šnu bġa Jack? دجاك؟ بغى شنو .12. weš Amy bġat нlib sxun? سخون؟ حليب بغات أيمي واش .23. šnu bġa Chris? كريس؟ بغى شنو .3
Kayn for “There is”The words kayn, kayna, and kaynin are actually the participles for the verb “to be.” In Darija, however, we use them most often in the sense of “there is” or “there are.” Affirmative
there is (masc. sing.) kayn كاينthere is (fem. sing.) kayna كاينةthere are (plur.) kaynin كاينين
Negativethere is not (masc. sing.) makaynš كاينش ماthere is not (fem. sing.) makaynaš كايناش ماthere are not (plur.) makayninš كاينينش ما
Driss is at home. kayn Driss f ddar. الدار ف دريس كاين .
Is there water in the bottle? weš kayn lma f lqrعa? القرعة؟ ف الما كاين واشTom is not at the café. makaynš Tom f lqhwa. القهوة ف طوم كاينش ما .
There is food in the fridge. kayna lmakla f ttlaja. التالجة ف الماكلة كاينة .
There are many books on the ta-ble.
kaynin bzzaf d lktub fuq tbla. الطبلة فوق الكتب د بزاف كاينين .
FamilyObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• describe family members• use the verb “to have” in simple sentencesCultural Points
Family ties are very strong in Morocco. Children remain in touch or live with the family even if they get married (taking into consideration space available within the house). Men are not expected to help in the kitchen. Roles of men and women may dif-fer in the city and in the country.
Family MembersVocabularywoman/wife mra مرا inlaw(s) nsib / nsab / نسيب
نسابman/husband rajl راجل stepson rbib ربيبgirl/daughter bnt بنت stepdaughter rbiba ربيبةboy/son wld ولد grandfather jdd جدgirls/daughters bnat بنات grandmother jdda جدةboys/sons/ chil-dren
wlad والد uncle (paternal) mmع عم
the parents lwalidin الوالدين aunt (paternal) mmaع عمةuncle (maternal) xal خال
the father l'ab األب These forms are rarely used in Mo-roccan Arabic. Sometimes they are used with “dyal.” More often, we use the forms “my father, “my sister,” etc.
aunt (maternal) xala خالة
the mother l'om األم my nephew (brother’s side)
wld xuya خويا ولد
the brother l'ax األخ my niece (brother’s side)
bnt xuya خويا بنت
the sister l'oxt األخت my nephew (sis-ter’s side)
wld xti ختي ولد
my niece (sis-ter’s side)
bnt xti ختي بنت
(my) brother xu(ya) خويا my cousin (mas., paternal)
wld عmm(t)i ولدعمتي/ عمي
brothers/ siblings xut خوت my cousin (mas., maternal)
wld xal(t)i ولدخالتي/ خالي
(my) sister xt(i) ختي my cousin (fem, paternal)
bnt عmm(t)i بنتعمتي/ عمي
sisters xwatat خوتات my cousin (fem, maternal)
bnt xal(t)i بنتخالتي/ خالي
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For “father, mother, brother, sister, aunt, and uncle,” the word is almost always used with a possessive pronoun. Thus, we say “my father” or “his mother” or “your brother,” but rarely ever use them alone. The words “brother, sister, aunt, and uncle” take the possessive pronoun endings you already learned (see page 8), but “father” and “mother” have a couple irregularities.
my father bba با my mother mmi ميyour father bbak باك your mother mmk مكhis father bbah باه his mother mmu موher father bbaha باها her mother mha مها
Exercise:Add the possessive endings to the following:
sister xt ختbrother xu خوuncle mmع عمaunt mmaع عمة
ExpressionsHow is Mohamed related to you?
aš kayjeek Mohamed? محمد؟ كيجيك أش
How is Amina related to you? aš katjeek Amina? أمينة؟ كتجيك أش
My mom doesn’t work. mmi maxddamaš. خداماش ما مي .
My mom and dad are divorced. bba u mmi mtllqin. مطلقين مي و با .
I have two twin siblings. عndi juj xut twam. توام خوت جوج عندي .
How many siblings do you have?
šнal d lxut عndk? عندك؟ الخوت د شحال
How many sisters do you have? šнal mn oxt عndk? عندك؟ أخت من شحالWhat’s your father’s name? šnu smit bbak? باك؟ سمية شنوHow old is your brother? šнal f عmr xuk? خوك؟ عمر ف شحال
I have a younger brother. .ndi xuya sġr mnniع مني صغر خويا عندي .
My (male) cousin and I are the same age.
ana u wld عmmi qd qd. قد قد عمي ولد و أنا .
My older sister is a teacher. xti lli kbr mnni ustada. أستادة مني كبر اللي ختي .
My younger brother goes to school.
xuya lli sġr mnni kayqra. كيقرى مني صغر اللي خويا .
Exercise:Describe the relationships between family members for each arrow.
11
Fatima Aziz
Ahmed
Samira Mohamed YounessRachid
Karima
ex: 1. Fatima ______ Samira.
12 13
40 • Moroccan Arabic
Verb “to have”The verb “to have” عnd (عند) in the present tense:
I have ndiع عنديyou have (sing.) ndkع عندكhe has nduع عندوshe has ndhaع عندهاwe have ndnaع عندناyou have (plur.) ndkumع عندكمthey have ndhumع عندهم
Moha and Fatima have two daughters and a son.
Moha u Fatima عndhum juj bnat u wld.
و بنات جوج عندهم فاطمة و موحى .ولد
We have a good teacher. .ndna ustad mzyanع مزيان أستاد عندنا .
To negate the verb, use ma ... š ( ... ش ما ).
Do you have a house in Mo-rocco?
weš عndk dar f lmġrib? المغرب؟ ف دار عندك واش
No, I don’t. I have a house in the U.S.
lla, maعndiš. عndi dar f mirikan. عندي. ما ال، مريكان ف دار عنديش .
Exercise:Put the verb “عnd” in the correct form.1. xti _________ 24 عam. عام 24________ ختي .2. xuya _________ 2 wlad. والد 2________ خويا .3. нna _________ wld u tlata d lbnat. البنات د تالتة و ولد________ حنا .
4. huma _________ famila kbira. كبيرة فاميال________ هما .5. weš Mohamed _________ tomobil? طوموبيل؟________ محمد واش6. lla, _________. .________ ،ال
Peace Corps / Morocco • 41
Exercise:Put sentences A thru I in the correct order for this let-ter from Karim to Tom.
saнbi Tom, طوم صاحبي ،bġitini nhdr lik عla lfamila dyali? ديالي؟ الفاميال على ليك نهضر بغيتينيA. bba smitu Ali. علي سميتو با . .AB. mmi عndha ġir 52 عam. عام 52 غير عندها مي . .BC. Hassan عndu 15 عam u Mohamed عndu
.amع 20 عام 20 عندو محمد و عام 15 عندو حسن . .C
D. (kaysknu mعana f ddar) welakin xti mzuwja. ( الدار ف معنا كيسكنو مزوجة ختي ولكن ( . .D
E.rajlha smitu Moha. عndhum waнd lbnt smitha Nadia.
عندهم. سميتو راجلها سميتها البنت واحد موحى .نادية .E
F. .amع ndoo 26ع عام 26 عندو . .FG. smitha Hakima حكيمة سميتها . .GH. .ndi juj xutع خوت جوج عندي . .HI. ana deba xal! خال دبا أنا ! .Ihdr liya عla lfamila dyalk нta nta. نت حتى ديالك الفاميال على ليا هضر .
saнbk, Karim كريم صاحبك،
Practice Text
smiti John. baba smitu Stephen u mama smitha Judy. عndi tlata d lxut: juj bnat u wld. xuya smitu Brian. huwa xddam f waнd ššarika. xti Kathy. mzuwja u عndha jooj drari: wld u bnt. lwld mazal sġir ndha tmn snin uع ndu tlt šhur. lbntعkatmši l lmdrasa. xti s-sġira, Mary, mazal katqra f ljamiعa.
بابا. سميتي دجودي. سميتها ماما و ستيفن سميتو دجون جوج: د تالتة عندي خويا. و بنات الخوت بريان. سميتو ولد
ختي. واحد ف خدام هو مزوجة. الشركة عندها و كاثي ولد: جوج الولد. و دراري تلت عندو صغير مازال بنت
البنت. المدرسة. ل كتمشي و سنين تمن عندها شهور الجامعة ف كتقرى مازال ماري، الصغيرة، ختي .
1. bat John, šnu smitu? سميتو؟ شنو دجون، بات .12. u mmu, šnu smitha? سميتها؟ شنو مو، و .23. šнal d lxut عnd John? دجون؟ عند الخوت د شحال .34. škun ssġir f lعa'ila d John? دجون؟ د العائلة ف الصغير شكون .45. weš bnt xt John xddama? خدامة؟ دجون خت بنت واش .5
DirectionsObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• use prepositions to describe the locations of objects• give and receive directions to places around town
Prepositionsto / for l ل until нtta l ل حتىin / at f ف above / on fuq فوقfrom mn من below / under tнt تحت
with (someone) mعa مع in front of qddam قدام
with / by / by means of
b ب facing mqabl mعa مع مقابل
without bla بال behind mura موراon / about laع على next to нda حداbetween bin بين before qbl قبل
of, belonging to d / dyal ديال/ د after bعd بعد
Exercise:fin lkora?
1 2 3
lkora fuq ssnduq.الصندوق فوق الكرة .
5 6 7
4
koraكرة
snduqصندوق
Peace Corps / Morocco • 43
DirectionsVocabulary
hotel lotil لوطيل hospital / health center
ssbitar السبيطار
post office lbosta البوسطة pharmacy lfrmasyan الفرمسيانtrain station lagar گار ال mosque jjamع الجامع
bus stationlmaнtta d lkiran
د المحطة الكيران public phone ttelebutik التليبوتيك
city bus stoplmaнtta d ttubisat
د المحطة الطوبيسات store lнanut الحانوت
bank lbanka البنكة avenue ššariع الشارعpublic bath lнmmam الحمام street zznqa الزنقةrestaurant rristora الريسطورة alley ddrb الدربcafé lqhwa القهوة far (from) bعid (mn) ( بعيد من)cyber café ssiber السيبر close (to) qrib (mn) ( قريب من)school lmdrasa المدرسة here hna هناweekly market ssuq السوق there tmma تما
ExpressionsWhere is ... please? fin kayn(a) ... عafak. ( ... فين عفاك) ة كاين .
Is there a ... close?weš kayn(a) ši ... qrib(a)? ( واش شي) ة ( كاين ( ؟... ة قريب
Go straight. sir nišan. نيشان سير .
Turn right. dur عl limn. ليمن عل ضور .
Turn left. dur عl lisr. ليسر عل ضور .
Go ahead a bit. zid šwiya l qddam. لقدام شوية زيد .
Pass the first street. fut zznqa lluwla. اللولة الزنقة فوت .
The 2nd street, yes. zznqa tenya iyeh. إيه التانية الزنقة .
44 • Moroccan Arabic
DialogueJason u Brahim f lmaнtta d lkiran. د المحطة ف براهيم و الكيراندجايسون .
Jason: ssalamu عalaykum. عليكم السالم . :دجايسونBrahim: wa عalaykum ssalam. السالم عليكم و . :براهيمJason: fin lagar عafak? عفاك؟ الگار فين :دجايسون
Brahim: sir nišan нtta l zznqa ttalta u dur عl lisr, u mn bعd zid nišan нtta l lbar u dur عl limn. tmma lagar.
و التالتة الزنقة ل حتى نيشان سير نيشان زيد بعد من و ليسر، عل ضور تما. عل ضور و البار ل حتى ال ليمن .گار
:براهيم
Jason: barak llah u fik. فيك و الله بارك . :دجايسونBrahim: kattkllm lعrbiya mzyan! مزيان العربية كتكلم ! :براهيمJason: šwiya u safi. صافي و شوية . :دجايسون
Brahim: weš nta fransawi? فرنساوي؟ نت واش :براهيمJason: lla, ana mirikani. lla
yhnnik.الله. أنا ال، يهنيك مريكاني :دجايسون .
Brahim: bslama. السالمة ب . :براهيم
Exercise: Using the same map, give each person directions.1. Dave is in the sbitar and wants to go to lbosta.2. Anna is in the maнtta and wants to go to lotil.3. Stephen is in the marši and wants to go to ssiber.4. Hakim is in the нanut and wants to go to lнmmam.
Past EventsObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to: • talk about past activities with regular and irregular verbs• talk about what you did not do using negative sentences• ask about past experiences (Have you ever...) and respond (I’ve never...)• use object pronouns with verbs• ask varied questions with different question words
Time VocabularyBefore we begin the past tense, let’s learn some words that will help us describe when past events took place. Then we will be ready to talk about some of our past activities.
Days of the Weekday yum / nhar نهار/ يوم Tuesday ttlat ( الثالثاء التالت)week simana سيمانة Wednesday larbع ( األربعاء الربع)Sunday lнdd ( األحد الحد) Thursday lxmis الخميسMonday ltnin ( األتنين التنين) Friday jjmعa الجمعة
Saturday ssbt السبت
Months of the Yearmonth šhr شهر June yunyu يونيوyear amع عام July yulyuz يوليوزJanuary yanayr يناير August ġušt غشتFebruary fbrayr فبراير September šutnbir شتنبرMarch mars مارس October oktobr أكتوبرApril abril أبريل November nuwanbir نونبرMay may ماي December dujanbir دجنبر
The Seasonsseason fasl فصل summer ssif الصيفseasons fosul فصول fall lxrif الخريفspring rrbiع الربيع winter ššta الشتا
Time Expressionsthis year had lعam العام هدlast year lعam lli fat فات اللي العامlast month ššhr lli fat فات اللي الشهرlast week ssimana lli fatt فات اللي السيمانةyesterday lbarн البارحtoday lyum اليوم
For information about the months of the Islamic calendar and some of the major religious events of the year, see “Moroccan Holidays” on page 160.
46 • Moroccan Arabic
on (+ day of the week) nhar ...نهارon Friday nhar jjmعa الجمعة نهارin (+ month) f šhr شهر ف ...
in Augustf šhr ġuštf šhr tmnya
غشت شهر فتمنية شهر ف
at (+ time) f فat 9:00 f ttsعud التسعود فat dawn f lfjr الفجر فin the morning f ssbaн الصباح فin the afternoon / evening f lعšiya العشية فat night f llil الليل فat midnight f ns llil الليل نص ف
Past Tense – Regular VerbsVerbs in GeneralWhen learning verbs in a foreign language, we usually learn the “infinitive” form of the verb (e.g. to eat), and then learn how to “conjugate” from that infinitive (I eat, he eats, they eat). In Arabic, there are not infinitives for verbs in this way. Rather, we learn the “he” form of the verb (i.e. third person masculine singular) in the past tense, and then learn how to conjugate the other forms (I, you, she, etc.) from the “he” form. Because we use this past tense “he” form like an infinitive for the purposes of learning verbs, if you see something referred to as an “infinitive,” it is this form. Some examples:
he drank šrb شربhe hit drb ضربhe sat gls گلس
Whenever you are given a new verb in this book or by your teacher, it will be given to you in this form. You will be able to conjugate verbs in the past or present tense based upon this “infinitive” form.The vast majority of Darija (Moroccan Arabic) verbs are made up of three letters (see the verbs above). To these “stems” we can add prefixes (letters that we attach to the begin-ning of a word) and suffixes (letters we attach to the end of a word) in order to conjugate the verb. Stems with a vowel in the middle and stems with a vowel at the end will differ from verbs with three consonants.Regular Verbs in the Past TenseWhen we say “regular verb,” we mean a verb that is conjugated according to rules that the large majority of verbs in the language use. An “irregular verb” is conjugated ac-cording to different rules. There are regular and irregular verbs for both the past and present tense in Darija. However, irregular verbs that are similar in the past may be dif-ferent in the present. So, you need to realize that the groups of verbs categorized to-gether for the past tense may not always correspond to the groups in the present tense.In general, “regular verb” refers to:
· All 3letter verbs without the long vowel “a” ( ى/ ا ) in the middle or end position
(i.e. 3letter verbs made up only of consonants)· All verbs with more than 3 letters and not ending in “a” ( ى/ ا )
past tense “he” form:
like an infinitive
Remember that the
“infinitive” is the same as
the past tense “he” form.
In the past tense, you
(masc.) and you (fem.) are the same. In the present tense, they will
be different.
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To conjugate a regular verb in the past tense, we add the following suffixes (endings):
“to write” ktb كتب
I wrote ktbt كتبتyou wrote (masc. sing.) ktbti كتبتيyou wrote (fem. sing.) ktbti كتبتيhe wrote ktb كتبshe wrote ktbat كتباتwe wrote ktbna كتبناyou wrote (plur.) ktbtu كتبتوthey wrote ktbu كتبو
Some Regular Verbsto drink šrb شرب to understand fhm فهمto know rfع عرف to work xdm خدمto play lعb لعب to hit drb ضرب
to draw rsm رسم to stop / stand up
wqf وقف
to sleep nعs نعس to arrive wsl وصلto wear lbs لبس to hear / listen smع سمعto stay / sit gls گلس to ask suwl سولto enter dxl دخل to travel safr سافرto go out xrj خرج to help awnع عاونto return rjع رجع to send sift صيفطto watch tfrrj تفرج to wash ġsl غسلto use stعml ستعمل to speak tkllm تكلم
Some examples:
Yesterday, I drank tea without sugar.
lbarн, šrbt atay bla skkar. ر بال أتاي شربت البارح، سك .
Last week, Said wrote a letter to his friend.
ssimana lli fatt, Said ktb bra l saнbu.
ل برا كتب سعيد فات، اللي السيمانة .صاحبو
Last year, we traveled to New York.
lعam lli fat, safrna l New York. نيويورك ل سافرنا فات، اللي العام .
Exercise:Put the verbs in parentheses in the correct form.Mohamed: weš (nعs) bkri lbarн? ( واش بكري) البارح؟ نعس :محمدHassan: lla .ال :حسن
Mohamed: ?lašع عالش؟ :محمد
48 • Moroccan Arabic
Hassan: (gls) mعa lعa'ila dyali u (tkllm) mعahum šwiya. mn bعd, {нna}(xrj). mlli (rjع), (lعb) lkarta u (tfrrj) f ttlfaza. mn b d {ana}(dxl) l lbitعdyali u (nعs).
( و ديالي العائلة مع (گلس) تكلم) من. معهم (. بعد، شوية (} خرج} حنا ( ملي (، ( رجع الكارطة) ( و لعب تفرج)
من. ف ( بعد، التلفزة ( } ل} دخل أنا ( و ديالي البيت نعس) .
:حسن
lнdd lli fat, (عawn) xti f lkuzina: (ġsl) lmmaعn u (tiyb) lġda.
( فات، اللي الحد ختي) ( ف عاون الماعن: ) غسل و الكوزينة ) الغدا) طيب .
Past Tense – Irregular VerbsWhen we speak about irregular verbs for the past tense, we refer to three categories: 1. threeletter verbs with the long vowel “a” (ا) in the middle position, 2. any verb with the long vowel “a” ( ى/ ا ) at the end, and 3. twoletter verbs.
1st Category: long vowel “a” (ا) in the middle positionTo conjugate a threeletter verb in the past tense with the long vowel “a” in the middle position, remove the long vowel “a” for the I, you (sing.), we, and you (plur.) forms before adding the past tense endings. For the she form, only add a “t.” The he and they forms are like regular verbs.
“to be” kan كان
I was knt كنتyou were (masc. sing.) knti كنتيyou were (fem. sing.) knti كنتيhe was kan كانshe was kant كانتwe were knna كناyou were (plur.) kntu كنتوthey were kanu كانو
Some Irregular Verbs with long vowel “a” (ا) in the middle positionto see šaf شاف to get up /
stand upnad ناض
to do / make dar دار to throw laн الحto swim amع عام to pass / pass by daz داز
to sell baع باع to pass fat فات
to bring jab جاب to love / be dy-ing for
mat عla على مات
In these forms, we remove the middle “a” and then add the endings.
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to say gal گال to increase zad زادto fast sam صام to be scared xaf خافto drive sag صاگ to live ašع عاش
Some examples:
This morning I got up at 7:00. had ssbaн ndt f ssbعa. السبعة ف نضت الصباح هد .
What did you do yesterday? šnu drti lbarн? البارح؟ درتي شنوWhat’s done is done. (proverb) lli fat mat. مات فات اللي .
Exercise:Put the verbs in parentheses in the correct form.ssimana lli fatt, ana u sнabi (عam) f lappisin. ( صحابي و أنا فات، اللي السيمانة ف) الپيسين عام .
Sara (عaš) f mirikan عamayn. ( سارة ف) عامين مريكان عاش .
nhar ssbt f lعšiya, ana u sнabati (kan) f lнmmam. mlli xrjna (daz) l lqhwa.
( صحاباتي و أنا العشية، ف السبت نهار ف) الحمام. كان ( خرجنا ملي ل) القهوة داز .
2nd Category: long vowel “a” ( ى/ ا ) at the endTo conjugate a verb with the long vowel “a” at the end, change the vowel to “i” for the I, you (sing.), we, and you (plur.) forms, then add the normal endings. For the she form, only add a “t.” The he and they forms are like regular verbs.
“to eat” kla كلى
I ate klit كليتyou ate (masc. sing.) kliti كليتيyou ate (fem. sing.) kliti كليتيhe ate kla كلىshe ate klat كالتwe ate klina كليناyou ate (plur.) klitu كليتوthey ate klau كالو
Some Irregular Verbs with the long vowel “a” ( ى/ ا ) at the endto go mša مشى to rent kra كرىto start bda بدى to run jra جرىto buy šra شرى to finish sala سالىto sing ġnna غنى to have lunch tġdda تغدىto give taع عطى to have dinner tعšša تعشىto forget nsa نسى to hope tmna تمنى
In these forms, we keep the final “a” and then add the endings.
In these forms, we change the final “a” to “i” then add the endings.
50 • Moroccan Arabic
to cry bka بكى to wait tsna تسنىto want bġa بغى to read / study qra قرىto take xda خدى to meet tlaqa تالقى
to come ja جا
Some examples:
Last Sunday, I went to the med-ina and bought a jellaba.
lнdd lli fat, mšit l lm-dina u šrit jllaba.
و المدينة ل مشيت فات، اللي الحد جالبة شريت .
They sang at the party on Satur-day.
huma ġnnau f lнfla nhar ssbt. السبت نهار الحفلة ف غناو هما .
Exercise:Put the verbs in parentheses in the correct form.John u Amy (kra) dar zwina f Mar-rakech. ( أيمي و دجون دار) مراكش ف زوينة كرى .
lbarн ana u Paul (tlaqa) mعa sнabna f rristora u (tġdda) mjmuعin.
( پول و أنا البارح مع) ( و الريسطورة ف صحابنا تالقى تغدى) .مجموعين
ssimana lli fatt, huma (sala) lxdma dyalhum f lmġrib.
( هما فات، اللي السيمانة الخدمة) ف ديالهم سالى .المغرب
Moroccan Wisdom: اللي بغى العسل يصبر ل قريس النحل. l-li bġa l-عsl y-sbr l qris n-nнl.
The one who wants honey must tolerate bee stings. English equivalent: Every rose has its thorn.
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3rd Category: twoletter verbsWhen we say “twoletter verbs,” some confusion can arise. When we write them in Ara-bic, they have only two letters. However, there is a “shedda” on the second letter (see pages 3 and 146), so in the transcription we double the second letter, making them look like threeletter verbs. In this case, you can still recognize them because the second and third letters are the same. Or, look at the Arabic script and you can be sure of the fact that they are, indeed, twoletter verbs. To conjugate this type of verb, we add the long vowel “i” to the I, you (sing.), we, and you (plur.) forms, then add the normal endings. The he, she, and they forms are like regular verbs.
“to open” нll حل
I opened нllit حليتyou opened (masc. sing.) нlliti حليتيyou opened (fem. sing.) нlliti حليتيhe opened нll حلshe opened нllat حالتwe opened нllina حليناyou opened (plur.) нllitu حليتوthey opened нllu حلو
Some twoletter verbsto close sdd سد to be able qdd قدto smell šmm شم to pick up hzz هزto hand mdd مد to think dnn ضنto answer / re-turn back
rdd رد to be bored mll مل
to pour kbb كب to take / catch šdd شدto feel нss حس to pull / drag jrr جر
to put нtt حط
Some examples:
I opened the window and I closed the door
нllit ssrjm u sddit lbab. الباب سديت و السرجم حليت .
I felt cold нssit b lbrd. البرد ب حسيت .
Exercise:Put the verbs in parentheses in the correct form.lbarн f ssbaн, Mary (rdd) lktab l lxizana. ( ماري الصباح، ف البارح الكتاب) الخزانة ل رد .
mlli kan lعjaj, {ana} (sdd) ssrajm. ( العجاج، كان ملي ( } السراجم} سد أنا .{нna} (нtt) lнwayj f lmakina d ssabun. الصابون د المكينة ف الحوايج (حط) {حنا} .
In these forms, we simply add the normal endings.
In these forms, we add “i” to the verb, then add the normal endings.
A two-letter verb with “shedda” on the second letter.
52 • Moroccan Arabic
NegationNormal Negative FormIn order to express the negative of a verb (i.e. “didn’t,” or “don’t,” or “doesn’t”), we add the prefix ma (ما) to the beginning of a verb and the suffix š (ش) to the end of a verb.
We drank. šrbna شربناWe didn’t drink. mašrbnaš شربناش ما
Exercise:Conjugate the verbs in parentheses in the negative form.
huwa (safr) ssimana lli fatt. ( هو السيمانة) فات اللي سافر .
lbarн f llil (qra) lktab dyali нit knt عiyan. ( الليل ف البارح الكتاب) عيان كنت حيت ديالي قرى .
нiya (gls) mعana нit (sala) lxdma dyalha. ( هي معانا) ( حيت گلس الخدمة) ديالها سالى .
нna (nعs) bkri нit (tعšša) bkri. ( حنا بكري) ( حيت نعس بكري) تعشى .
Kari (lbs) lkswa jjdida f lнfla нit (kan) عndha lwqt.
( كاري الكسوة) ( حيت الحفلة ف الجديدة لبس عندها) كان .الوقت
mlli ja l lmġrib (sift) bra l lwa-lidin dyalu. ( المغرب ل جا ملي برا) ديالو الوالدين ل صيفت .
kant lbrd u {ana} (нll) ssrajm. ( و البرد كانت ( } السراجم} حل أنا .
Additional Negative FormsThe following negative forms replace the š (ش) we use for the normal negative form. We still use ma (ما) before the verb, but we use these forms after the verb or, sometimes, be-fore the verb (and thus before ma).
nothing walu والوnothing нtta нaja حاجة حتىnothing нtta ši شي حتىno one нtta waнd واحد حتى
no one (нtta) нdd حد (حتى)neither ... nor la ... wala وال... الonly / just ġir غير
Some examples:
I knew nothing. maعrft walu. والو عرفت ما .
I ate nothing. makleet нtta нaja. حاجة حتى كليت ما .
No one came. нtta waнd maja. جا ما واحد حتى .
He saw no one. mašaf нtta waнd / нdd. حد/ واحد حتى شاف ما .
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I met neither Mohamed nor Am-ber.
malaqit la Mohamed wala Amber. أمبر وال محمد ال القيت ما .
I drank only water. mašrbt ġir lma. الما غير شربت ما .
Exercise:Put the verbs in parentheses in the proper form.
lнdd lli fat (gls) f ddar, (xrj neg-ative) عlaнqqaš (kan) š-šta. f l šiya saнbi (ja) u (mša) l ssiberعbjooj. mn bعd (mša) l ssinima. (šaf) waнd l-film zwin. mlli (xrj), (daz) l s-suq. (šra) lxodra. mn b.l d-dar (عrj) d (šdd) tobis uع
( فات اللي الحد ف) ( الدار، گلس علحقاش) ( خرج كان) ف. ( صاحبي العشية الشتا و) ( جا ل) بجوج. السيبر مشى
( بعد من ل) ( مشى واحد. ) شاف ملي. الفيلم السينما زوين ) (، ( خرج ل) . داز ) من. ) الخضرة شرى ( بعد السوق شد)
( و الطوبيس ل) الدار رجع .
Exercise:Write a paragraph from these pictures.Have you ever... / I’ve never...Have you ever...?We can use the word عmmr (عمر) to express the English equivalent of the present perfect tense: “Have you ever...?” and “I have never...” We “conjugate” it as follows:
Have I ever... weš عmmri / عmmrni عمرني/ عمري واشHave you (sing.) ever... weš عmmrk عمرك واشHas he ever... weš عmmru عمرو واشHas she ever... weš عmmrha عمرها واشHave we ever... weš عmmrna عمرنا واشHave you (plur.) ever... weš عmmrkum عمركم واشHave they ever... weš عmmrhum عمرهم واش
The verb that follows عmmr is often in the past tense. Some examples:
Have you ever gone to France? weš عmmrk mšiti l Fransa? فرنسا؟ ل مشيتي عمرك واشHave they ever eaten couscous? weš عmmrhum klau lksksu? الكسكسو؟ كالو عمرهم واش
Have you ever drunk mint tea in America?
weš عmmrkum šrbtu atay b nn?f mirikan عnaع
ب أتاي شربتو عمركم واش مريكان؟ ف النعناع
I’ve never...This is like the conjugation above, with the addition of ma (ما) at the beginning of عmmr (.(عمر
I have never... maعmmri / maعmmrni عمرني ما/ عمري ما
54 • Moroccan Arabic
you (sing.) have never... maعmmrk عمرك ماhe has never... maعmmru عمرو ماshe has never... maعmmrha عمرها ماwe have never... maعmmrna عمرنا ماyou (plur.) have never... maعmmrkum عمركم ماthey have never... maعmmrhum عمرهم ما
Some examples:
I’ve never eaten hamburger. maعmmrni kleet lhamborgr. الهامبورگر كليت عمرني ما .
She has never been abroad. maعmmrha safrat l lxarij. الخارج ل سافرات عمرها ما .
He has never spoken Arabic. maعmmru tkllm lعrbiya. العربية تكلم عمرو ما .
Object PronounsIn English, we have pronouns for the subject of a sentence: I, you, he, she, we, and they. But we also have object pronouns that we use after verbs:
He hit me. I saw her.Ask him a question. We gave them some cake.
So far, you have learned the independent pronouns (see page 7) and the possessive pro-nouns (see page 8). Here are the object pronouns that we use in Moroccan Arabic after verbs:
me ni ـنيyou (sing.) k ـكhim / it u / h ـه/ ـوher / it ha ـهاus na ـناyou (plur.) kum ـكمthem hum ـهم
These pronouns are the same as the possessive pronouns, with the exception of “me.” The “him” form uses u after consonants and h after vowels, exactly like the possessive pronoun form. Some examples:
Omar gave a book to Mohamed. ta waнd l-ktab lع omarعMohamed. محمد ل الكتاب واحد عطى عمر .
Omar gave it to Mohamed. .tah l Mohamedع omarع محمد ل عطاه عمر .
Did you write the letter to Has-san?
weš ktbti l-bra l Has-san? حسن؟ ل البرا كتبتي واش
Yes, I wrote it to Hassan. iyeh, ktbtha l Hassan. حسن ل كتبتها إيه، .
Why did you leave us with him? ?ahعlaš xllitina mع معاه؟ خليتينا عالشShe saw me at the movie the-ater. šaftni f s-sinima. السنيما ف شافتني .
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As you can see, these pronouns are attached directly to the verb. As a result, when a verb with an object pronoun is made negative, the š (ش) is used after the pronoun. Some examples:
You saw me. šftini شفتينيYou didn’t see me. ma-šftini-š شفتينيش ماDid you see Hakima and Karim? weš šfti Hakima u Karim? كريم؟ و حكيمة شفتي واشNo, I didn’t see them. lla, ma-šfthum-š. شفتهمش ما ال، .
Exercise:Replace the underlined nouns by the corresponding pronouns.
1. qrit dik l-jarida l-barн f ssbaн. الصباح ف البارح الجريدة ديك قريت .
2. nsau s-sarut dyalhum f d-dar. الدار ف ديالهم الساروت نساو .
3. zrt duk n-nas f Fes l-barн. البارح فاس ف الناس دوك زرت .
4. ddau wldhum mعahum l s-sinima. السنيما ل معاهم ولدهم داو .
5. wqqfna šffar f z-znqa. الزنقة ف شفار وقفنا .
6. bba عawn xuk f l-нsab. الحساب ف خوك عاون با .
Question WordsSome of these you already know. Some will be new for you.
who škun شكونWho are you? škun nta / nti? نت؟/ نت شكونwhat aš / šnu / ašnu أشنو/ شنو/ أشWhat did you do yesterday? šnu drti l-barн? البارح؟ درتي شنوwhich ašmn أشمنWhich bus did you take? ašmn tobis xditi? خديتي؟ طوبيس أشمنwhere fin / fayn فاين/ فينWhere did you eat pizza? fin kliti l-ppitza? الپـيتزا؟ كليتي فينhow kifaš كيفاشHow did you get to the hotel? kifaš wslti l l-otil? لوطيل؟ ل وصلتي كيفاشfrom where mnin منينWhere did you come from? mnin jiti? جيتي؟ منينwhen fuqaš / imta إنتى/ فوقاشWhen did you sleep yesterday? fuqaš nعsti l-barн? البارح؟ نعستي فوقاشWhen did you arrive? imta wslti? وصلتي؟ إنتىwhy lašع عالشWhy did you come late? ?ttlعlaš jiti mع معطل؟ جيتي عالشBecause I didn’t get up early. .laнqqaš ma-ndt-š bkriع بكري نضتش ما علحقاش .
The word mn (من) is used after some prepositions to create question words.
56 • Moroccan Arabic
with whom mعa mn من معWith whom did you travel toRabat? (In the US: Who did you travel to Rabat with?)
mعa mn safrti l Rabat? الرباط ل سافرتي من مع
whose dyal mn من ديالhow many / how much šнal شحال
The question word šнal (شحال) may is followed by either d (د) or mn (من), depending upon the noun following it. Uncountable nouns are nouns that do not have a plural because they speak about something that can be “measured,” but not “counted” (e.g. tea, air). Countable nouns are nouns that have plural forms and, therefore, nouns with which we use numbers (e.g. 5 cats, 3 books). With šнal:
šнal + d + singular uncountable nounor
šнal + d + plural countable nounor
šнal + mn + singular countable nounHow much time? šнal d l-wqt? الوقت؟ د شحالHow many books? šнal d l-ktub? الكتوب؟ د شحالHow many books? šнal mn ktab? كتاب؟ من شحال
In referring to prices, šнal is almost always preceded by the preposition b (ب).
How much is this shirt? bšнal had l-qamija? القميجة هد بشحال .
How much did you pay for them?
bšнal šritihum? شريتيهم؟ بشحال
Exercise:Write your time line of activities for last Sunday. Use the following time expressions and verbs to write as many sentences as you can.
e.g. f l-weekend tعššit mعa sнabi f rristora. الريسطورة ف صحابي مع تعشيت الويكاند ف .
Time Expressions Verbsf l-weekend الويكاند ف tfrrj تفرج tعšša تعشىf s-sbaн bkri بكري الصباح ف dar دار safr سافرf l-عšiya العشية ف awnع عاون tsnna تسنىf l-lil الليل ف sam صام ja جاmn bعd بعد من kbb كب mša مشىl-нdd lli fat فات اللي الحد dqq دق tlaqa تالقىf (time) ( ف وقت) xaf خاف wsl وصل
šaf شاف qra قرىduwš دوش tkllm تكلم
Peace Corps / Morocco • 57
lbs لبس sift صيفت
Daily RoutinesObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• talk about your daily activities using the present tense• use one verb after another to express complex thoughts• give commands with the imperative
Present Tense – Regular VerbsPresent Tense in GeneralIn Arabic, the present tense normally expresses both habitual and progressive actions.
habitual action: I eat couscous every Friday.progressive action: I am eating couscous now.
For a small number of verbs, the present tense expresses only habitual actions (see page 151 for more information on these verbs).Unlike the past tense, which uses only suffixes (endings) to conjugate a verb, the present tense uses both suffixes and prefixes. The present tense prefix is written with ka (كـ) and another letter (n, t, or y). Present tense suffixes (i or u) may be added as well.
Regular Verbs in the Present TenseVerbs that were regular in the past tense are still regular in the present tense. In addi -tion to these, twoletter verbs are also regular in the present tense. Therefore, they will be conjugated like ktb (كتب) in the present tense. See page 51 for more information on two-letter verbs.Here is the conjugation of the verb ktb in the present tense, with prefixes and suffixes underlined:
“to write” ktb كتب
I write kan-ktb كنكتبyou write (masc. sing.) kat-ktb كتكتبyou write (fem. sing.) kat-ktbi كتكتبيhe writes kay-ktb كيكتبshe writes kat-ktb كتكتبwe write kan-ktbu كنكتبوyou write (plur.) kat-ktbu كتكتبوthey write kay-ktbu كيكتبو
Q: What changes are brought to the verb when conjugated in the present tense?
These have different
conjugations. In the past tense, they
had the same conjugation.
Yes, these are the
same. You understand the speaker by context.
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Time Expressionsalways dima ديما
usually ġaliban غالبا
sometimes bعd l-mrrat المرات بعض
from time to time mrra mrra مرة مرة
once a ... mrra f ... ف مرة ...
once a year mrra f l-عam العام ف مرة
once a month mrra f l-šhr الشهر ف مرة
once a week mrra f s-simana السيمانة ف مرة
everyday yawmiyan يوميا
on (day of the week) nhar ... نهار
on Saturday nhar s-sbt السبت نهار
every ... kul ... ... كل
every morning kul sbaн صباح كل
every Friday kul jmعa جمعة كل
now deba دبا
Some examples:
Greg speaks Darija well.Greg kay-tkllm d-darija mzyan. مزيان الدارجة كيتكلم گريگ .
Malika drinks milk every morn-ing.
Malika kat-šrb l-нlib kul sbaн. صباح كل الحليب كتشرب مليكة .
Amina and her friend travel to France once a year.
Amina u saнbtha kaysafru l fransa mrra f l-عam.
فرنسة ل كيسافرو صاحبتها و أمينة العام ف مرة .
Aicha is pouring tea. Aicha kat-kbb atay. أتاي كتكب عيشة .
I don’t drink coffee. ma-kan-šrb-š l-qhwa. القهوة كنشربش ما .
Exercise:Answer the following sentences (based on the exam-ples above) in the negative.
1. weš Greg kaytkllm tamaziġt mzyan? مزيان؟ تامازيغت كيتكلم گريگ واش .12. weš Malika katšrb atay kul sbaн? صباح؟ كل أتاي كتشرب مليكة واش .23. weš Amina u saнbtha kaysafru l mirikan mrra f lعam?
ف مرة مريكان ل كيسافرو صاحبتها و أمينة واش .3 العام؟
4. weš Aicha katkbb lma? الما؟ كتكب عيشة واش .4
Exercise:Describe in the present tense the following activities.šnu kaydir / katdir / kaydiru? كيديرو؟/ كتدير/ كيدير شنو
60 • Moroccan Arabic
Present Tense – Irregular Verbs with Middle “a”Irregular Verbs in GeneralIrregular verbs in the present tense are more complicated than in the past tense. In the past tense, verbs with the same structure (“a” in the middle, “a” at the end) were conjugated the same way. In the present tense, verbs that look the same in their “infinitive” form may be conjugated differently.As a result of this difference, in the present tense you will have to remem-ber which category of conjugation each irregular verb belongs to. These cate-gories are listed in the diagram to the right, and each will be shown individu-ally. The glossary of verbs in the appen-dix (see page 163) also shows, by exam-ple, how an irregular verb is conjugated. We will deal with two large groups of irregular verbs: 3-letter verbs with a long vowel “a” in the middle and all verbs with a long vowel “a” at the end. Within each of these general groups, there will be three categories of different conjugations. At times, it may seem like too much information to handle. But Peace Corps trainees have been learning the irregular present tense for years; you’ll do great. Practicing irregular verbs with your homestay family is one way to remember how each verb is conjugated. The more you use the verbs, the quicker they will “stick” in your memory.
Present Tense
Irregular Verbs
long vowel “a”
at the end
long vowel “a” in
the middle
“a” becomes “i”
“a” becomes “u”
“a” remains “a”
“a” becomes “i”
“a” remains “a”
internal changes
Categories of Present Tense Irregular Verbs
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1st Category: Long “a” Becomes Long “u”Remember, here we are dealing with 3-letter verbs with a (ا) in the middle. The long vowel a (ا) changes to the long vowel u (و), with the same prefixes and suffixes as regular verbs in the present tense.
“to say” gal گال
I say kangul كنگولyou say (masc. sing.) katgul كتگولyou say (fem. sing.) katguli كتگوليhe says kaygul كيگولshe says katgul كتگولwe say kangulu كنگولوyou say (plur.) katgulu كتگولوthey say kaygulu كيگولو
Verbs like “gal”to be kan كان to pass fat فاتto blame lam الم to see šaf شافto die mat مات to swim amع عامto drive / ride sag صاگ to taste daq داقto fast sam صام to throw laн الحto melt dab داب to turn dar ضارto pass daz داز to visit zar زار
Some examples:
Muslims fast Ramadan every year.
lmslmin kaysumu rmdan kul عam. عام كل رمضان كيصومو المسلمين .
Lisa swims well. Lisa katعum mzyan. مزيان كتعوم ليسا .
This driver doesn’t drive well.had ššifur ma-kaysug-š mzyan. مزيان كيصوگش ما الشيفور هد .
When the verb “to be,” kan (كان) is conjugated in the present tense, it expresses a habit-ual action or activity, not a current state or condition.
Where are you (every) Saturday afternoon?
fin katkun nhar ssbt f l?šiyaع العشية؟ ف السبت نهار كتكون فين
In order to express current states or conditions, use independent pronouns with adjec-tives or nouns (see page 7) or use the participles of kan (كان) (see page 37). You have al-ready learned both!
62 • Moroccan Arabic
Exercise:Describe in the present tense the following activities.šnu kaydir / katdir / kaydiru? كيديرو؟/ كتدير/ كيدير شنو
2nd Category: Long “a” Becomes Long “i”In this category, the long vowel a (ا) in the middle of the verb changes to the long vowel i .with the same prefixes and suffixes as regular verbs in the present tense ,(ي)
“to bring” jab جاب
I bring kanjib كنجيبyou bring (masc. sing.) katjib كتجيبyou bring (fem. sing.) katjibi كتجيبيhe brings kayjib كيجيبshe brings katjib كتجيبwe bring kanjibu كنجيبوyou bring (plur.) katjibu كتجيبوthey bring kayjibu كيجيبو
Verbs like “jab”to add zad زاد to fly tar طارto be absent ġab غاب to leak sal سالto be cooked tab طاب to wake up faq فاقto do / make dar دار sell baع باعto fall taн طاح to touch qas قاس
to trust taq تاق
Some examples:
Hassan sells (is selling) vegeta-bles in the souq.
Hassan kaybiع lxodra f ssuq. السوق ف الخضرة كيبيع حسن .
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I don’t wake up early on Sun-days.
makanfiqš bkri nhar lнdd. الحد نهار بكري كنفيقش ما .
What do you do on Saturdays? šnu katdir nhar ssbt? السبت؟ نهار كتدير شنو
Exercise:Describe in the present tense the following activities.šnu kaydir / katdir / kaydiru? كيديرو؟/ كتدير/ كيدير شنو
3rd Category: Long “a” Remains Long “a”In this category, the long vowel a (ا) remains the same, without any changes, with the same prefixes and suffixes as regular verbs in the present tense.
“to spend the night” bat بات
I spend the night kanbat كنباتyou spend the night (masc. sing.)
katbat كتبات
you spend the night (fem. sing.)
katbati كتباتي
he spends the night kaybat كيباتshe spends the night katbat كتباتwe spend the night kanbatu كنباتوyou spend the night (plur.)
katbatu كتباتو
they spend the night kaybatu كيباتو
Verbs like “bat”to appear ban بان to owe sal سالto look like ban bнal بحال بان to be scared xaf خاف
Some examples:
The mouse is scared of the cat. lfar kayxaf mn lqt. القط من كيخاف الفار .
You look like you are sick. katban bнal ila mrid. مريض إال بحال كتبان .
These have the same
conjugation in this category.
64 • Moroccan Arabic
Present Tense – Irregular Verbs with Final “a”Now we change our focus from verbs with a long vowel a (ا) in the middle of the verb to those with a long vowel a (ى) at the end of the verb.
1st Category: Long “a” Becomes Long “i”In this category, the long vowel a (ى) changes to the long vowel i (ي), with the same pre-fixes and suffixes as regular verbs in the present tense.
“to run” jra جرى
I run kanjri كنجريyou run (masc. sing.) katjri كتجريyou run (fem. sing.) katjri كتجريhe runs kayjri كيجريshe runs katjri كتجريwe run kanjriu كنجريوyou run (plur.) katjriu كتجريوthey run kayjriu كيجريو
Verbs like “jra”to build bna بنى to go mša مشىto buy šra شرى to pray slla صلىto cry bka بكى to like / love bġa بغىto clean nqqa نقى to show wrra ورىto come ja جا to sing ġnna غنىto fold twa طوى to smoke kma كمىto fry qla قلى to teach qrra قرىto finish sala سالى to turn off tfa طفى
Some examples:
Hassan sings (is singing) in the shower.
Hassan kayġnni f dduš. الدوش ف كيغني حسن .
I don’t smoke hash. makankmiš lнšiš. الحشيش كنكميش ما .
Do you run every morning? weš katjri kul sbaн? صباح؟ كل كتجري واش
Exercise:Describe in the present tense the following activities.šnu kaydir / katdir / kaydiru? كيديرو؟/ كتدير/ كيدير شنو
Peace Corps / Morocco • 65
2nd Category: Long “a” Remains Long “a”In this category, the long vowel a (ى) remains the same, without any changes, with the same prefixes and suffixes as regular verbs in the present tense.
“to read / study” qra قرى
I read kanqra كنقرىyou read (masc. sing.) katqra كتقرىyou read (fem. sing.) katqray كتقرايhe reads kayqra كيقرىshe reads katqra كتقرىwe read kanqrau كنقراوyou read (plur.) katqrau كتقراوthey read kayqrau كيقراو
Verbs like “qra”to forget nsa نسى to defy tнdda تحدىto find lqa لقى to eat lunch tġdda تغدىto hope tmnna تمنى to eat dinner tعšša تعشىto meet tlaqa تالقى to be cured bra برىto go shopping tqdda تقدى to be finished tsala تسالى
to walk around tsara تسارى to take care (of)
thlla (f) ( تهال ف)
Some examples:
66 • Moroccan Arabic
From time to time we eat dinner at the restaurant.
mrra mrra kantعššau f rristora. الريسطورة ف كنتعشاو مرة مرة .
I don’t go shopping every day. ma-kantqdda-š kul yum. يوم كل كنتقداش ما .
How many books do you read in a month?
šнal mn ktab katqra f ššhr? الشهر؟ ف كتقرى كتاب من شحال
Exercise:Describe in the present tense the following activities.šnu kaydir / katdir / kaydiru? كيديرو؟/ كتدير/ كيدير شنو
3rd Category: Verb Has Internal ChangesTwo verbs in Moroccan Arabic are conjugated in the present tense by changing their in-ternal structure in addition to adding the normal prefixes and suffixes.
“to eat” kla كلى
I eat kanakul كناكلyou eat (masc. sing.) katakul كتاكلyou eat (fem. sing.) katakuli كتاكليhe eats kayakul كياكلshe eats katakul كتاكلwe eat kanaklu كناكلو
Moroccan Wisdom: ضرب الحديد ماحدو سخون. drb l-нdid maнddu sxun.
Strike while the iron is hot.
In these forms, the “u” is
pronounced very quickly. Thus, one
shouldn’t say “kan-akuuuuul,”
but rather “kanakul”
Peace Corps / Morocco • 67
you eat (plur.) kataklu كتاكلوthey eat kayaklu كياكلو
Another Verb like “kla”to take xda خدى
Some examples:
Every Friday we eat couscous. kul jmعa kanaklu ksksu. كسكسو كناكلو جمعة كل .
She takes medicine before she goes to bed.
kataxud ddwa qbl ma tnعs. تنعس ما قبل الدوى كتاخد .
Exercise:Describe in the present tense the following activities.šnu kaydir / katdir / kaydiru? كيديرو؟/ كتدير/ كيدير شنو
68 • Moroccan Arabic
Using One Verb after AnotherSometimes, we will want to use one verb directly after another. This is true in English:
I want to read. He likes to cook.We forgot to call you. She began to study yesterday.
As the examples show, in English we use the infinitive after a verb (to read, to cook, to call, to study). But in Arabic, as you recall, there isn’t actually an infinitive for verbs (see page 46). Instead, we use the present tense of a verb without the opening “ka.” This will serve as the equivalent of the English infinitive when we use one verb after another.
Present Tense
Without “ka” Used after “bġa”
I want to go. kan-mši n-mši bġit n-mši نمشي بغيت .
You want to go. kat-mši t-mši bġiti t-mši تمشي بغيتي .
He wants to go. kay-mši y-mši bġa y-mši يمشي بغى .
She wants to go. kat-mši t-mši bġat t-mši تمشي بغات .
We want to go. kan-mšiu n-mšiu bġina n-mšiu نمشيو بغيناYou want to go. kat-mšiu t-mšiu bġitu t-mšiu تمشيو بغيتوThey want to go. kay-mšiu y-mšiu bġau y-mšiu يمشيو بغاو
Some more examples:
I hope to speak Darija well. kantmnna n-tkllm ddarija mzyan. مزيان الدارجة نتكلم كنتمنى .
He forgot to bring the book. nsa y-jib lktab. الكتاب يجيب نسى .
Using with Other ExpressionsThis same construction is used after other words and expressions. The most important of these is bash (باش). This word is the equivalent of the English “in order to.” Some ex-amples:
Latifa went to the post office in order to send a letter.
Latifa mšat l lbosta baš t-sift bra.
باش البوسطة ل مشات لطيفة برا تصيفت .
I went to Marrakech in order to see my friend.
mšit l Marrakech baš n-šuf saнbi.
نشوف باش مراكش ل مشيت .صاحبي
Exercise:Combine the following words into sentences, using the proper conjugations of verbs and pronouns.
1. Amina / mša / l l-bosta / baš / šra / kart d t-tilifun.2. huwa / bġa / mša / l mirikan / baš / qra.3. нna / ja / l l-mġrib / baš / عawn / nas dyalu / u / tعrrf / عlihum / u / {huma} عrf {нna} / mzyan.
Peace Corps / Morocco • 69
The ImperativeThe imperative is used to give commands: Go to the store! Open the window! Study Arabic! The positive imperative tells someone to do something, the negative imperative tells someone not to do something. The positive imperative is formed by dropping both the ka (ك) and the prefix t (ت) from the singular and plural “you” forms of the present tense. In the following table, all the examples are equal to the English command, “Write!”
Present Tense Imperativeyou (masc. sing.) kat-ktb كتكتب ktb كتبyou (fem. sing.) kat-ktbi كتكتبي ktbi كتبيyou (plur. sing.) kat-ktbu كتكتبو ktbu كتبو
The negative imperative is formed by dropping the ka (ك) and using the negative form ma...š ( ش... -In the following table, the first verb is gls, “to sit,” and the negative im .(ماperatives are equivalent to the English “Don’t sit!” The second verb is wqf, “to stand / stop” and the negative imperatives are equivalent to the English “Don’t stand up!”
Present Tense Imperative Negative Imperative
you (masc. sing.) kat-gls كتگلس gls گلس ma-t-gls-š ماتگلسش
you (fem. sing.) kat-glsi كتگلسي glsi گلسي ma-t-glsi-š ماتگلسيش
you (plur. sing.) kat-glsu كتگلسو glsu گلسو ma-t-glsu-š ماتگلسوش
you (masc. sing.) kat-wqf كتوقف wqf وقف ma-t-wqf-š توقفش ما
you (fem. sing.) kat-wqfi كتوقفي wqfi وقفي ma-t-wqfi-š ماتوقفيش
you (plur. sing.) kat-wqfu كتوقفو wqfu وقفو ma-t-wqfu-š ماتوقفوش
Some Irregular ImperativesFor the following three verbs, the positive imperative is not regular.
1. to go mša مشى
Go.sir سير
Don’t go.ma-t-mši-š تمشيش ما
siri سيري ma-t-mši-š تمشيش ماsiru سيرو ma-t-mšiu-š تمشيوش ما
2. to come ja جا
Come.aji أجي
Don’t come.ma-t-ji-š تجيش ما
aji أجي ma-t-ji-š تجيش ماajiu أجيو ma-t-jiu-š تجيوش ما
3. to give ta / araع عطى
Give me.
ara أرا
Don’t give me.
ma-t-عtini-š تعطينيش ماaray أراي ma-t-عtini-š تعطينيش ما
arau أراو ma-t-عtiuni-š ماتعطيونيش
70 • Moroccan Arabic
Exercise:Put the verbs between parentheses in correct form, then arrange the sentences in the correct order.
A. mn bعd (lbs) нwayji. ( بعد من حوايجي) لبس .
B. (ġsl) wjhi u snan, mn bعd (fiyq) ddrari. ( بعد من سنان، و وجهي (غسل) فيق) .الدراري
C. ana (nad) f 7:30. ( أنا ف) 7:30 ناض .D. f lعšiya (tqdda) wlla (xmml) d-dar. ( العشية ف ( وال ( تقدى الدار) خمل .E. ana (xdm) нtta l 1:00 mn bعd (tġdda). ( أنا حتى) ( بعد من 1:00 ل خدم تغدى) .F. (wjd) lftur. .الفطور (وجد)G. нna (tعšša) mjmuعin. ( حنا مجموعين) تعشى .H. ana (nعs) ġaliban f 11:00. ( أنا ( غالبا 11:00 ف نعس .
I. ana (šdd) ttubis f 8:00 baš (mša) lxdma.( أنا الطوبيس) ( باش 8:00 ف شد مشى)
.الخدمةJ. ddrari (nعs) f 8:00. ( الدراري ف) 8:00 نعس .
Exercise:Write a paragraph out of each set of pictures.
Text
kifaš katduwz nnhar?Susan mutatawiعa mعa hay'at ssalam. kul nhar katfiq bkri u katjri. mn bعd katduwš u katftr. dima f ssbaн katxdm нtta l 11:30. mlli katsali, katrjع l d-dar. katwjjd lmakla u kattġdda. f l d lmrrat katlaqa sнabhaعšiya kattqdda u bعwlla katmši l ssiber. f llil kattعšša u dima katqra qbl ma t-nعs.
النهار؟ كتدوز كيفاشكل. هيئة مع متطوعة سوزان كتفيق نهار السالم
من. و بكري ديما. و كتدوش بعد كتجري كتفطر كتسالي، ملي. 11:30 ل حتى كتخدم الصباح ف
كتوجد. ل كترجع ف. و الماكلة الدار كتتغدى وال صحابها كتالقى المرات بعض و كتتقدى العشية ف. ل كتمشي ديما و كتتعشى الليل السيبر تنعس ما قبل كتقرى .
1. šnu katdir Susan? weš turist? توريست؟ واش سوزان؟ كتدير شنو .12. weš katxdm f lعšiya? العشية؟ ف كتخدم واش .23. šnu katdir qbl ma t-nعs? تنعس؟ ما قبل كتدير شنو .34. šnu katdir kul nhar? نهار؟ كل كتدير شنو .4
Bobby
John
BargainingObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• bargain for basic items, such as clothing• describe the colors of items• use masculine, feminine, and plural adjectives correctly• describe differences between objects using the comparative and superlative
BargainingGeneral Bargaining InformationIn Morocco, bargaining is a part of life. It can sometimes be tiring for people not used to it, but with some cultural and language skills, it can become much easier. Some informa-tion about bargaining can also make the process simpler.First of all, you need to know what items should be bargained for, and what items nor-mally have fixed prices, even for Moroccans. This is not always easy to determine, since the place where you buy some things may determine whether the price is fixed or not. For example, some items that are sold at fixed prices in a нanut (e.g. laundry soap, veg-etables, eggs) may be bargained for in the souk or from a street vendor. Ask your host family or watch other Moroccans in order to find out. Here are some general guidelines for whether prices are fixed or not:
Usually Bargained For Seldom Bargained For• any article of clothing• any household or kitchen utensil, appli-
ance, or furniture• rent for a house or apartment• taxi fares on unscheduled runs• anything bought in a souk (e.g. grains in
bulk, animals, rugs, etc.)• anything bought from a street vendor
who has no regular shop• petit taxi fares if the meter does not
work• anything used or secondhand• domestic help and services (maid,
plumber, electrician, etc. Determine the price before
the work is done.)
• things which are literally bought every day: mint, parsley, bread, coriander
• refill on a butagas • cigarettes and alcohol • meals or beverages in restaurants• bus fares between scheduled stops• taxi fares on regular runs• pricecontrolled staple foods: sugar, oil,
tea, flour, milk, butter, etc.• anything bought in a pharmacy• meat and vegetables, if the price per kilo
is posted• school supplies
It is also good to be aware of some of the standard tactics that are used between the buyer and the seller in Morocco. If you watch Moroccans, you will see many of these.
The Buyer’s Tactics The Seller’s Tactics• not showing too much enthusiasm for
buying• not showing too much enthusiasm for
selling• walking away when the seller has named
the “lowest” price• turning away when the buyer has named
the “highest” price
72 • Moroccan Arabic
• pointing out defects in the merchandise • noting the superior quality in the mer-chandise
• quoting a lower price for an identical item in another shop
• insisting that goods in other shops are not of the same quality
• claiming not to have enough money to meet the seller's “lowest” price
• claiming that in selling at the buyer’s “highest” price he would be taking a loss
• complimenting or flattering the seller (on his shop, merchandise, children, friend-liness)
• complimenting or flattering the buyer (on his or her language ability, friendli-ness, expertise in bargaining)
The Buyer’s Tactics The Seller’s Tactics• acting insulted by the seller’s price • acting insulted by the buyer’s offer• arguing that the difference between the seller’s price and the price offered is in-
significant; i.e. the seller should come down to the offered price
• arguing that the difference between the buyer’s price and his price is insignifi-cant and the buyer should come up
• pulling out one's money as if the offered price has been agreed upon
• wrapping up the purchase as if the ask-ing price has been agreed upon
When you are looking to buy an item that you know you will have to bargain for, there are a few things that you should probably try to avoid. These include:
• showing too much interest in, or too great a need for, a particular item• carrying large sums of money, carrying expensive, previouslybought items, looking
like a tourist• having no idea what an item is really worth, or what is a fair price for that type of
item• being in a hurry• buying with a guide (he gets a percentage of what you pay)
Always be prepared to pay a price you have named. Do not get too far into bargaining for something if you do not intend to buy it. If you are not clear on the currency in which you are bargaining (i.e. ryals), proceed slowly. In the end, don’t let a bargaining scenario ruin your day. Most of us go unbothered by the sometimes huge markups on big-ticket items in America, yet we can be easily frustrated by a Moroccan merchant who makes an extra dollar or two off of us. Remember that one’s peace of mind is worth something, too.
Bargaining ExpressionsIt’s too expensive! ġali bzzaf! بزاف غالي !
Lower the price. nqs šwiya. شوية نقص .
Give a good price. sawb mعaya f ttaman. التمن ف معايا صاوب .
I won’t add even a ryal. ma-n-zid нtta ryal. ريال حتى نزيد ما .
I’ll add nothing. ma-n-zid walu. والو نزيد ما .
It’s too much for me. bzzaf عliya. علي بزاف .
A good price. ši taman mzyan. مزيان تمن شي .
A reasonable price. ši taman mnasb. مناسب تمن شي .
What’s the last price? axir taman, šнal? شحال؟ تمن، أخر
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Peace Corps / Morocco • 73
How much will I get it for? bšнal t-xllih (ha)? ( تخليه بشحال ؟) ها
That’s what I have (money)! had šši lli عndi! عندي اللي الشي هد !
That’s my last price!hada huwa axir taman dyali! ديالي تمن أخر هو هدا !
ClothingClothing Vocabulary clothes lнwayj الحوايج
1. sifitma سيفطمة 11. fista فستة2. jean دجين 12. jakita جاكيطة3. srwal سروال 13. pijama پيجامة4. qamija ns kmm كم نص قميجة 14. kbbut كبوط5. qamija قميجة 15. smta سمطة6. grafata گرافطة 16. T-shirt شورت تي7. jili جيلي 17. šort شورط8. kustim كوستيم 18. šal شال9. triko تريكو 19. slip سليپ10. triko col v ڤي كول تريكو 20. saya صاية
1. kswa كسوة 11. sbrdila سبرديلة2. zif / fular فوالر/ زيف 12. butyu بوتيو3. jllaba جالبة 13. sbbat صبات4. gndura گندورة 14. sndala صندلة5. liba ليبا 15. mššaya مشاية6. sutyanat سوتيانات 16. xatm خاتم
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74 • Moroccan Arabic
7. ligat ليگات 17. нalaqat حلقات8. kaskita كسكيطا qiqع .18 عقيق9. tagiya طاگية 19. snsla سنسلة10. tqašr تقاشر 20. mdl مضل
Clothing ExpressionsIs there anything else? weš kayna ši нaja xora? خرى؟ حاجة شي كاينة واش
Give me size ... please. .afakع ... tini nnmraع عفاك... النمرة عطيني .
Try this one on. qiys hada / hadi. هدي/ هدا قيس .
Do you want another color? weš bġiti ši lun axor? أخر؟ لون شي بغيتي واش
I prefer this color. kanfdl had llun. اللون هد كنفضل .
It goes well with you. ja / jat mعak. معك جات/ جا .
Colors colors llwan اللوان
Masculine Singular Feminine Singular Pluralwhite byd بيض bida بيضة bidin بيضينblue zrq زرق zrqa زرقة zrqin زرقينblack kнl كحل kнla كحلة kнlin كحلينred нmr حمر нmra حمرة нmrin حمرينyellow sfr صفر sfra صفرة sfrin صفرينgreen xdr خضر xdra خضرة xdrin خضرينbrown qhwi قهوي qhwiya قهوية qhwiyin قهويينorange limuni ليموني limuniya ليمونية limuniyin ليمونيينpink wrdi وردي wrdiya وردية wrdiyin ورديين
purpleнjri حجري нjriya حجرية нjriyin حجريينmdadi مدادي mdadiya مدادية mdadiyin مداديين
grey rmadi رمادي rmadiya رمادية rmadiyin رماديينgolden dhbi دهبي dhbiya دهبية dhbiyin دهبيينdark mġluq مغلوق mġluqa مغلوقة mġluqin مغلوقينlight mftuн مفتوح mftuнa مفتوحة mftuнin مفتوحينbright nasع ناصع nasعa ناصعة nasعin ناصعينfaded baht باهت bahta باهتة bahtin باهتين
As you can see in the table above, feminine forms of colors are made by adding an “a” sound to the masculine form, and plurals are made by adding “in” to the masculine form.
DialogueMichael: ssalamu عalaykum. عليكم السالم . :مايكل
Peace Corps / Morocco • 75
mul l-нwayj: wa عalaykum ssalam. السالم عليكم و . الحوايج مول :
Michael: bġit jllaba عafak! عفاك جالبة بغيت ! :مايكل
mul l-нwayj: mujud a sidi, ašmn nmra? نمرة؟ أشمن سيدي، أ موجود الحوايج مول :
Michael: ma-n-عrf. نعرف ما . :مايكل
mul l-нwayj: qiys hadi. Ah jat mعak! آه. قيس معك جات هدي ! الحوايج مول :
Michael: kayna ġir f had llun? اللون؟ هد ف غير كاينة :مايكلmul l-нwayj: kayna f lbyd, ssfr u
lkнl.الكحل و الصفر البيض، ف كاينة . الحوايج مول :
Michael: ara n-šuf lbyd عafak. عفاك البيض نشوف أرا . :مايكلmul l-нwayj: hak a sidi. سيدي أ هاك . الحوايج مول :
Michael: bšнal had šši? الشي؟ هد بشحال :مايكلmul l-нwayj: hadi a sidi b 8000 ryal. ريال 8000 ب سيدي أ هدي . الحوايج مول :
Michael: ġaliya bzzaf, ġadi nعtik ġir 3000 ryal.
3000 غير نعطيك غادي بزاف، غالية .ريال
:مايكل
mul l-нwayj: lla, nqsti bzzaf. xudha b 6000.
خودها. نقصتي ال، 6000 ب بزاف . الحوايج مول :
Michael: lla bzzaf. bslama. ب. ال السالمة بزاف . :مايكلmul l-нwayj: aji, aji, عtini ġir 5000
ryal.ريال 5000 غير عطيني أجي، أجي، . الحوايج مول :
Michael: ġadi n-عtik 3500 ryal. bġiti mzyan ma-bġitiš lla y-shl.
. 3500 نعطيك غادي بغيتي مزيان ريال يسهل الله بغيتيش ما .
:مايكل
mul l-нwayj: ara a sidi 3500 ryal. ši bas ma-kayn.
. 3500 سيدي أ أرا شي ما باس ريال .كاين
الحوايج مول :
Exercise:Read the text and answer the questions.Saida عndha bzzaf d ttsbin lyum: ss-rwal rrmadi u lqamija lbida dyal ra-jlha. jean u T-shirt dyal wldha. lkswa lнmra u jjakita zzrqa dyal bn-tha. ssaya lxdra u zzif lbyd dyal Saida. welakin, dyal mn ttqašr lkнl?
السروال: التصبين د بزاف عندها سعيدة و الرمادي اليوم دجين. ديال البيضة القميجة ديال شورت تي و راجلها الكسوة. بنتها. ديال الزرقة الجاكيطا و الحمرة ولدها ولكن،. ديال البيض الزيف و الخضرة الصاية ديال سعيدة
الكحل؟ التقاشر من
1. dyal mn ssrwal rrmadi? الرمادي؟ السروال من ديال .12. dyal mn T-shirt? šnu llun dyalu? ديالو؟ اللون شنو شورت؟ تي من ديال .23. weš lkswa lнmra dyal Saida? سعيدة؟ ديال الحمرة الكسوة واش .34. weš ssaya dyal Saida zrqa? زرقة؟ سعيدة ديال الصاية واش .45. šnu llun dyal ttqašr? التقاشر؟ ديال اللون شنو .5
76 • Moroccan Arabic
Exercise:Write a dialogue for the following pictures. Try to write it without looking at the previous pages.
AdjectivesAdjectives come after the nouns they modify and must agree in gender and number. For example, if a noun is feminine and singular then the adjective that follows must be femi-nine and singular as well.Feminine and plural forms of adjectives are derived from the masculine base form. The feminine form is made by adding an a (ة) to the end of the masculine form. The plural form, like with nouns, is not always predictable. The two most common patterns are: adding in (ين) to the masculine form, or replacing the long vowel i (ي) in the middle of an adjective with the long vowel a (ا). An example of each plural form:
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Peace Corps / Morocco • 77
Masculine Singular Plural
happy frнan frнanin we add in to form the pluralbig kbir kbar we change i to a to form the plural
Adjectives in this first group (forming the plural with in) also have a feminine plural form that is used when all the members of a group are feminine. If their is a mixture of mas-culine and feminine people or objects, the masculine plural (often just called “plural”) is used. The feminine plural is formed by adding at to the masculine singular base form.
Common AdjectivesEnglish Masculine Singu-
larFeminine Singular Masculine
PluralFeminine
Pluralgood mzyan mzyana mzyanin mzyanat
مزيان مزيانة مزيانين مزياناتpretty / hand- zwin zwina zwinin zwinatsome / good زوين زوينة زوينين زويناتbad / ugly xayb xayba xaybin xaybat
خايب خايبة خايبين خايباتhappy frнan frнana frнanin frнanat
فرحان فرحانة فرحانين فرحاناتsad / angry mqllq mqllqa mqllqin mqllqat
مقلق مقلقة مقلقين مقلقاتclean nqi nqiya nqiyin nqiyat
نقي نقية نقيين نقياتdirty mussx mussxa mussxin mussxat
خموس خةموس خينموس خاتموسharried mzrub mzruba mzrubin mzrubat
مزروب مزروبة مزروبين مزروباتlate mعttl mعttla mعttlin mعttlat
معطل معطلة معطلين معطالتsoft rtb rtba rtbin rtbat
رطب رطبة رطبين رطباتharsh нrš нrša нršin нršat
حرش حرشة حرشين حرشاتfresh tri triya triyin triyat
طري طرية طريين طرياتpresent нadr нadra нadrin нadrat
حاضر حاضرة حاضرين حاضراتabsent ġayb ġayba ġaybin ġaybat
غايب غايبة غايبين غايباتsweet нlu нluwa нluwin нluwat
حلو حلوة حلوين حلواتsalty malн malнa malнin malнat
مالح مالحة مالحين مالحات
78 • Moroccan Arabic
English Masculine Singu-lar
Feminine Singular Masculine Plural
Feminine Plural
bland / tasteless mssus mssusa mssusin mssusatمسوس مسوسة مسوسين مسوسات
spicy нarr нarra нarrin нarratحار حارة حارين حارات
open mнlul mнlula mнlulin mнlulatمحلول محلولة محلولين محلوالت
closed msdud msduda msdudin msdudatمسدود مسدودة مسدودين مسدودات
fried / grilled mqli mqliya mqliyin mqliyatمقلي مقلية مقليين مقليات
hungry jiعan jiعana jiعanin jiعanatجيعان جيعانة جيعانين جيعانات
thirsty tšanع tšanaع tšaninع tšanatععطشان عطشانة عطشانين عطشانات
busy mšġul mšġula mšġulin mšġulatمشغول مشغولة مشغولين مشغوالت
lazy mعgaz mعgaza mعgazin mعgazatمعگاز معگازة معگازين معگازات
tired iyanع iyanaع iyaninع iyanatععيان عيانة عيانين عيانات
reasonable / serious mعqul mعqula mعqulin mعqulatمعقول معقولة معقولين معقوالت
enough kafi kafiya kafiyin kafiyatكافي كافية كافيين كافيات
expensive ġali ġaliya ġaliyin ġaliyatغالي غالية غاليين غاليات
wide / large wasع wasعa wasعin wasعatواسع واسعة واسعين واسعات
married mzuwj mzuwja mzuwjin mzuwjatمزوج مزوجة مزوجين مزوجات
old (something) qdim qdima qdamقديم قديمة قدام
big (something) kbir kbira kbarold (someone) كبير كبيرة كبارsmall (something) sġir sġira sġaryoung (someone) صغير صغيرة صغارnew jdid jdida jdad
جديد جديدة جدادfar bعid bعida bعad
بعيد بعيدة بعادnear qrib qriba qrab
Peace Corps / Morocco • 79
English Masculine Singu-lar
Feminine Singular Masculine Plural
Feminine Plural
قريب قريبة قرابtall / long twil twila twal
طويل طويلة طوالshort qsir qsira qsar
قصير قصيرة قصارstrong / correct sнiн sнiнa sнaн
صحيح صحيحة صحاحweak dعif dعifa dعaf
ضعيف ضعيفة ضعافsimple / easy bsit bsita bsat
بصيط بصيطة بصاطcheap rxis rxisa rxas
رخيص رخيصة رخاصpoor mskin mskina msakn
مسكين مسكينة مساكنsick mrid mrida mrad
مريض مريضة مراض
Exercise:Describe the following pictures using adjectives.
Comparative and Superlative AdjectivesComparative AdjectivesWe use comparative adjectives when we are comparing two objects based upon some quality or characteristic. For example, in English we can say: I am taller than John. “Taller than” is the comparative form of the adjective “tall.” Here are the comparative forms for some Arabic adjectives:
Adjectives Comparatives
good mzyan مزيان better нsn (mn) ( حسن من)
1. hada kmm qsir.
2. hada kmm _______.3
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80 • Moroccan Arabic
nice drif ضريف nicer drf (mn) ( ضرف من)tall / long twil طويل taller / longer twl (mn) ( طول من)short qsir قصير shorter qsr (mn) ( قصر من)big / old kbir كبير bigger / older kbr (mn) ( كبر من)
small / young sġir صغير smaller / younger
sġr (mn) ( صغر من)
heavy tqil تقيل heavier tql (mn) ( تقل من)light xfif خفيف lighter xff (mn) ( خف من)old (thing) qdim قديم older (thing) qdm (mn) ( قدم من)few qlil قليل fewer qll (mn) ( قل من)cheap rxis رخيص cheaper rxs (mn) ( رخص من)
expensive ġali غالي more expen-sive
ġla (mn) غلى
sweet нlu حلو sweeter нla (mn) حلى
As you can see above, for many adjectives (but not all) the comparative is formed by re-moving the long vowel i from the word. Here are some examples:
Sadia is younger than Malika. Sadia sġr mn Malika. مليكة من صغر سعدية .
The train is better than the bus. ttran нsn mn lkar. الكار من حسن التران .
Comparing Like ObjectsIn order to express that two things/people/etc. are the same, we can use either of two ex-pressions:
the same / alike bнal bнal بحال بحالthe same / alike kif kif كيف كيف
Some examples:
Which is better: a blue shirt or a green one?
ama нsn: qamijja zrqa wlla xdra? قميجة: أما زرقة حسن خضرة؟ وال
They are the same. bнal bнal. بحال بحال .
As the example shows, the word ama (أما) is used for comparisons when we mean “which.”
Superlative AdjectivesThe superlative adjective in Moroccan Arabic can be formed in two ways.First, by using the definite article with the adjective and inserting the personal pronoun:
Omar is bright. Omar mujtahid. مجتهد عمر .
Omar is the brightest student in the class.
Omar huwa lmujtahid f lqism. القسم ف المجتهد هو عمر .
Peace Corps / Morocco • 81
Susan is a pretty girl. Susan bnt zwina. زوينة بنت سوزان .
Susan is the prettiest. Susan hiya zzwina. الزوينة هي سوزان .
Second, by prefixing “a” (أ) to the comparative adjective:
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco.
d-dar lbida akbr mdina f lmġrib. المغرب ف مدينة أكبر البيضا الدار .
Toubkal is the highest mountain in Morocco.
tubqal aعla jbl f lmġrib. المغرب ف جبل أعلى توبقال .
Exercise:Compare each pair using comparative adjectives.
Driss Hassan
t-tomobil dyal Mary
t-tomobil dyal Mike
d-dar dyal Judyd-dar dyal Mohamed
ššklat lxubz
82 • Moroccan Arabic
Exercise:Answer the following questions based upon the draw-ing.
1. ama ġla lعnb wlla lbanan? العنب غلى أما .1 البنان؟ وال2. ama rxs ddllaн wlla lعnb? الدالح رخص أما .2 العنب؟ وال3. ama нsn ddllaн wlla lbanan? الدالح حسن أما .3 البنان؟ وال4. ama нla lعnb wlla ddllaн? العنب حلى أما .4 الدالح؟ وال5. weš lعnb huwa aġla fakiha? فاكهة؟ أغلى هو العنب واش .56. šnu hiya lfakiha rrxisa? الرخيصة؟ الفاكهة هي شنو .6
Shopping For FoodObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• shop for produce, meats, and spices
Fruits and VegetablesAt the Green Grocer’s nd lxddarع الخضار عند
d-dllaн l-banan l-عnb
3 DH
7 DH
12 DH
Moroccan Wisdom: اللي عضو الحنش، كيخاف من الحبل. l-li عddu l-нnš, kay-xaf mn l-нbl.
The one bitten by a snake is afraid of ropes. English equivalent: Once bitten, twice shy.
Peace Corps / Morocco • 83
vegetables lxodra الخضرة1. xizu خيزو 11. lful الفول2. ššiflur الشفلور 12. lfjl الفجل3. lquq لقوق 13. lgrعa الگرعة4. lbtata البطاطا 14. ttuma التومة5. lflfla الفلفلة 15. lbsla البصلة6. ddnjal الدنجال 16. lbarba الباربا7. lxyar لخيار 17. llft اللفت8. matiša مطيشة 18. lmkuwr المكور9. jjlbana الجلبانة 19. llubya اللوبية10. lkrafs الكرافص 20. lkorjit الكورجيط
quince ssfrjl السفرجل parsley lmعdnus المعدنوسgourd sslawi السالوي mint nnعnaع النعناعokra lmluxiya الملوخية absinth ššiba الشيبةcoriander lqsbur القصبور verbena llwiza اللويزة
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84 • Moroccan Arabic
fruit lfakiha الفاكهة1. lعnb العنب 9. nngas النگاص2. llimun الليمون boعwid بوعويد3. ttfaн التفاح 10. ttut التوت4. lfriz الفريز 11. lavoka الڤوكا5. lbrquq البرقوق 12. lananas الناناص6. lbanan البنان 13. ddllaн الدالح7. lxux الخوخ 14. нblmluk حبلملوك8. lнamd الحامض 15. ššhdiya الشهدية
pomegranate rrmman الرمان Japanese plums
lmzaн المزاح
apricots lmšmaš المشماش kiwi lkiwi الكيوي
Buying ProduceUnits of Measurement
scale lmizan الميزانgram gram گرامkilogram kilu كيلو¼ kilogram rubuع kilu كيلو ربع½ kilogram ns kilu كيلو نص¾ kilogram kilu lla rob كيلو روب ال2 kilograms juj kilu كيلو جوج
plum
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Peace Corps / Morocco • 85
ExpressionsGive me a kilo of ... ... tini kilu dع د كيلو عطيني ...
Weigh me ... ... br / wzn liyaع ليا وزن/ عبر ...
Give me some ... ... tini šwiya dع د شوية عطيني ...
More ... please zidni ... عafak عفاك... زيدنيHow much is a kilo of ... ? bšнal kilu d ... ? ؟... د كيلو بشحالWhat do you need? šnu xssk? خصك؟ شنوWhat else? šnu axor? أخر؟ شنو
I need ... xssni ... ...خصني
No, that’s enough. Only 1 kilo, that’s all!
lla baraka. ġir kilu, safi!
غير. ال صافي كيلو، باركا !
86 • Moroccan Arabic
Dialogueshopping ttqdya التقدية
Susan: sbaн lxir. الخير صباح . :سوزان
l-xddar: sbaн lxir. aš нb lxatr a lalla? أش. صباح لال؟ أ الخاطر حب الخير :الخضار
Susan:
bġit juj kilu d xizu, u kilu d matiša u ns kilu d lbarba u xtar liya ši нaja mzyana. عbr liya kilu u rubuع d lbsla.
د كيلو و خيزو، د كيلو جوج بغيت ليا ختار و الباربة د كيلو نص و مطيشة
عبر. حاجة شي ربع و كيلو ليا مزيانة البصلة د .
:سوزان
l-xddar: safi a lalla? لال؟ أ صافي :الخضارSusan: bšнal ttfaн? التفاح؟ بشحال :سوزان
l-xddar: sttaš l drhm l lkilu. الكيلو ل درهم ل سطاش . :الخضارSusan:
waxxa, عbr liya kilu lla rob. aah! nsit tini šwiya d lqsburعu lmعdnus.
كيلو ليا عبر وخا، ! ال نسيت. آه روب و القصبور د شوية عطيني
.المعدنوس
:سوزان
l-xddar: hani a lalla. أ هاني لال . :الخضارSusan: bšнal kulši? كلشي؟ بشحال :سوزان
l-xddar: miya u عndk a lalla tsعsttin ryal. أ عندك ريال ستين و مية تسع لال . :الخضار
Susan: šнal mn drhm? درهم؟ من شحال :سوزان
l-xddar: 48 drhm. .درهم 48 :الخضارSusan: hak a sidi, lla y-عawn. يعاون الله سيدي، أ هاك . :سوزان
l-xddar: lla y-xlf a lalla. أ يخلف الله لال . :الخضار
1. fin Susan? سوزان؟ فين .12. šnu šrat Susan? سوزان؟ شرات شنو .23. šнal šrat mn kul нaja? حاجة؟ كل من شرات شحال .34. weš šrat ši нaja xora? خرى؟ حاجة شي شرات واش .45. šнal xllsat? خلصات؟ شحال .5
Peace Corps / Morocco • 87
Spices and MeatSpices
spices lعtriya العطرية saffron zzعfran الزعفرانsalt lmlнa الملحة turmeric lxrqum الخرقومblack pepper lbzar البزار hot pepper lflfla الفلفلةginger skinjbir سكينجبير lнara الحارةcumin lkamun الكامون red hot pepper ssudaniya السودانيةcinnamon lqrfa القرفة cloves lqrnfl القرنفلoregano zzعtr الزعتر basil lнbq الحبقnutmeg lguza الگوزة paprika ttнmira التحميرة
At the Butcher’sbutcher lgzzar الگزارmeat llнm اللحمlamb lġnmi الغنميbeef lbgri البگريgoat meat lmعzi المعزيliver lkbda الكبدةground meat lkfta الكفتةmeat w/o bones
lhbra الهبرة
chicken ddjaj الدجاج
Exercise: You have guests for dinner and you want to serve them tea with cakes, then a tajine. List the items you need for preparing tea/cakes and a tajine and write your shopping list. Then, write a shopping list for an American dish.
Food and DrinkObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• use the correct words and expressions concerning food and drink• express likes and dislikes using عjb “to please”• express necessity or obligation with xss “to need / to have to”• use bġa “to want / to like” with the proper tense
Food and DrinkFood
food lmakla الماكلة fish lнut الحوتbreakfast lftur الفطور beans llubya اللوبيةlunch lġda الغدا lentils lعds العدسdinner lعša العشا chick peas lнmms الحمص
tajine ttajin الطاجين steamed pasta with cinnamon and sugar ssffa السفة
salad ššlada الشالضة vermicelli ššعriya الشعرية
French fries lfrit الفريت Moroccan soup lнrira الحريرة
olives zzitun الزيتون vegetable soup ssuba الصوبة
bastila lbstila البسطيلة rice rruz الروزmeat llнm اللحم couscous lksksu الكسكسوchicken ddjaj الدجاج pizza lppitza الپيتزا
At a Caféthe waiter lgarsun الگارسونblack coffee qhwa kнla كحلة قهوةcoffee with milk qhwa нlib حليب قهوةhalf coffee, half milk qhwa ns ns نص نص قهوةhot milk нlib sxun سخون حليبweak coffee qhwa xfifa خفيفة قهوةstrong coffee qhwa qasнa قاسحة قهوةcoffee with a little milk qhwa mhrsa مهرسة قهوةorange juice asir llimunع الليمون عصيرapple & milk shake asir ttfaнع التفاح عصيرbanana & milk shake asir l-bananع البنان عصيرalmond & milk shake asir lluzع اللوز عصيرpot of tea brrad d atay أتاي د برادglass of tea kas d atay أتاي د كاس
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... with mint ... b nnعnaع النعناع ب ...
Not very sweet. ma-y-kun-š нlu bzzaf. بزاف حلو يكونش ما .
Some sugar, please. šwiya d sskkar, عafak. عفاك السكار، د شوية .
a glass of cold water kas d lma bard. بارد الما د كاس .
At a Restaurantthe menu lmenu المينو
Please bring me ... ... afak jib liyaع ليا جيب عفاك ...
Do you have ... ? weš عndkum ... ? ؟... عندكم واشWhat do you have? šnu عndkum? عندكم؟ شنو
Is there any food without meat?weš kayna ši makla bla lнm? لحم؟ بال ماكلة شي كاينة واش
I want a tajine without meat. bġit tajin bla lнm. لحم بال طاجين بغيت .
What do you have for dessert? šnu عndkum f ddisir? الدسير؟ ف عندكم شنو
We want a table for (four peo-ple).
bġina waнd ttbla dyal (rbعa d nnas).
د ربعة) ديال الطبلة واحد بغينا .الناس(
outside la brraع برا علىinside ldaxl لداخل
The bill, please. lнsab عafak. عفاك الحساب .
To your health. b ssннa. الصحة ب .
To your health (response). lla y-عtik ssннa. الصحة يعطيك الله .
How do you like the food? kif jatk lmakla? الماكلة؟ جاتك كيف
I have no complaints. ma عndi mangul. مانگول عندي ما .
The food is delicious. lmakla ldida / bnina. بنينة/ لديدة الماكلة .
DialogueKarla u Jason f rristora الرسطورة ف دجاسون و كارال
l-garsun: t-fddlu! mrнbabikum. مرحبابكم! .تفضلو :الگارسونJason: šukran. weš kayna ši
tbla dyal juj d nnas?واش. ديال طبلة شي كاينة شكرا
الناس؟ د جوج:دجاسون
l-garsun: mعlum kayna. fin bġitu t-glsu? فين. معلوم تگلسو؟ بغيتو كاينة :الگارسون
Jason: bġina waнd ttbla нda ss-rjm. السرجم حدا الطبلة واحد بغينا . :دجاسون
l-garsun: šnu bġitu t-aklu? تاكلو؟ بغيتو شنو :الگارسونKarla: šnu عndkum? عندكم؟ شنو :كارال
l-garsun: ha lmenu. المينو ها . :الگارسون
90 • Moroccan Arabic
Karla: ana bġit šlada u ksksu b lġnmi.
ب كسكسو و شالضة بغيت أنا .الغنمي :كارال
l-garsun: waxxa a lalla. u nta a sidi? و. أ وخا سيدي؟ أ نت لال :الگارسون
Jason: ana kanakul ġir lxdra. weš kayna ši makla bla lнm?
واش. غير كناكل أنا كاينة الخضرة لحم؟ بال ماكلة شي
:دجاسون
l-garsun: iyeh! kayna llubya. كاينة! اللوبية إيه . :الگارسونJason: waxxa. jib liya šlada u
tbsil d llubya.جيب. د طبسيل و شالضة ليا وخا
.اللوبية:دجاسون
l-garsun: weš bġitu t-šrbu ši нaja? حاجة؟ شي تشربو بغيتو واش :الگارسون
Karla: ana bġit kuka barda. باردة كوكا بغيت أنا . :كارالJason: ana bġit ġir lma عafak. عفاك الما غير بغيت أنا . :دجاسون
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Jason: lнsab عafak. عفاك الحساب . :دجاسون
l-garsun: 60 drhm. .درهم 60 :الگارسونJason: hak a sidi. سيدي أ هاك . :دجاسون
l-garsun: lla y-xlf. kif jatkum lmakla? كيف. الله الماكلة؟ جاتكم يخلف :الگارسون
Karla/Jason: bnina! عjbatna bzzaf. عجباتنا! بزاف بنينة . دجاسون و كارال :l-garsun: b ssннa u rraнa. الراحة و الصحة ب . :الگارسون
Karla/Jason: lla y-عtik ssннa. الصحة يعطيك الله . دجاسون و كارال :
1. fin mšau Karla u Jason? دجاسون؟ و كارال مشاو فين .12. šnu klau? كالو؟ شنو .23. weš šrbu ši нaja? šnu šrbu? شربو؟ شنو حاجة؟ شي شربو واش .34. šнal xlsu? خلصو؟ شحال .45. kif jathum lmakla? الماكلة؟ جاتهم كيف .5
The Reflexive verb “to please / to like”In Darija, it is not common to say, literally, “I like something.” Rather, we use the con-struction, “Something pleases me.” In reality, this phrase would translate into the Eng-lish “I like something,” but what is important is that you understand that the “person who likes” is actually the object of the sentence, and the “thing liked” is the subject. At first, it will seem backward; in fact, it is (from an English speaker’s perspective). In time you will use this construction naturally.
How to Conjugate “to please”The verb “to please” is عjb. It can be tricky to conjugate because, as we said, the subject of the verb is actually the object that is “liked,” and the object is the person who “likes.” Thus, if I want to say, “He likes them,” I literally need to say, “They please him.” Also, as a result of this, the verb must always agree in gender and number with the subject, that is, the thing “liked.” In the present tense, therefore, the conjugation of the verb can be outlined in the following manner:
Introduce Present Tense
VerbRoot
For PluralForm Only
ObjectPronouns
kay jbع u nik
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(masc. sing.)kat
(fem. sing.)
u / hhana
kumhum
Some examples:
It (masc. sing.) pleases me.(i.e. I like it.)
kayعjbni كيعجبني
It (fem. sing.) pleases me.(i.e. I like it.)
katعjbni كتعجبني
They (masc. plur.) please me.(i.e. I like them.)
kayعjbuni كيعجبوني
They (fem. plur.) please me.(i.e. I like them.)
kayعjbuni كيعجبوني
Present Tense ExamplesIn the following examples, we use the translation “to like.” The literal translation would be “to please.”
jb with masculine singular subjectعI like couscous. kayعjbni ksksu. كسكسو كيعجبني .I like chocolate. kayعjbni ššklat. الشكالط كيعجبني .She likes tea. kayعjbha atay. أتاي كيعجبها .We like Morocco. kayعjbna lmġrib. المغرب كيعجبنا .He likes tajines. kayعjbu ttajin. الطاجين كيعجبو .
jb with feminine singular subjectعI like salad. katعjbni ššlada. الشالضة كتعجبني .Do you like coffee? weš katعjbk lqhwa? القهوة؟ كتعجبك واشShe does not like beer. ma-katعjbha-š lbirra. البيرا كتعجبهاش ما .
jb with masculine/feminine plural subjectعI like the people of Morocco. kayعjbuni nnas d lmġrib. المغرب د الناس كيعجبوني .
He likes books. kayعjbuh lktub. الكتوب كيعجبوه .
Do you (plur.) like kids? weš kayعjbukum ddrari? الدراري؟ كيعجبوكم واشWe don’t like them. ma-kayعjbuna-š. كيعجبوناش ما .
Past Tense ExamplesThe verb عjb can also be used in the past tense, as in “I liked it” or “It pleased me.” It is conjugated like all regular verbs in the past tense.
jb with masculine singular subjectع
92 • Moroccan Arabic
I liked dinner. .šaعjbni lع العشا عجبني .
He liked mint tea. .عnaعjbu atay b nnع النعناع ب أتاي عجبو .
She didn’t like “fat bread.” ma-عjbha-š xubz ššнma. الشحمة خبز عجبهاش ما .
Did you like the chicken? weš عjbk ddjaj? الدجاج؟ عجبك واش
jb with feminine singular subjectعI liked the soup. .jbatni lнriraع الحريرة عجباتني .
He didn’t like the salad. ma-عjbatu-š ššlada. الشالضة عجباتوش ما .
Did you like the old medina?weš عjbatk lmdina lqdima?
القديمة؟ المدينة عجباتك واش
jb with masculine/feminine plural subjectعI liked the people of my village.
jbuni nnas dyal dduwarعdyali. ديالي الدوار ديال الناس عجبوني .
Did you like these books? weš عjbuk had lktub? الكتوب؟ هد عجبوك واشShe didn’t like the colors. ma-عjbuha-š lluwan. اللوان عجبوهاش ما .
Followed by Another Verbjb canع be followed by another verb. The second verb is always conjugated in the present, according to the same rule that you already learned regarding verbs following other verbs (see page 68). Remember that for the second verb, therefore, we remove the ka (كـ) to place it after عjb.
I like to sleep after lunch.kayعjbni n-nعs mura lġda. الغدا مورا ننعس كيعجبني .
He likes to play soccer. kayعjbu y-lعb lkura. الكرة يلعب كيعجبو .
She doesn’t like to wake up early.
ma-kayعjbha-š t-fiq bkri. بكري تفيق كيعجبهاش ما .
Do you like to run early in the morning?
weš kayعjbk t-jri ssbaн bkri?
بكري؟ الصباح تجري كيعجبك واش
What do you like to do on the weekend?
šnu kayعjbk t-dir f lweekend?
الويكاند؟ ف تدير كيعجبك شنو
Exercise: Make correct sentences using عjb.
weš
kat-عjbkl-xdma
dyalk? ديالك؟الخدمة
كتعجبكjbuع-katواش dyalu? ديالو؟ كتعجبو
kat-عjbha dyalha? ديالها؟ كتعجبها
iyehkat-عjbni bzzaf.
šwiya..بزاف.شوية
كتعجبنيإيه
kat-عjbu كتعجبو
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kat-عjbha كتعجبها
Exercise:Make as many sentences (affirmative and negative) as you can with عjb using these pictures.
Suzy
Ahmed
Ronny & Nancy
Aicha
Moroccan Wisdom: ما تشريش الحوت ف قاع البحر. ma-šri-š l-нut f qlع l-bнr.
Don’t buy fish on the bottom of the sea.English equivalent: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
94 • Moroccan Arabic
The Verb “to need, to have to, must, should”The verb xss (خص) translates into all of the following in English: “to need” or “to have to” or “must” or “should.” It is conjugated by adding the object pronouns (see page 55) to the end of the verb. You do not normally conjugate it like a present tense verb; that is, you do not add kay or kat before the verb. Like other verbs, however, xss may be fol-lowed by a second verb which is conjugated in the present tense, but without the prefix ka (see page 68). Some examples:
I have to learn Arabic well.xssni n-tعllm lعrbiya mzyan.
مزيان العربية نتعلم خصني .
You should be on time. xssk t-ji f lwqt. الوقت ف تجي خصك .
You shouldn’t stay up late. ma-xssk-š t-shr. تسهر خصكش ما .
I have to go. xssni n-mši. نمشي خصني .
The meaning in the above examples depends largely on the context. However, when xss is followed by a noun, it only means “to need.” Some examples:
I need cigarettes. xssni lgarru. الگارو خصني .
She needs a notebook. xssha dftar. دفتر خصها .
The past tense of xss is formed by adding the verb kan before it. You do not conjugate kan if xss is followed by another verb. If xss is followed by a noun, however, kan must agree in gender and number with that noun. Examples:
I had to study yesterday. kan xssni n-qra lbarн. البارح نقرى خصني كان .
I needed a book. kan xssni ktab. كتاب خصني كان .
I needed a ticket. kant xssni wrqa. ورقة خصني كانت .
I needed books. kanu xssni ktub. كتوب خصني كانو .
Exercise:Write the expressions that go along with these signs using the verb xss.
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Exercise:Answer the following question in Moroccan Arabic.šnu xssk baš t-kun mutatawwiع najн? ناجح؟ متطوع تكون باش خصك شنو
96 • Moroccan Arabic
The Verb “to want, to like”The verb bġa translates into the English “to want” and “to like.” When conjugated in the past tense, the verb expresses “to want,” but with a present tense meaning (see page 36). When conjugated in the present tense, the verb expresses “to like,” also with a present tense meaning. An example:
I like mint tea. kanbġi atay b nnعnaع. النعناع ب أتاي كنبغي .
When the verb is used with object pronouns (see page 55) in the present tense, it means “to love” or “to like” someone. Examples:
I love you / I like you. kanbġik. .كنبغيك
I love him / I like him. kanbġih. .كنبغيه
I love her / I like her. kanbġiha. .كنبغيها
When this verb is followed by another verb, the second verb is always conjugated in the present tense without the prefix ka (see page 68). Some examples:
I like to drink coffee in the morn-ing.
kanbġi n-šrb lqhwa f ssbaн. الصباح ف القهوة نشرب كنبغي .
He likes to read at night. kaybġi y-qra b llil. الليل ب يقرى كيبغي .
Because the past tense of bġa expresses a present tense meaning of “to want,” to ex-press a past tense meaning of “to want,” you must first use a past tense conjugated form of the verb kan, followed by the past tense form of bġa. Examples:
I wanted to leave early. knt bġit n-xrj bkri. بكري نخرج بغيت كنت .
She wanted to tell him some-thing.
kant bġat t-gul lih ši нaja. حاجة شي ليه تگول بغات كانت .
Exercise:For each meal, write at least three sentences in which you express Moroccan food you like or dislike for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
l-ftur الفطور l-ġda الغدا l-عša العشا1. kan-bġi l-bid f l-ftur2.3.
1.2.3.
1.2.3.
18
20
19
21
29
26
28
25
27
22
2423
9
710
11
12
8
6
3
2 1
4
5
13
14 1
6
171
5
Medical & BodyObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• describe, in Darija, body parts and common illnesses
Body Parts
Health ProblemsWhat’s wrong with you? šnu عndk? عندك؟ شنوWhat’s the matter? malek? مالك؟What ails you? baš mrid? مريض؟ باشWhat aches? šnu kaydrk? كيضرك؟ شنو
I have a fever fiya ssxana. السخانة في .
I have a cold. fiya rwaн / drbni lbrd. البرد ضربني/ رواح في .
I have a sore throat. fiya lнlaqm. الحالقم في .
I’m constipated. .ndi lqbt / krši qasнaع قاسحة كرشي/ القبط عندي .
I’m allergic to... . . . ndi lнasasiya dع د الحساسية عندي . . .. . . kaydir/kat-dir liya lнasasiya. كتدير/ . . . الحساسية ليا كيدير .
I have a headache. kaydrni rasi. راسي كيضرني .
My ear aches. katdrni wdni. ودني كتضرني .
I feel dizzy. kanнs b dduxa. الدوخة ب كنحس .
I’m injured. tjrнt. .تجرحت
1. wjh وجه 16. rjl رجل2. fmm فم 17. sbع صبع3. lнya لحية 18. šعr شعرnqع .4 عنق 19. jbha جبهة5. ktf كتف 20. wdn ودن6. sdr صدر 21. нnk حنك7. draع دراع 22. nif نيف8. mrfq مرفق inع .23 عين9. ydd يد 24. нjban حجبان10. sbع صبع 25. snan سنان11. dfr ضفر 26. lsan لسان12. krš كرش 27. šnayf شنايف13. fxd فخد 28. mustaš موسطاش14. rkba ركبة 29. lнya لحية15. gdm گدم breast bzzula بزولة
98 • Moroccan Arabic
I’m burnt. tнrqt. .تحرقت
I have a toothache. katdrni waнd ddrsa. الضرسة واحد كتضرني .
My ... hurts. kaydrni ... ... كيضرني
I vomit / throw up. kantqiya. .كنتقيا
I need to see a doctor. xssni n-šuf ttbib. الطبيب نشوف خصني .
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DialogueLatifa: malek, yak labas? الباس؟ ياك مالك، :لطيفة
Amy: kaydrni krši. كرشي كيضرني . :أيميLatifa: weš fik luj عbzzaf? بزاف؟ لوجع فيك واش :لطيفة
Amy: ay, bzzaf! بزاف آي، ! :أيميLatifa:
sbri šwya, ġadi n-tbx lik waнd lkas d zzعtr, dqqa btla!
واحد ليك نطبخ غادي شوية، صبري بطلة دقة الزعتر، د الكاس !
:لطيفة
Amy:lla lla عafak, ma-ymkn-š liya n-šrb lعšub.
ال نشرب ليا يمكنش ما عفاك، ال .العشوب :أيمي
Latifa:waxxa, kifaš ymkn liya n-عawnk? نعاونك؟ ليا يمكن كيفاش وخا، :لطيفة
Amy: ttasli عafak b had rraqm d hay'at ssalam baš y-.liyaع iytuع
صلي هيئة د الرقم هد ب عفاك ت علية يعيطو باش السالم .
:أيمي
Latifa: hiya lluwla, ma-y-kun bas. باس يكون ما اللولة، هي . :لطيفة
Amy: ahla y-wrrik ši bas. باس شي يوريك اهال . :أيمي
1. baš mrida Amy? أيمي؟ مريضة باش .12. weš عtatha Latifa ši dwa? دوا؟ شي لطيفة عطاتها واش .2?šubعlaš ma-bġat-š Amy t-šrb lع .3 العشوب؟ تشرب أيمي بغاتش ما عالش .34. weš mšat Amyع nd ttbib? عlaš? عالش؟ الطبيب؟ عند أيمي مشات واش .4
Exercise:What might you say if you were the person in each picture?
Site Visit ExpressionsHere are some useful expressions you may need during your site visit.
My name is ... I am a volunteer with Peace Corps.
smiti ... ana mutatawwiع mعa hay'at ssalam. السالم هيئة مع متطوع أنا... سميتي .
I will be working here for two years at ...
ġadi n-xdm hna عamayn f ... ف عامين هنا نخدم غادي ...
I’m going to spend two days with you (to host family).
ġadi n-gls mعakum yu-mayn. يومين معكم نگلس غادي .
Where is the youth center? fin kayna dar ššbab? الشباب؟ دار كاينة فينWhere is the hospital / delega-tion?
fin kayn ssbitar / lmn-dubiya? المندوبية؟/ الصبيطار كاين فين
What is the name of the chief doctor?
šnu smit lmidsan šef ?afakع عفاك؟ شاف المدسان سمية شنو
Where is the agriculture office?fin kayn mktb lfilaнa ?afakع عفاك؟ الفالحة مكتب كاين فين
Where is the water and forest office?
fin kayn mktb lmiyah u lġabat? الغابات؟ و المياه مكتب كاين فين
Where is the “handicraft center”?
fin kayna lartizana / ssinaعa ttqlidiya عafak?
التقليدية الصناعة/ لرتيزانا كاينة فين عفاك؟
Where is the post office? fin kayna lbosta? البوسطة؟ كاينة فين
Please, I want to open a post box.
lla y-xllik, bġit n-ftн bwat ppostal.
بواط نفتح بغيت يخليك، الله .پوسطال
What do I have to do? šnu xssni n-dir? ندير؟ خصني شنوHow much do I have to pay (a year)?
šнal xssni n-xls (l lعam)? ؟( ل) نخلص خصني شحال العام
Where is the bank, please?fin kayna lbanka عafak? (l-bnk ššعbi)
البنك) عفاك؟ البنكة كاينة فين الشعبي(
I want to open a bank account. bġit n-ftн kont bonkir. بونكير كونط نفتح بغيت .
Where is the Gendarme / police station, please?
fin jjondarm / lkumis-ariya, عafak? عفاك؟ الكومسارية،/ الجندارم فين
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Can you please give me your phone number, please? (at Gendarme / police station)
weš ymkn lik t-عtini rqm ttilifun dyalkum, عafak?
التلفون رقم تعطيني ليك يمكن واش عفاك؟ ديالكم،
I want to get a “cart de sejour.”bġit n-sawb la-kart d sijur. سيجور د لكارط نصاوب بغيت .
Is there a pharmacy here?weš kayn ši frmasyan hna? هنا؟ فرمسيان شي كاين واش
Is there a teleboutique here?weš kayn ši tilibutik hna? هنا؟ تليبوتيك شي كاين واش
Do you sell cell phone cards? weš katbiع la-kart d l-pportabl?
لپورطابل؟ د لكارط كتبيع واش
Which service is available here: Meditel or Maroc Telecom?
weš kayna Meditel wlla Maroc Telecom? مديتل كاينة واش تليكوم؟ ماروك وال
Is there cell phone reception / coverage?
weš kayn rrizo? الريزو؟ كاين واش
Is there CTM (the bus com-pany)?
weš kayn ssatyam? الستيام؟ كاين واش
What day/time is transportation available?
ašmn nhar/wqt kaykun lm-rkub? وقت/ أشمن المركوب؟ كيكون نهار
Is there a cyber café here?weš kayna l-anternet hna? هنا؟ النترنيت كاينة واش
How far is it from here? šнal bعida mn hna? هنا؟ من بعيدة شحالWhich day is the souk? ašmn nhar kaykun ssuq? السوق؟ كيكون نهار أشمنIs there any association here? weš kayna ši jmعiya hna? هنا؟ جمعية شي كاينة واش
Ask your LCF for any other words or expressions you think you may need for site visit.
Moroccan Wisdom: نقطة ب نقطة كيحمل الواد. nqta b nqta kay-нml l-wad.
Drop by drop the river rises.English equivalent: Rome wasn’t built in a day.
TravelObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• describe future activities• identify means of transportation and use appropriate expressions for travel
Future TenseDepending upon where you are in Morocco, people may form the future tense differently. Everyone in Morocco, however, should understand you regardless of which way you form the future tense.
Forming the Future TenseTo form the future tense, take the present tense form, drop the prefix ka, and add ġadi. Thus:
“to travel” safr سافر
I will travel ġadi n-safr نسافر غاديyou will travel (masc. sing.) ġadi t-safr تسافر غاديyou will travel (fem. sing.) ġadi t-safri تسافري غاديhe will travel ġadi y-safr يسافر غاديshe will travel ġadi t-safr تسافر غاديwe will travel ġadi n-safru نسافرو غاديyou will travel (plur.) ġadi t-safru تسافرو غاديthey will travel ġadi y-safru يسافرو غادي
In some places, ġadi is also used with a feminine form, ġadya, and a plural form, ġadyin. In this case, the future tense would be as follows:
“to travel” safr سافر
I will travel (masc.) ġadi n-safr نسافر غاديI will travel (fem.) ġadya n-safr نسافر غاديةyou will travel (masc. sing.) ġadi t-safr تسافر غاديyou will travel (fem. sing.) ġadya t-safri تسافري غاديةhe will travel ġadi y-safr يسافر غاديshe will travel ġadya t-safr تسافر غاديةwe will travel ġadyin n-safru نسافرو غاديينyou will travel (plur.) ġadyin t-safru تسافرو غاديينthey will travel ġadyin y-safru يسافرو غاديين
Sometimes, ġadi is contracted to ġa. The future tense in this case:
“to travel” safr سافر
I will travel ġan-safr غنسافرyou will travel (masc. sing.) ġat-safr غتسافر
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you will travel (fem. sing.) ġat-safri غتسافريhe will travel ġay-safr غيسافرshe will travel ġat-safr غتسافرwe will travel ġan-safru غنسافروyou will travel (plur.) ġat-safru غتسافروthey will travel ġay-safru غيسافرو
Negation of the Future TenseTo form the negative of the future tense, add ma...š ( ش... ما ) to ġadi, ġadya, or ġadyin.
Will you travel? weš ġadi t-safr? تسافر؟ غادي واشNo, I will not travel. lla, ma-ġadi-š n-safr. نسافر غاديش ما ال، .
To express “will never,” we do not use the future tense, but rather ma عmmr ( عمر ما ) and the present tense of a verb without the prefix ka.
I will never smoke. ma عmmri n-kmi. نكمي عمري ما .
We will never travel at night.ma عmmrna n-safru b llil. الليل ب نسافرو عمرنا ما .
To express “not yet” when speaking about the future, use mazal ma ( ما مازال ) or baqi ma (ما باقي ) with the future tense.
We will not go to bed yet. mazal ma ġadyin n-nعsu. نعسو غاديين ما مازال .
I will not get married yet. baqi ma ġadi n-tzuwj. نتزوج غادي ما باقي .
For the remainder of the book, all of the different forms of the future tense will be used in order for you to become familiar with all of them.Using the Participle ġadi to Mean “Going”In English, we have two ways of expressing the future.
I will speak to him tomorrow.I am going to speak to him tomorrow.
Both of these ways of expressing the future are expressed by the future tense in Moroc-can Arabic. In the following examples, therefore, both English translations can be given for the Arabic expressions.
What will I wear?What am I going to wear?
šnu ġadi n-lbs? نلبس؟ غادي شنو
I will sleep.I am going to sleep.
ġadi n-nعs. نعس غادي .
104 • Moroccan Arabic
When the word ġadi is preceded by the conjugated past tense of the verb kan, “to be,” it indicates a past intention or a past future. Some examples:
He was going to travel to America, but he didn’t have a visa. (i.e. he had intended...)
kan ġadi y-safr l mirikan welakin ma-kan-š عndu lviza.
ما ولكن مريكان ل يسافر غادي كان الڤيزا عندو كانش .
She was going to marry last year. (i.e. she had planned...)
kant ġadya t-tzuwj lعam lli fat. فات اللي العام تتزوج غادية كانت .
The use of ġadi to indicate future or past future should be distinguished from its use as a participle to indicating that someone is literally “going” somewhere at the present mo-ment (or “was going” at a past moment). In other words, besides its role as an “auxiliary verb” to indicate future, ġadi also acts as the active participle of the verb mša, “to go.” Thus, mša is used only to express a habitual action when it is conjugated in the present tense. To express a current action, the participle ġadi is used.
I go to souk on Tuesdays. (ha-bitual)
kanmši l ssuq nhar tt-lat. التالت نهار السوق ل كنمشي .
I am going to souk. (now) ana ġadi l ssuq. السوق ل غادي أنا .
Where do you go every week-end? (habitual) fin katmši kul weekend? ويكاند؟ كل كتمشي فين
Where are you going? (now) fin ġadi? غادي؟ فين
This idea of a current, progressive action may also be expressed in the past, and should be distinguished, again, from the idea of past intention or past future that was discussed above.
He was going to travel to Amer-ica, but he didn’t have a visa. (past intention)
kan ġadi y-safr l mirikan welakin ma-kan-š عndu lviza.
ما ولكن مريكان ل يسافر غادي كان الڤيزا عندو كانش .
He was going to souk when he saw his friend. (past progres-sive action)
kan ġadi l ssuq mlli šaf saнbu.
شاف ملي السوق ل غادي كان .صاحبو
I was not going to lie to you!(negative past intention)
ma-knt-š ġadi n-kdb !likع عليك نكدب غادي كنتش ما !
I was not going to souk! (nega-tive past progressive action)
ma-knt-š ġadi l ssuq! السوق ل غادي كنتش ما !
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Time Expressionstomorrow ġdda غدا
day after tomorrow bعd ġdda غدا بعد
tomorrow morning ġdda f ssbaн الصباح ف غدا
tomorrow afternoon/evening ġdda f lعšiya العشية ف غدا
next Saturday ssbt jjay / lmaji الماجي/ الجاي السبت
next week ssimana jjaya / lmajya الماجية/ الجاية السيمانة
next month ššhr jjay / lmaji الماجي/ الجاي الشهر
next year lعam jjay / lmaji الماجي/ الجاي العام
next summer ssif jjay / lmaji الماجي/ الجاي الصيف
in a week / month / yearmn hna simana / šhr / amع عام/ شهر/ سيمانة هنا من
one day / some day waнd nhar / ši nhar نهار شي/ نهار واحد
after lunch / dinner mn bعd lġda / lعša العشا/ الغدا بعد من
Some examples of the future tense using time expressions:Are you going to go to the cin-ema in the evening?
weš ġadi t-mši l ssinima f lعšiya?
ف السينما ل تمشي غادي واش العشية؟
No, I’m not going to go. I’m go-ing to sleep a little bit.
lla, ma-ġadi-š n-mši. ġadi n-nعs šwiya.
غادي. غاديش ما ال، نعس نمشي .شوية
After dinner, I’ll read my book.mn bعd lعša, ġadi n-qra lktab dyali.
الكتاب نقرى غادي العشا، بعد من .ديالي
Someday, I (fem.) will speak Arabic well.
ši nhar, ġadya n-tkllm l.rbiya mzyanع
العربية نتكلم غادية نهار، شي .مزيان
Exercise:Put the verbs in parentheses in the future tense.Zahra: fuqaš (nad) ġdda? ( فوقاش غدا؟) ناض :زهرة
Chad: (faq) f 7:00. 7:00 ف (فاق) . :تشادZahra: šnu (dar) mn bعd? ( شنو من) بعد؟ دار :زهرة
Chad: (ftr) u (xrj). ( و (فطر) خرج) . :تشادZahra: fin (mša) mn bعd? ( فين من) بعد؟ مشى :زهرة
106 • Moroccan Arabic
Chad:
(mša) l lxdma dyali f 12:00. (tġdda) mعa saнbi Tom f mtعm ssalam. mn b l d-dar. f 3:00 (عrj) dعšwiya lعrbiya mعa lustad dyali.
.12:00 ف ديالي الخدمة ل (مشى) ) مع) مطعم ف طوم صاحبي تغدى من. ( بعد السالم ل) ف. رجع الدار
ديالي األستاد مع العربية شوية 3:00 .
:تشاد
Zahra:weš (ja) (tعšša) mعana ġdda inšallah?
( واش ( ) معنا) تعشى إنشا غدا جا الله؟ :زهرة
Chad: waxxa! n-šufkum ġdda inšallah. نشوفكم! الله إنشا غدا وخا . :تشاد
DialogueMohamed: fuqaš ġadya t-mši l
lнfla? الحفلة؟ ل تمشي غادية فوقاش :محمد
Karla: ltnin f ttmnya u ns. نص و التمنية ف لتنين . :كارالMohamed: ašmn wqt ġadya t-tlaqay
lustad dyalk?األستاد تالقاي غادية وقت أشمن ديالك؟ :محمد
Karla: ttlat f jjuj u tulut. تلت و الجوج ف التالت . :كارالMohamed: fuqaš ġadia t-šufi
lfilm? الفيلم؟ تشوفي غادية فوقاش :محمد
Karla: larbع f t-tsعud u rbع. ربع و التسعود ف الربع . :كارالMohamed: fuqaš ġadya t-lعbi tti-
nis?التنس؟ تلعبي غادية فوقاش :محمد
Karla: lxmis f rrbعa lla rub. الربعة ف الخميس روب ال . :كارالMohamed: imta ġadya t-šufi ttbib? الطبيب؟ تشوفي غادية إمتى :محمد
Karla: jjmعa f lнdaš nišan. نيشان الحضاش ف الجمعة . :كارال
Mohamed: imta ġadya t-tqday? تقداي؟ غادية إمتى :محمد
Karla: ssbt f lxmsa ql xmsa. خمسة قل الخمسة ف السبت . :كارالMohamed: ašmn wqt ġadi y-xrj
ttran faš ġadya t-rkbi?فاش التران يخرج غادي وقت أشمن تركبي؟ غادية
:محمد
Karla: lнdd f lعšra ql qsmayn. قسمين قل العشرة ف الحد . :كارال
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Exercise:Read the dialogue again quickly and write down Karla’s plan for the week (write down the times using numbers, not words). Then, write your own schedule for the upcoming week. What will you be doing each day? At what time?
TravelGeneral Travel InformationPublic transport in Morocco is both inexpensive and easy to use. Between major cities, trains are the quickest and most comfortable means of travel, although they can be crowded at certain times of year. Buses are the cheapest choice and can vary in terms of speed and comfort.
Traveling Between CitiesCTM: This is the national bus line, very comfortable, on schedule, seats are reserved and can be purchased in advance in most places. Unaccompanied baggage can be sent via CTM.Souk buses: In each large town there is a bus station, such as Quamra in Rabat. One can buy a ticket one day in advance and fares are set. Sometimes the ticket is for a reserved seat, other times it is for whatever seat is open when the bus goes through town. A ticket does not necessarily mean there is a real seat either. Sometimes there are addi-tional places setup in the aisle. You have to bargain for the price you pay for your lug-gage if this gets stored on top of the bus. The price depends upon the size of the piece. It is advisable to carry smaller pieces of luggage you can store in the bus itself. Souk buses do not always leave or arrive on time. They may stop in the middle of nowhere. They may also stop in towns along the way looking for additional passengers.Train: There are two classes: first and second. The price of any train car with air condi-tioning will be higher. Sometimes there are schedule changes, but no available printed timetables. Check to be sure that the time you wish to travel is still accurate. Train tick-ets can be bought in advance, and this is the only form of local transportation on which you can buy a roundtrip ticket.Grand taxis: This is for travel between large towns and cities. They carry 6 passengers and since the fare is per seat, if you want you can pay for empty seats so that the taxi leaves earlier. Ask the other passengers in the car what the regular fare should be, do not ask the driver first. If you want to take the entire taxi for yourself, ask for a taxi “coursa.” Baggage does not cost extra in a taxi.Pickup truck (camio): In some areas where no public transportation is available, people use their personal trucks to carry supplies to their douars, they also take passengers at a rate that they determine themselves.Airport transportation: There are airport buses and trains which run from Rabat Ville to the Casablanca airport. There are also airport buses which connect the airport to Casablanca but from Rabat/Sale airport there are only taxis.
Travel Within CitiesPetit taxis: Every city has petit taxis which can carry up to three passengers. The fare is calculated by meter. When you get in the taxi, ask that the meter be turned on. If there is no meter, or if it does not work, ask the price before you begin. Since the taxi can take 3 passengers, if you are the only one getting in, he can pick up other passengers. If you are the second or third person entering the taxi, ask the price for your trip. At night (usually by 8 pm) until sunrise, the fare is 50% more than the daytime fare.Chariots: In very small villages, the chariots are used to get people to the weekly souk or to towns on the main road, where larger transportation is available for farther distances.
108 • Moroccan Arabic
Travel Expressionstaxi ttaxi الطاكسيWhere is the taxi stand? fin blasa ttaxiyat? الطاكسيات؟ بالصة فين
Please take me to... wsslni عafak l... ل عفاك وصلني ...
I want to go to this address.bġit n-mši l had lعun-wan. العنوان هد ل نمشي بغيت .
Please wait a minute for me. tsnnani عafak šwiya. شوية عفاك تسناني .
How much, please? šнal عafak? عفاك؟ شحال
Turn on the meter, please. xddm lkuntur عafak. عفاك الكنتور خدم .
Stop here, please. wqf hna عafak. عفاك هنا وقف .
small taxi (petit taxi, inside city) taxi sġir صغير طاكسيlarge taxi (grand taxi, b/w cities) taxi kbir كبير طاكسي
Is there a seat to ... weš kayna ši blasa l... ل بالصة شي كاينة واش ...
Yes, there is. iyeh, kayna. كاينة إيه، .
How many seats are reserved so far?
šнal mn blasa kayna deba? دبا؟ كاينة بالصة من شحال
Four and you are the fifth. rbعa u nti lxamsa. الخامسة نت و ربعة .
I want to pay for 2 seats. bġit n-xlls juj blays. باليص جوج نخلص بغيت .
taxi driver mul taxi طاكسي مولtaxi driver ššifur d taxi طاكسي د الشيفورbaggage lbagaj الباگاجtrunk lkufr الكوفر
city bus ttobis الطوبيسcity bus depot / stop maнttat ttobisat الطوبيسات محطة
Where does bus #... stop?fin kaywqf ttobis rqm...? ؟... الطوبيس كيوقف فين رقم
Does bus #... stop here?weš kaywqf ttobis rqm... hna? هنا؟... الطوبيس كيوقف واش رقم
Does this bus go by ... ?weš had ttobis kayduz ?...laع ؟... كيدوز الطوبيس هد واش على
Which bus do I need to take if I want to go to ... ?
ašmn tobis xssni n-axud ila bġit n-mši l...?
بغيت إال ناخد خصني طوبيس أشمن ؟... نمشي ل
Can you stop here? weš ymkn lik t-wqf hna? هنا؟ توقف ليك يمكن واشlast stop / terminus ttirminus الترمنوسdriver ššifur الشيفورticket taker rrusuvur الروسوڤور
Peace Corps / Morocco • 109
bus (between cities) lkar الكارbus station maнttat lkiran الكيران محطةWhich bus is going to ... ? ašmn kar ġadi l...? ؟... غادي كار أشمن ل
When does the bus leave to ... ? fuqaš kayxrj lkar l...? ؟... الكار كيخرج فوقاش ل
When does the bus arrive to ...? fuqaš kaywsl lkar l...? ؟... الكار كيوصل فوقاش لI want a ticket to ... bġit waнd lwrqa l...? ؟... الورقة واحد بغيت لHow much is the ticket to ... ? bšнal lwrqa l...? ؟... الورقة بشحال ل
I want to keep my bag with me.bġit n-dir ssak dyali нdaya. حدايا ديالي الصاك ندير بغيت .
Tell me when we arrive to ... ...afak ila wslna lعgulha liya. گولها... وصلنا إلى عفاك ليا ل .
driver ššifur الشيفورdriver’s assistant lgrisun الگريسونHow long will you stop here? šнal ġadi t-bqa hna? هنا؟ تبقى غادي شحالIs this seat empty? weš had lblasa xawya? خاوية؟ البالصة هد واشtrain ttran / lqitar القطار/ الترانtrain station lagar / maнttat lqitar القطار محطة/ الگارIs there a train to ... weš kayn ši tran l...? ؟... تران شي كاين واش لWhere do they sell the tickets, please?
fin kayqtعu lwraq عafak? عفاك؟ الوراق كيقطعو فين
Can I reserve a sleeper car to Oujda?
weš ymkn liya n-rizirvi kušit l wjda?
ل كوشيط نرزرڤي ليا يمكن واش وجدة؟
I want to keep the ticket. bġit n-нtafd b lwrqa. الورقة ب نحتفض بغيت .
Dialoguešnu ġadya t-diri? تديري؟ غادية شنو
Doha: šnu ġadya t-diri ssi-mana jjaya? الجاية؟ السيمانة تديري غادية شنو :ضحى
Jill: ġadya n-safr l Mar-rakech. مراكش ل نسافر غادية . :دجيل
Doha: faš ġadya t-mši? تمشي؟ غادية فاش :ضحىJill: f ttran wlla f ssatyam
(CTM). التران ف الستيام ف وال . :دجيلDoha: fuqaš ġadya t-xrji mn
Rabat? الرباط؟ من تخرجي غادية فوقاش :ضحى
Jill: ġadya n-xrj f ttmnya u ns d ssbaн.
د نص و التمنية ف نخرج غادية .الصباح :دجيل
Doha: fin ġadya t-glsi f Mar-rakech? مراكش؟ ف تگلسي غادية فين :ضحى
Jill: f lotil. لوطيل ف . :دجيلDoha: šnu ġadya t-diri tmma? تما؟ تديري غادية شنو :ضحى
110 • Moroccan Arabic
Jill:ġadya n-tsara: ġadya n-mši l jamع lfna u qsr lbdiع...
غادية: غادية جامع ل نمشي نتسارى البديع قصر و الفنا ...
:دجيل
Doha: iwa, triq sslama. السالمة طريق إوا، . :ضحى
Jill: lla y-slmk. يسلمك الله . :دجيل
1. šnu bġat t-dir djil? دجيل؟ تدير بغات شنو .12. weš ġadya t-mši l Fes? فاس؟ ل تمشي غادية واش .23. weš ġadya t-mši f lkar? الكار؟ ف تمشي غادية واش .34. fin ġadya t-gls? تگلس؟ غادية فين .45. fin kayna jamع lfna? الفنا؟ جامع كاينة فين .5
At the HotelObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• look for and use hotel accommodation• use conditional sentences to express possible and impossible conditions
Hotel AccommodationHotels are classified into categories from 0 (non-classified) to 5-star hotels. There is a reduction of 25% on the second day for Moroccans and foreign residents in Morocco, but only in classified hotels.
Vocabulary and Expressionsthe hotel lotil لوطيلthe reception desk larisipsyun لرسپسيونroom bit / šambr شامبر/ بيتIs there an inexpensive hotel around here?
weš kayn ši otil rxis hna? رخيص أوطيل شي كاين واش هنا؟
Where is a nice hotel? fin kayn ši otil mzyan? مزيان؟ أوطيل شي كاين فينPlease take me to a hotel (to a taxi driver).
wsslni l ši otil عafak. عفاك أوطيل شي ل وصلني .
A room for one person (a sin-gle).
bit dyal fraš waнd. واحد فراش ديال بيت .
A room for two people. bit dyal juj d nnas. الناس د جوج ديال بيت .
Do you have a room available? weš عndkum ši bit xawi? خاوي؟ بيت شي عندكم واشIs there a shower with hot wa-ter?
weš kayn dduš b lma ssxun? الما ب الدوش كاين واش السخون؟
What’s the price for the room? šнal ttaman dyal lbit? البيت؟ ديال التمن شحالCan I see the room? weš ymkn liya n-šuf lbit? البيت؟ نشوف ليا يمكن واشWhich floor? ašmn tbqa? طبقة؟ أشمن
Is breakfast included? weš lftur mнsub mعa lbit? مع محسوب الفطور واش البيت؟
I’ll stay for 2 nights. ġadi n-gls juj lilat. ليالت جوج نگلس غادي .
Wake me up at ... please. fiyqni f ... عafak عفاك... ف فيقني
DialogueJack u Amanda f lotil لوطيل ف أماندا و دجاك
Jack u Amanda: ssalamu عalaykum عليكم السالم أماندا و دجاك :
mul lotil: wa عalaykum ssalam السالم عليكم و لوطيل مول :Jack: weš kayn ši šambr? شامبر؟ شي كاين واش :دجاك
mul lotil: iyeh, kayn dyal fraš waнd kbir u kayn dyal juj frašat.
و كبير واحد فراش ديال كاين إيه، فراشات جوج ديال كاين .
لوطيل مول :
Jack: bġina dyal fraš waнd u fih lнmmam. الحمام فيه و واحد فراش ديال بغينا . :دجاك
mul lotil: mrнba. .مرحبا لوطيل مول :
112 • Moroccan Arabic
Jack: bšнal lila wнda? وحدة؟ ليلة بشحال :دجاكmul lotil: 140 drhm. .درهم 140 لوطيل مول :
Amanda: weš lma sxun? سخون؟ الما واش :أمانداmul lotil: iyeh a lalla. أ إيه لال . لوطيل مول :
Amanda: waxxa. عtina šambr. عطينا. شامبر وخا . :أمانداmul lotil: ,mmru had lwraqع
-liha ssع afakum. ktbuعmya, lعunwan, u rqm lpaspor.
كتبو. الوراق، هد عمرو عليها عفاكم الپاسپور رقم و العنوان، السمية، .
لوطيل مول :
Jack: tfdl a sidi. سيدي أ تفضل . :دجاكmul lotil: šukran, ha ssarut dyal
lbit. 156 f ttbqa lluwla.
156البيت. ديال الساروت ها شكرا، اللولة الطبقة ف .
لوطيل مول :
1. fin mša Jack u Amanda? أماندا؟ و دجاك مشى فين .12. šнal mn bit bġau? بغاو؟ بيت من شحال .23. šнal ttaman dyal lbit? البيت؟ ديال التمن شحال .34. weš rxis had lotil? لوطيل؟ هد رخيص واش .45. šnu xsshum y-diru baš y-glsu f had lotil? لوطيل؟ هد ف يگلسو باش يديرو خصهم شنو .5
The ConditionalThere are two basic types of conditional sentences in Moroccan Arabic depending on whether the “if clause” represents a possible condition or a contrary-to-fact/impossible condition.Type I Conditional: A Possible Condition in the Present/FutureThe word ila (إال) is equivalent to the English “if.” It introduces a possible condition only. This type of conditional sentence is composed of the simple past plus the future, or some-times the simple past plus the imperative. This is used in the same context as English to express a future probable condition.
If he comes tomorrow, tell him to call me.
ila ja ġdda, gul lih y.iyt liyaع ليا يعيط ليه گول غدا، جا إال .
If I don’t come on time, go with-out me.
ila ma-jit-š f lwqt, sir. سير الوقت، ف جيتش ما إال .
If I see him, I’ll tell (it to) him.ila šftu, ġadi n-gulha lih. ليه نگولها غادي شفتو، إال .
If she finishes the work on time, we’ll give her some money.
ila kmmlat lxdma f lwqt, ġadi n-عtiuha lflus.
غادي الوقت، ف الخدمة كمالت إال الفلوس نعطيوها .
If you ask her for it, she’ll give it to you.
ila tlbtiha mnha (ġadi) t-عtiha lik. ( منها طلبتيها إال تعطيها) ليك غادي .
If you go to the post office bring me two stamps.
ila mšiti l lbosta, jib liya juj tnabr.
جوج ليا جيب البوسطة، ل مشيتي إال .تنابر
Peace Corps / Morocco • 113
Exercise:Put the verbs in parentheses in the correct form.1. ila huma (tlb) mnk lflus, (mša) mعahum l lbanka. ( هما إال .1 منك) ( الفلوس، طلب معهم) البنكة ل مشى .
2. ila ana (safr), (jab) kadu. ( أنا إال .2 (، ( سافر كادو) جاب .3. ila nta ma (lqa) {huma} f d-dar, .liya (iytع) { ما نت إال .3 { ) ف) هما ( الدار، لقى ليا) عيط .
4. ila ana (xsr), ma-ymkn-š liya (sift) liha lflus. ( أنا إال .4 (، ( ليا يمكنش ما خسر ليها) الفلوس صيفط .
5. ila nta (ja) عndi, ana (عta) {nta} ttsawr. ( نت إال .5 عندي،) { أنا جا { ) التصاور) نت عطى .
Type II Conditional: An Impossible Condition in the Past/PresentThe word kun (كون) is used in the second type of conditional. It also is equivalent to the English “if.” This word introduces two different types of contrary-to-fact conditionals. The first kind refers to past circumstances which did not occur. For example, “if we had worked,” which implies that we did not work. The second refers to present but unreal circumstances. For example, “if I were rich,” which implies that I am not rich. General context is the decisive factor in determining whether present or past contrary-to-fact conditions are referred to.
If I had the money, I’d go with you.
kun kanu عndi lflus, kun mšit mعakum.
مشيت كون الفلوس، عندي كانو كون .معكم
If someone had told me, I would have come to see you.
kun ši waнd galha liya, kun jit n-šufk.
جيت كون ليا، گالها واحد شي كون .نشوفك
If he were working here, I would have told you.
kun kan kayxdm hna, kun gltha lik. ليك گلتها كون هنا، كيخدم كان كون .
If it hadn’t been for me, he would have drowned.
kun ma-knt-š ana, kun ġrq. غرق كون أنا، كنتش ما كون .
If it were not for her, we wouldn’t be eating.
kun ma-kant-š hiya, kun ma-knna-š n-aklu.
كناش ما كون هي، كانتش ما كون .ناكلو
Exercise:Substitute ila with kun and make the necessary changes.
1. ila safrt, ġadi n-gls f lotil. لوطيل ف نگلس غادي سافرت، إال .1 .2. ila mšiti l Marrakech, zur jamع lfna. الفنا جامع زور مراكش، ل مشيتي إال .2 .
3. ila nsiti, ġan-fkkrk. غنفكرك نسيتي، إال .3 .4. ila kant šms nhar lнdd jjay, ġan-mšiu l lbнr. البحر ل غنمشيو الجاي، الحد نهار شمس كانت إال .4 .
5. ila tعlmti lعrbiya mzyan, ġadi t-kun mutatawwiع najн. ناجح متطوع تكون غادي مزيان، العربية تعلمتي إال .5 .
6. ila ma-нtarmti-š qanun ssayr, ġadi t-jibha f rask. راسك ف تجيبها غادي السير، قانون حترمتيش ما إال .6 .
At the Post OfficeObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• buy stamps and send letters and parcels• use prepositions correctly with verbs
The Post OfficeStamps are available at tobacco stores in addition to the post office. It is best to mail your letters at the mail slot outside the post office since pick-ups can be infrequent at other mail boxes. When sending packages out of the country, you are required to fill out a customs declaration form. Be sure to leave the package open because an official is re-quired to see the contents before it is sealed.Vocabulary
post office lbosta البوسطةaddress
ladrisa لدريسةenvelope jwa جوا lعunwan العنوانletter bra برا post card kart ppostal پوسطال كارط
stamp tanbr تنبر money order lmanda المانضة
stamps tnabr تنابر package kulya كوليةregistered letter
bra rikomandi ركوماندي برا normal adiع عادي
postman lfaktur الفاكتور express ixpres إكسپريسpost box bwat ppostal پوسطال بواط customs ddiwana الديوانةbox (for a package)
kartona كارطونة tape sskotš السكوتش
glue lsaq لصاقVerbs
to send sift صيفط to close / seal šdd شدto paste lssq لصق to receive twssl b ب توصلto fill in (a form) mmrع عمر
Expressions
I want a stamp for the US / Mo-rocco please.
bġit waнd ttanbr dyal mirikan / lmġrib عafak.
/ مريكان ديال التنبر واحد بغيت عفاك المغرب .
I want to send this letter / this package.
bġit n-sift had lbra / had lkulya. الكولية هد/ البرا هد نصيفط بغيت .
How much will I pay to send this...?
bšнal ġadi n-sift had ... ? ؟... هد نصيفط غادي بشحال
How much time will it take for it to arrive to ... ?
šнal d lwqt kayxs baš t-wsl l ... ?
ل توصل باش كيخص الوقت د شحال ؟...
Why don’t letters arrive quickly? laš lbrawat makaywslu-šعdġiya. دغية كيوصلوش ما البروات عالش .
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Dialoguef lbosta البوسطة ف
Judy: bġit ttnabr, lla yxl-lik. يخليك الله التنابر، بغيت . :دجودي
l-muwddaf: fin ġadya t-sifti lbrawat? البروات؟ تصيفطي غادية فين :الموضف
Judy:bġit n-sift wнda عadiya l mirikan u wнda riku-mandi hna f lmġrib.
مريكان ل عادية وحدة نصيفط بغيت المغرب ف هنا ركوماندي وحدة و .
:دجودي
l-muwddaf: waxxa a lalla, عndk 22.50 drhm. درهم 22.50 عندك لال، أ وخا . :الموضف
Paul: ana bġit n-sift kulya l mirikan. مريكان ل كولية نصيفط بغيت أنا . :پول
l-muwddaf: ara n-šuf šnu fiha. فيها شنو نشوف أرا . :الموضفPaul: hak a sidi. سيدي أ هاك . :پول
l-muwddaf: mmr had lmtbuع ع ع afak. عفاك المطبوع هد عمر . :الموضف~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
l-muwddaf:weš t-siftha عadi wlla ixpres?
عادي تصيفطها واش إكسپريس؟ وال :الموضف
Paul: ġir عadi عafak. عفاك عادي غير . :پولl-muwddaf: waxxa a sidi, عndk 250
drhm. درهم 250 عندك سيدي، أ وخا . :الموضف
Paul & Judy: šukran, bslama. السالمة ب شكرا، . دجودي و پول :
l-muwddaf: lla y-عawn. يعاون الله . :الموضف
1. šnu katdir Judy f lbosta? البوسطة؟ ف دجودي كتدير شنو .12. weš bġat t-sift lbrawat ixpres? إكسپريس؟ البروات تصيفط بغات واش .23. šnu bġa y-sift Paul? پول؟ يصيفط بغى شنو .34. šnu xssu y-dir? يدير؟ خصو شنو .4
Exercise:Make as many sentences as you can using the follow-ing words. You may need to add some of your own words.
mšit مشيت bġau بغاو šra شرى manda مانضة
mša مشى bġina بغينا šaf شاف kulya كولية
mšat مشات l l-bosta la нqqašع bġit بغيت xda خدى tnabr تنابر
mšina مشينا البوسطة ل حقاش على bġat بغات sift صيفط mirikan مريكان
116 • Moroccan Arabic
mšau مشاو bġa بغى srf صرف
bwat ppostal
بواطپوسطال
mšitu مشيتو bġitu بغيتو
Using Prepositions with Pronoun Endings & VerbsLearning how to use prepositions correctly can sometimes be tricky. First, the preposi-tions don’t always correspond directly to English prepositions . Thus, at different times in Moroccan Arabic we will use different prepositions for what would be the same prepo-sition in English. Second, prepositions sometimes change in meaning depending upon the verb they are used with. This is true in English, too:
She spoke on the rights of homeless people. (on means “on the subject of”)I put the book on the table. (on means “on top of”)
With these challenges, it may take awhile for you to be a master of Darija prepositions. But with continued use and exposure, they will become natural for you, just as greetings are now natural for you. In this section, we will look at two aspects of prepositions: 1. how to connect prepositions with pronoun endings, and 2. which verbs use certain prepo-sitions.Some prepositions you have already learned (such as dyal) simply add the normal pro-noun endings (ex. dyali, dyalk, etc.). The following prepositions, however, change slightly when pronoun endings are added:
to / for l لon / about laع علىwith mعa معin / at / about f فwith / by b ب
The Preposition “l”The preposition l (ل) often means “to” (ex. I gave something to you) or “for” (ex. I did something for you). It may also be used with certain verbs simply to express the mean-ing of the verb; in these cases, it doesn’t translate into anything in English. To add the pronoun endings:
to / for l ل
to / for me liya / li لي/ لياto / for you (sing.) lik ليكto / for him lih / lu لو/ ليهto / for her liha ليهاto / for us lina ليناto / for you (plur.) likum ليكمto / for them lihum ليهم
Peace Corps / Morocco • 117
Some verbs that go with this preposition:
excuse smн l ل سمح send (to) sift (l) ( صيفط ل)explain (to) fssr (l) ( فسر ل) bring (to) jab (l) ( جاب ل)
say (to) gal (l) ( گال ل) to be possible (for...)
ymkn (l) ( يمكن ل)
Some examples:
Kristin sent a letter to Chad.Kristin siftat bra l Chad. تشاد ل برا صيفطات كرستن .
Kristin sent a letter to him. Kristin siftat bra lih. ليه برا صيفطات كرستن .
Thomas bought a present for Jessica on her birthday.
Thomas šra waнd lkadu l Jessica f عid lmilad dyalha.
دجسكا ل الكادو واحد شرى طوماس ديالها الميالد عيد ف .
Thomas bought it for her. Thomas šrah liha. ليها شراه طوماس .
Excuse me. smн liya. ليا سمح .
Can I (i.e. is it possible for me) talk with you?
weš ymkn liya n-hdr mعak? معاك؟ نهضر ليا يمكن واش
I can’t (i.e. it is not possible for me) go out now.
ma-ymkn-š liya n-xrj deba. دبا نخرج ليا يمكنش ما .
As you can see in the example “Excuse me” above, sometimes the Arabic verb requires the preposition in order to be equivalent to the English verb. In these cases, the English translation doesn’t have a preposition, but the Arabic still requires it.
The Preposition “عla”The preposition عla is used with many verbs and expressions, and as a result it translates into many English prepositions, including: “on,” “about,” “to,” “at,” and others. With pronoun endings:
on (and others) laع على
on me liyaع علياon you (sing.) likع عليكon him lihع عليهon her lihaع عليهاon us linaع عليناon you (plur.) likumع عليكمon them lihumع عليهم
Some verbs that go with this preposition:
defend daf ع ع la على دافع lie (to) kdb (عla) ( كدب على)look/search (for)
qllb (عla) ( قلب على) laugh (at) dнk (عla) ( ضحك على)
118 • Moroccan Arabic
speak (about) tkllm (عla) ( تكلم على) to love (i.e. to be dying for)
mat (عla) ( مات على)
In the first verb, “defend,” the preposition عla does not have an English translation since it is required in order to translate the Arabic verb into “defend.” In the second verb, “look/search,” however, the preposition ”.la is basically equivalent to the English “forع Some examples:
Did we talk about the role of Peace Corps in Morocco?
weš tkllmna عla ddawr dyal hay'at ssalam f lmġrib?
هيئة ديال الدور على تكلمنا واش المغرب؟ ف السالم
Yes, we talked about it. iyeh, tkllmna عlih. عليه تكلمنا إيه، .
Are you looking for a house to rent?
weš katqllb عla dar l lkra?
الكرا؟ ل دار على كتقلب واش
Yes, I’m looking for one. iyeh, kanqllb عliha. عليها كنقلب إيه، .
I love (am dying for) pizza. kanmut عla lpitza. الپيتزا على كنموت .
I love it. kanmut عliha عليها كنموتDon’t lie to me. ma-tkdb-š عliya. عليا تكدبش ما .
He’s laughing at me. kaydнk عliya. عليا كيضحك .
The Preposition “mعa”The preposition mعa almost always translates into the English “with.” With pronouns:
with mعa مع
with me mعaya معاياwith you (sing.) mعak معاكwith him mعah معاهwith her mعaha معاهاwith us mعana معاناwith you (plur.) mعakum معاكمwith them mعahum معاهم
Some verbs that go with this preposition:
laugh (with) dнk (mعa) ( ضحك مع) meet (with) tlaqa (mعa) ( تالقى مع)be helpful (with)
tعawn (mعa) ( تعاون مع) stay (with) bqa (mعa) ( بقى مع)
shake hands (with)
tsalm (mعa) ( تسالم مع) argue (with) txasm (mعa) ( تخاصم مع)
Some examples:
Peace Corps / Morocco • 119
I met (with) Samir in the post office.
tlaqit mعa Samir f lbosta. البوسطة ف سمير مع تالقيت .
I met (with) him in the post of-fice.
tlaqit mعah f lbosta. البوسطة ف معاه تالقيت .
I’m just kidding! (with you) ġir kandнk mعak! معاك كنضحك غير !
Would you like to come to the movies with me?
bġiti t-mši l ssinima m?ayaع معايا؟ السنيما ل تمشي بغيتي
The Preposition “f”Like ,laع the preposition f has many different English translations, including: “in,” “about,” “at,” “on,” and others. When used with pronouns:
in f ف
in me fiya فياin you (sing.) fik فيكin him fih فيهin her fiha فيهاin us fina فيناin you (plur.) fikum فيكمin them fihum فيهم
Some verbs that go with this preposition:
ask (about) suwl (f) ( سول ف) participate (in) šark (f) ( شارك ف)think (about) fkkr (f) ( فكر ف) take care (of) thlla (f) ( تهلى ف)talk (about) a person
hdr (f) ( هضر ف) trust (in) taq (f) ( تاق ف)
Some examples:
I came over (asked about you) yesterday, but I didn’t find you.
suwlt fik lbarн, welakin ma-lqitk-š. لقيتكش ما ولكن البارح، فيك سولت .
We trusted (in) him, but he be-trayed us. tqna fih, u ġdr bina. بينا غدر و فيه، تقنا .
Take care of yourself. thlla f rask. راسك ف تهلى .
This preposition, with pronouns, can also have the meaning of the verb “to be.”
I am hungry. fiya jjuع. الجوع فيا .
I am thirsty. fiya lعtš. العطش فيا .
He has a fever. fih ssxana. السخانة فيه .
And sometimes it takes the meaning of “to have” in the expression “to have in it/them.”
This house has five rooms.had d-dar fiha xmsa d lbyut. البيوت د خمسة فيها الدار هد .
120 • Moroccan Arabic
The Preposition “b”The preposition b usually has the meaning of “with” (I eat with my hands), but can also be used for: “by,” “in,” “about,” “for,” and others. With pronouns:
with b ب
with me biya بيا
with you (sing.) bik بيك
with him bih بيه
with her biha بيها
with us bina بينا
with you (plur.) bikum بيكم
with them bihum بيهم
Some verbs that go with this preposition:
believe (in) amn (b) ( آمن ب) marry (with) tzuwj (b) ( تزوج ب)dream (about) нlm (b) ( حلم ب) welcome rннb b ب رحب
be responsible (for)
tkllf (b) ( تكلف ب) want to be sep-arated (from)
sxa (b) ( سخى ب)
Some examples:
She married (with) him last year. tzuwjat bih lعam lli fat. اللي العام بيه تزوجات .فات
They welcomed me into their house. rннbu biya f darhum. دارهم ف بيا رحبو .
I dreamed about him. нlmt bih. بيه حلمت .
Exercise:Replace the underlined nouns with the corresponding pronouns. Sometimes you will need to use a preposi-tion and pronoun together.
Example: l-qt kla l-нut. l-qt klah. 1. Tony šrb lнlib. الحليب شرب طوني .1 . 2. Ahmed šra tumubil. طوموبيل شرى أحمد .2 . 3. lmutatawwiعin mšau l ssuq. السوق ل مشاو المتطوعين .3 . 4. Latifa ddat ddrari l lmdrasa. المدرسة ل الدراري دات لطيفة .4 . 5. weš nsiti lmagana f d-dar? الدار؟ ف المگانة نسيتي واش .5 6. Greg عta lflus l Amy. أيمي ل الفلوس عطى گريگ .6 . 7. ddrari safru mعa sнabhum. صحابهم مع سافرو الدراري .7 . 8. Sara ma-katakul-š llнm. اللحم كتاكلش ما سارة .8 .
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9. sllm عla mwalin d-dar. . الدار موالين على سلم .910. Jerry kayxaf mn Tom. طوم من كيخاف دجيري .10 .
Exercise:Make all of the above verb forms negative.
Describing the Peace Corps MissionObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• talk about the three goals of Peace Corps• describe your job in Morocco
Peace CorpsText
šnu hiya hay'at ssalam?hay'at ssalam munddama amrikiya kat-sift mutatawwiعin l dduwal nnamiya u lahdaf dyalha hiya:1. ttعawn ttiqni2. lmirikanin y-fhmu mzyan ššuعub lli stadfathum u y-عrrfu b dik ššuعub f mirikan3. ššuعub lmustadifa нtta hiya t-tعrrf عla lmirikaniyin.
السالم؟ هيئة هي شنوالدول ل متطوعين كتصيفط أمريكية منضمة السالم هيئة
هي ديالها األهداف و النامية :التقني التعاون .1
و ستضفاتهم اللي الشعوب مزيان يفهمو المريكانين .2 مريكان ف الشعوب ديك ب يعرفو
المريكانيين على تتعرف هي حتى المستضيفة الشعوب .3 .
Vocabulary and Expressionsorganization munddama منضمةdeveloping nations dduwal nnamiya النامية الدولgoals ahdaf أهدافtechnical help ttعawn ttiqni التقني التعاونpeoples ššuعub الشعوبto host stadf ستضفto inform rrfع عرفhost (adjective) mustadif(a) ) ة) مستضيف
The Three Goals Of The Peace CorpsTo help people of interested countries and areas in meeting their needs for trained men and women;To help promote a better understanding of the American people on the part of the peoples served;To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of the American people.
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Youth DevelopmentDialogue
Susan: ssalamu عalaykum. عليكم السالم . :سوزان
Jamila: wa عalaykum ssalam. šнal hadi u nti f lmġrib?
شحال. عليكم و ف نت و هدي السالم المغرب؟
:جميلة
Susan: amayn u ġadya n-gls hnaع-amayn wlla tlt snin inعšallah.
عامين هنا نگلس غادية و عامين وال الله إنشا سنين تلت .
:سوزان
Jamila: šnu katdiri? كتديري؟ شنو :جميلة
Susan: ana mutatawwiعa mعa hay'at ssalam u ġan-xdm f dar ššbab.
غنخدم و السالم هيئة مع متطوعة أنا الشباب دار ف .
:سوزان
Jamila: šnu ġat-diri b ddbt? الضبط؟ ب غتديري شنو :جميلة
Susan: ġadya n-qrri nngliziya u ġadya n-dir mašariع mعa jjmعiyat u ay нaja lli a tnmiyatعalaqa mع ndhaعššbab.
ندير غادية و النگليزية نقري غادية اللي حاجة أي و الجمعيات مع مشاريع الشباب تنمية مع عالقة عندها .
:سوزان
Jamila: iwa tbark lla عlik a lalla.
أ عليك الله تبارك إو لال . :جميلة
Susan: lla y-bark fik. فيك يبارك الله . :سوزان
Vocabulary and Expressionsyouth development tnmiyat ššbab الشباب تنميةyouth center dar ššbab الشباب دارexactly b ddbt الضبط ب relationship alaqaع عالقةproject* mšruع مشروع association jamعiya جمعيةprojects mašariع مشاريع associations jamعiyat جمعياتactivity* našat نشاط director mudir مديرactivities anšita أنشطة anything ay нaja حاجة أي
* In Morocco, the word for “project” suggests to some Moroccans an undertaking that re-quires money. The word for “activity” does not have this connotation. You will often be safer, therefore, using the word for “activity,” since most of what you do will not based upon major grants or fundraising.
124 • Moroccan Arabic
EnvironmentText
smiti Judy. ana kanxdm mعa brnamaj lbi'a d hay'at ssalam. lmuhima dyali hiya n-šuf kifaš nnas kaytعamlu mعa ttabiعa. kangul l nnas u tturis lli kayzuru lipark baš ma-y-luнu-š zzbl f ay blasa. u y-нafdu عla lbi'a mn ttalawut.u baš nnas ma-y-qtعu-š ššjr u yнafdu ahum šiعla lġaba. kanнawl n-šuf mعturuq xora baš y-tiybu u ma-y-sth-lku-š bzzaf d lнtb u kandir mašariع mعa jjamعiyat f majal lmuнafada عl lbi'a u ttnmiyat عl lعumum.
أنا. سميتي السالم. هيئة د البيئة برنامج مع كنخدم دجودي مع كيتعاملو الناس كيفاش نشوف هي ديالي المهمة
كنگول. لپارك كيزورو اللي التوريس و الناس ل الطبيعة و. أي ف الزبل يلوحوش ما باش البيئة على يحافضو بالصة التلوت من .
الغابة. على يحافضو و الشجر يقطعوش ما الناس باش و ما و يطيبو باش خرى طرق شي معاهم نشوف كنحاول
الجمعيات مع مشاريع كندير و الحطب د بزاف يستهلكوش العموم عل التنمية و البيئة عل المحافضة مجال ف .
Vocabulary and Expressionsenvironment lbi'a البيئةprogram brnamj برنامج forest ġaba غابةto deal (with) tعaml (mعa) ( تعامل مع) ways turuq طرقnature tabiعa طبيعة firewood lнtb الحطبtrash zzbl الزبل field / domain majal مجالto protect нafd عla على حافض in general umumعl lع العموم علpollution ttulwut التلوت to cut qtع قطعtrees ššjr الشجر to consume sthlk ستهلك
Peace Corps / Morocco • 125
126 • Moroccan Arabic
HealthDialogue
Sumiya: ssalamu عalaykum. عليكم السالم . :سميةChristine: wa عalaykum ssalam. السالم عليكم و . :كريستين
Sumiya: šftk lbarн f ssbitar. weš nti frmliya?
واش. ف البارح شفتك الصبيطار فرملية؟ نت
:سمية
Christine: lla maši frmliya u maši tbiba.
طبيبة ماشي و فرملية ماشي ال . :كريستين
Sumiya: šnu xdmtk? خدمتك؟ شنو :سمية
Christine: kantkllm mعa nnas عla sннthum u sннt wladhum. و صحتهم على الناس مع كنتكلم
والدهم صحت .
:كريستين
Sumiya: weš katعtihum ddwa? الدوا؟ كتعطيهم واش :سميةChristine:
ma-kanعtihum-š ddwa u ma-kandir-š libra. kangul l nnas šnu xsshum y-diru baš maymrdu-š huma wlla wlad-hum. u kanhdr mعahum عla l'ahammiya dyal ddwa d lbir, u bit lma u ġsil ly-ddin u d-dwa d lkrš.
ما و الدوا كنعطيهمش ما كنگول. كنديرش الناس ل لبرة
ما باش يديرو خصهم شنو هما يمرضوش و. وال والدهم
ديال األهمية على معاهم كنهضر غسيل و الما بيت و البير، د الدوا
الكرش د الدوا و اليدين .
:كريستين
Sumiya: mzyan. had šši muhim. u saнbtk šnu katdir?
هد. و. الشي مزيان صاحبتك مهم كتدير؟ شنو
:سمية
Christine:katgul lihum y-jlbu l wladhum baš maymrduš u katšrн lihum šnu xsshum y-diru ila ma-bġau-š ywldu bzzaf u katnsн lعyalat lнamlat baš ymšiu l ssbitar.
باش والدهم ل يجلبو ليهم كتگول شنو ليهم كتشرح و يمرضوش ما
يولدو بغاوش ما إال يديرو خصهم الحامالت العياالت كتنصح و بزاف الصبيطار ل يمشيو باش .
:كريستين
Sumiya: had šši mzyan. tbark lla .likumع
تبارك. الشي هد الله مزيان .عليكم :سمية
Christine: lla y-bark fik. فيك يبارك الله . :كريستين
Peace Corps / Morocco • 127
Vocabulary and Expressionshealth ssннa الصحة
health clinic ssbitar الصبيطار the importance l'ahammiya األهمية
nurse lfrmli(ya) ) ة) الفرملي the (water) well lbir البير
doctor ttbib(a) ) ة) الطبيب diarrhea lkrš الكرشto be sick mrd مرض to immunize jlb جلبmedicines ddwa الدوا to give birth wld ولدthe shot libra لبرة pregnant нamla حاملة
128 • Moroccan Arabic
Small Business DevelopmentDialogue
Chris: ssalamu عalaykum. عليكم السالم . :كريس
l-mعllm: wa عalaykum ssalam. السالم عليكم و . :لمعلمChris: smн li n-qddm lik rasi. راسي ليك نقدم لي سمح . :كريس
l-mعllm: iyeh, tfddl a sidi. سيدي أ تفضل إيه، . :لمعلمChris:
smiti Chris, ana mu-tatawwiع mعa hay'at ssalam u jit hna baš n.awn lmuqawalat ssġiraع
هيئة مع متطوع أنا كريس، سميتي نعاون باش هنا جيت و السالم
الصغيرة المقاوالت .
:كريس
l-mعllm: u kifaš ġat-عawnha? غتعاونها؟ كيفاش و :لمعلمChris:
f bzzaf d lнwayj, bнal lнisabat u l'išhar u ttswiq. matalan kansawbu lakart d vizit l lmuqawala u kanعtiuha smiya u kanšhhru lmntuj dyalha f l-internet.
و الحسابات بحال الحوايج، د بزاف ف . و اإلشهار متال كنصاوبو التسويق و المقاولة ل ڤزيت د الكارت
المنتوج كنشهرو و سمية كنعطيوها النترنت ف ديالها .
:كريس
l-mعllm: had šši mumtaz welakin baš ġat-stafd had lmuqawala?
غتستافد باش ولكن ممتاز الشي هد المقاولة؟ هد
:لمعلم
Chris: ġat-stafd нit ġat-biع sslعa dyalha f lmġrib u f lxarij.
ف ديالها السلعة غتبيع حيت غتستافد الخارج ف و المغرب .
:كريس
l-mعllm: mzyan. lla y-عawnk. الله. يعاونك مزيان . :لمعلمChris: šukran a sidi. سيدي أ شكرا . :كريس
Vocabulary and Expressionssmall business development
tnmiyat lmuqawalat ssġira الصغيرة المقاوالت تنمية
enterprise / firm
lmuqawala المقاولة products lmntuj المنتوج
accountancy lнisabat الحسابات merchandise sslعa السلعة
advertisement l'išhar اإلشهار business cardlakart d vizit ڤزيت د الكارت
to advertise šhhr شهر abroad lxarij الخارج
marketing ttswiq التسويق to advertise the products
šhhr b lmn-tuj المنتوج ب شهر
Renting a HouseObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• speak about renting and furnishing houses
Finding a HouseVocabulary
building / block of flats
imaraع عمارة
floor tbqa طبقةapartment brtma برطمةhouse dar دارstairs druj دروجelevator sansur سانسورbalcony balkun بالكون bath lнmmam الحمامrental agent (in cities)
ssmsar السمصار shower dduš الدوش
living room salun صالون kitchen lkuzina الكوزينةbedroom bit nnعas النعاس بيت neighbor jar(a) ) ة) جار
bathroombit lma / twalet
/ الما بيت طواليط neighbors jiran جيران
Expressions
I’m looking for a house to rent.kanqllb عla ši dar l lkra. الكرا ل دار شي على كنقلب .
Can you show it to me?weš ymkn lik t-wrriha liya? ليا؟ توريها ليك يمكن واش
Where is it located? ašmn blasa? بالصة؟ أشمن
Give me directions to it. n ع ع t liya fin jat. جات فين ليا نعت .
Can I see it? weš ymkn liya n-šufha? نشوفها؟ ليا يمكن واشHow many rooms does it have? šнal fiha mn bit? بيت؟ من فيها شحالIs the roof for common use? weš sstн mšruk? مشروك؟ السطح واش
130 • Moroccan Arabic
DialogueMark: ssalamu عalaykum عليكم السالم :مارك
l-нaj: wa عalaykum ssalam السالم عليكم و :الحاج
Mark: weš kayna ši dar l lkra? الكرا؟ ل دار شي كاينة واش :مارك
l-нaj: weš bġiti maнal kbir wlla sġir?
كبير محل بغيتي واش صغير؟ وال :الحاج
Mark:bġit dar mtwssta, y-kun fiha salun u bit nnعas u dduš u kuzina u katdxl liha ššms u ykun sstн dyali bwнdi.
صالون فيها يكون متوسطة، دار بغيت و كوزينة و الدوش و النعاس بيت و
السطح يكون و الشمس ليها كتدخل بوحدي ديالي .
:مارك
l-нaj: kayna wнda welakin tta-man dyalha 20.000 ryal.
20.000 ديالها التمن ولكن وحدة كاينة .ريال
:الحاج
Mark: lla bzzaf عliya, laнqqaš ana ġir bwнdi uعma-ġadi-š n-qdr nxlls had ttaman.
بوحدي غير أنا علحقاش عليا، بزاف ال التمن هد نخلص نقدر غاديش ما و .
:مارك
l-нaj: šнal bġiti t-xlls? تخلص؟ بغيتي شحال :الحاج
Mark: 10.000 ryal. .ريال 10.000 :مارك
l-нaj:
iwa f had ssaعa mamu-juda-š ši нaja b dak ttaman. welakin mrra mrra rj ع ع ndi, ila lqit ši нaja ġadi nعlmk.
شي موجوداش ما الساعة هد ف إو ولكن. داك ب حاجة مرة مرة التمن غادي حاجة شي لقيت إال عندي، رجع
.نعلمك
:الحاج
Mark: waxxa a sidi, barak lla u fik.
فيك و الله بارك سيدي، أ وخا . :مارك
l-нaj: lla y-bark fik. فيك يبارك الله . :الحاج
?nd lнajع laš mša Markع .1 الحاج؟ عند مارك مشى عالش .12. weš bġa dar kbira wlla dar sġira? كبيرة دار بغى واش .2 صغيرة؟ دار وال3. šnu bġa y-kun f had d-dar? الدار؟ هد ف يكون بغى شنو .34. weš šaf Mark d-dar lli hdr ?liha lнajع الحاج؟ عليها هضر اللي الدار مارك شاف واش .4
?laš ma-kraha-šع .5 كراهاش؟ ما عالش .56. weš kayna ši dar xora rxs mn hadi? هادي؟ من رخص خرى دار شي كاينة واش .67. fuqaš ġadi y-rjع Mark عnd lнaj? الحاج؟ عند مارك يرجع غادي فوقاش .7
Peace Corps / Morocco • 131
Furnishing a HouseHouse Furniture
table tbla طبلة radio / tape recorder
musjjala مسجلة
chair kursi كرسي television tlfaza تلفزةbed namusiya ناموسية electric outlet priz پريز
pillowmxdda / us-ada وسادة/ مخدة light bulb bola بولة
floor mat нsira حصيرة electric cord xit d ddow الضو د خيطrug zrbiya زربية candle šmعa شمعة
carpet mukit موكيط ironmsluн / нdida حديدة/ مصلوح
blanketmanta / kaša كاشة/ مانطة key / switch sarut ساروت
curtain xamiya خامية broom štaba شطابة
sheet izar إزار squeegeejbbada / jfafa جفافة/ جبادة
Moroccan sofa ponj پونج water heater ššufu شوفوcouch sdari سداري heater šofaj شوفاج
Kitchenwarerefrigerator tllaja تالجة spoon mعlqa معلقةoven frran فران knife mus موسblender tннana طحانة fork fršita فرشيطةsaucepan gamila گميلة glass kas كاسcooking pot tawa طاوة teapot brrad برادplate tbsil طبسيل coffee pot briq بريقbrazier mjmr مجمر tray siniya صينيةgrill šuwaya شواية bowl zlafa زالفةstrainer sffaya صفاية kettle mqraj مقراجpressure cooker
kokot كوكوت pitcher ġrraf غراف
sifter ġrbal غربال couscous pot brma برمةfrying pan mqla مقلة ladle mġrfa مغرفة
faucet robini روبيني
Exercise:Put the household items in the correct “room.”butagaz بوطاگاز kuzina
كوزيناkursi كرسيnamusiya ناموسية
132 • Moroccan Arabic
tbla طبلةsabun صابون mus موسmعlqa معلقة
bit n-nعasالنعاسبيت
mus موسtawa طاوةktab كتابlma الماddu الضو
bit l-maالمابيت
tbsil طبسيلusada وسادةsffaya صفايةrobini روبيني
Exercise:Describe in Darija the house you want to rent.
Moroccan Wisdom: يد وحدة ما كتصفقش. ydd wнda ma-kat-sffq-š.
One hand can’t clap.
Safety and SecurityObjective: By the end of the chapter, you will be able to:• list some safety and security problems you may face during your service• describe some strategies for dealing with these issues• use Moroccan Arabic to implement these strategies
Sexual HarassmentVocabulary
gazelle* lġzala الغزالة to follow someone tbع تبع
the beautiful* zzwina الزوينة to get in someone's way
tعrrd تعرض
the beauty* zzin الزين to harass ngg نگa strawberry (girl)* ttuta التوتة
*These words are used by men to harass women.Expressions
sexual harassment taнrruš jinsi جنسي تحرش
He followed me. tbعni. .تبعنيWhat do you want? šnu bġiti? بغيتي؟ شنو
Go away. sir f нalk. حالك ف سير .
Get away (far) from me. b ع ع d mnni. مني بعد .
Let go of me. tlq mnni. مني طلق .
Don’t touch me. ma-t-qisni-š. تقيسنيش ما .
Don’t follow me again. ma-t-عawd-š t-tbعni. تبعني تعاودش ما .
Give me some space. (go away) .عtini ttisaع التساع عطيني .
Go or you will regret it. sir wlla ġadi t-ndm. سير تندم غادي وال .
I will tell the police. ġadi n-bllġ lbulis. البوليس نبلغ غادي .
I will call the gendarmes.ġadi n-عiyt عla jjadarmiya. الجدارمية على نعيط غادي .
Respect yourself. нtarm rask. راسك حترم .
He doesn’t want to get away (far) from me.
ma-bġa-š y-b ع ع d mnni. مني يبعد بغاش ما .
I told you: get away (far) from me.
glt lik: b ع ع d mnni. بعد: گلت مني ليك .
I told you: go away. glt lik: sir f нalk. سير: گلت حالك ف ليك .
134 • Moroccan Arabic
Text - Arabicالشباب دار من خارجة كاتي
منين. ديال الجنب ف واقف الطوموبيل مول واحد كان الشباب، دار من خارجة كاتي ملي كاتي وصالت الطريق طلعي: " گال حداه، كاتي." الغزالة أ ليها سير: " گالت نوصلك واش. ف ليه بقات" يتبع واحد شي بغيتي حالك كاتي ختك؟ قطعات. الطوموبيل مول بقى و غادية حنات. الجها ل الطريق كاتي تبعها ف. كمالت و راسها الخرى التاني نهار طريقها ف. مول مع الشي نفس عاود " مول ل كاتي گالت التالت نهار الطوموبيل إال: نبلغ غادي تبعني عاودتي الطوموبيل
ب." البوليس. رقم همتعطا و بلغات و البوليس ل مشات و تبعها عاود الفعل البوليس و الطوموبيل مول شدو الطوموبيل طلب. على عيطو خرى مرة ليها يتعرض بقيش ما باش لتزم و كاتي من السماحة الطوموبيل مول كاتي .
Text - Transcription
Cathy xarja mn dar ššbabmlli Cathy xarja mn dar ššbab, kan waнd mul ttumubil waqf f jjnb dyal
ttriq. mnin wslat Cathy нdah, gal liha: "tlعi a lġzala n-wsslk." Cathy galt lih: "sir f нalk. weš bġiti ši waнd y-tbع xtk?" bqat Cathy ġadya u bqa mul ttumubil tbعha. qtعat Cathy ttriq l jjiha lxura. нnat rasha u kmm-lat triqha. f nhar ttani عawd nfs šši mعa mul ttumubil. f nhar ttalt galt Cathy l mul ttumubil: "ila عawdti tbعni ġadi n-bllġ lbulis." b lfiعl عawd tbعha u mšat l lbulis u bllġat u tathum rqm ttumubil. lbulis šddu mulع ttumubil u عiytu عla Cathy. tlb mul ttumubil ssmaнa mn Cathy u ltazm baš ma-bqi-š y-tعrrd liha mrra xora.
Questions1. fin kant Cathy? كاتي؟ كانت فين .12. fin kan mul ttumubil? الطوموبيل؟ مول كان فين .23. šnu gal mul ttumubil l Cathy? كاتي؟ ل الطوموبيل مول گال شنو .34. weš mšat Cathy mعa mul ttumubil? الطوموبيل؟ مول مع كاتي مشات واش .45. šnu dart Cathy mlli عawd tbعha mul ttumubil? الطوموبيل؟ مول تبعها عاود ملي كاتي دارت شنو .56. šnu dar mul ttumubil mlli šdduh lbulis? البوليس؟ شدوه ملي الطوموبيل مول دار شنو .6
Text - English TranslationCathy coming out of the youth center
When Cathy was coming out of the youth center, there was a man in his car by the side of the road. As she passed by him, he told her: “Get in gazelle, I will take you home.” Cathy said: “Go away. Is it okay with you if someone harasses your sister?” Cathy kept walking and the man was following her with his car. She crossed the road, ignoring him, and continued on her way. The next day, the same thing happened with that man. The following day Cathy told the man: “If you follow me again I will tell the police.” In fact, he did follow her again and so she went to the police station. She told them what happened and gave them the license plate number. The police arrested the man and called Cathy. The man apologized to Cathy and promised not to get in her way again.
Peace Corps / Morocco • 135
At the Taxi StandVocabulary
seat blasa بالصة windshield jjaja الجاجةtire rwida رويضة cracked mšquqa مشقوقةsmooth memsuнa ممسوحة to be afraid xaf خاف
to happen wqع وقع
ExpressionsDrive slowly please. sug b ššwiya عafak. عفاك الشوية ب صوگ .
Better safe than sorry.llahumma slama wala ndama. ندامة وال سالمة اللهم .
Dialoguef maнtta d ttaxiyat الطاكسيات د محطة ف
l-kurti: blasa Akka, blasa Akka. أقا بالصة أقا، بالصة . :الكورتي
Max: ana ġadi l Akka. أقا ل غادي أنا . :ماكس
l-kurti: tlع. .طلع :الكورتي
Max: bllati, xllini n-šuf ttaksi bعda. ma-bġit-š n-mši f had ttaksi.
بعدا. الطاكسي نشوف خليني بالتي، الطاكسي هد ف نمشي بغيتش ما . :ماكس
l-kurti: ?lašع عالش؟ :الكورتي
Max: rrwayd mmsuнin u jjaja lqddamiya mšquqa.
الجاجة و ممسوحين الروايض مشقوقة القدامية . :ماكس
l-kurti:ġir zid ma-t-xaf-š, ma ġadi y-wqع walu.
يوقع غادي ما تخافش، ما زيد غير .والو :الكورتي
Max: šuf liya ši taxi mzyan .afakع
عفاك مزيان طاكسي شي ليا شوف . :ماكس
l-kurti: xssk t-tsnna šwiya. شوية تسنى خصك . :الكورتي
Max: lwqt maši muškil. llahumma slama wala ndama.
اللهم. ماشي الوقت وال سالمة مشكل .ندامة :ماكس
Questions1. fin kayn Max? ماكس؟ كاين فين .12. fin ġadi Max? ماكس؟ غادي فين .2?laš ma-mša-š f ttaxi lli šafع .3 شاف؟ اللي الطاكسي ف مشاش ما عالش .34. šnu tlb mn lkurti? الكورتي؟ من طلب شنو .4
English TranslationAt the taxi stand
136 • Moroccan Arabic
l-kurti: A seat to Aqqa, a seat to Aqqa.Max: I am going to Aqqa.
l-kurti: Get in.Max: Wait. Let me see the taxi first. . . . I don’t want to go in this taxi.
l-kurti: Why?Max: The tires are smooth and the windshield is cracked.
l-kurti: Come on, don’t worry. Nothing is going to happen.Max: Find me a good taxi.
l-kurti: You have to wait a little bit.Max: Time is not a problem. Better safe than sorry.
At WorkVocabulary
to bring in dxxl دخل to lock to (something)
šdd mعa مع شدto take out xrrj خرجto steal srq سرق a lock qfl قفلto be stolen tsrq تسرق
Dialoguef lxdma الخدمة ف
lomolog:ssalamu عalaykum. jiti bkri lyum. جيتي. السالم اليوم بكري عليكم . :لومولوگ
Patrick: wa عalaykum ssalam. ši šwiya. شي. عليكم و شوية السالم . :پاتريك
lomolog:aš hada? عlaš dxxlti lbisklit l lbiru.
ل البسكليت دخلتي عالش هدا؟ أش .البيرو :لومولوگ
Patrick: ah, ġadi y-tsrq ila xl-litu brra.
برا خليتو إال يتسرق غادي آه، . :پاتريك
lomolog: welakin hadi maši blasa d lbisklit.
البسكليت د بالصة ماشي هدي ولكن . :لومولوگ
Patrick: iyeh, welakin aš ġadi ndir?
ندير؟ غادي أش ولكن إيه، :پاتريك
lomolog: dir qfl l lbisklit u šddu mعa lbab dyal brra.
الباب مع شدو و البسكليت ل قفل دير برا ديال .
:لومولوگ
Patrick: fikra mzyana. ma-fkkrt-š fiha.
ما. فكرة فيها فكرتش مزيانة . :پاتريك
lomolog: weš عndk qfl? قفل؟ عندك واش :لومولوگPatrick:
iyeh, عndi. n-xrrju daba u n-šddu mعa lbab. نخرجو. إيه، الباب مع نشدو و دبا عندي . :پاتريك
Peace Corps / Morocco • 137
lomolog: sdd t-lqa ma-t-нll. تحل ما تلقى سد . :لومولوگ
Questions laš dxxl Patrick lbisklit lع .1 lbiru? البيرو؟ ل البسكليت پاتريك دخل عالش .1
2. šnu gal lomolog l Patrick? پاتريك؟ ل لومولوگ گال شنو .23. šnu dar Patrick f ttali? التالي؟ ف پاتريك دار شنو .3
English TranslationAt work
counterpart: Peace be upon you. You came in early today.Patrick: Peace be upon you too. A little bit.
counterpart: What’s this? Why did you bring your bicycle into the office?Patrick: Oh. It will be stolen if I leave it outside.
counterpart: But this is not the place for bicycles.Patrick: Yes, but what should I do?
counterpart: Use a lock with the bicycle, and lock it to the gate.Patrick: Good idea. I didn’t think about that.
counterpart: Do you have a lock?Patrick: Yes, I have one. I’ll take it outside now and lock it to the gate.
counterpart: Lock now what you will find later.
Forgetting a Wallet in a Taxi / Filing a Re-portVocabulary
police bulis بوليس to lose wddr وضرpolice station kumisariya كوميسارية to forget nsa نسى
wallet bztam بزطام to save (some-one)
tqع عتق
ExpressionsHelp me. .awnniع .عاوني
I lost my passport. wddrt lppasppor. الپاسپور وضرت .
I forgot my wallet in... nsit lbztam dyali f... ف ديالي البزطام نسيت ...
Where’s the police station? fin lkumisariya? الكوميسارية؟ فينHelp me! (use only in extreme dan-ger)
.tqu rruнع الروح عتقو .
138 • Moroccan Arabic
DialogueBrian: ssalamu عalaykum. عليكم السالم . :برايانbulis: wa عalaykum ssalam. السالم عليكم و . :بوليسBrian: smн li, nsit lbztam
dyali f waнd ttaksi.واحد ف ديالي البزطام نسيت لي، سمح
.الطاكسي :برايان
bulis: waxxa, šnu smitk? سميتك؟ شنو وخا، :بوليسBrian: smiti Brian .... برايان سميتي . :برايانbulis: šnu kayn f lbztam? البزطام؟ ف كاين شنو :بوليسBrian: fih lppasppor dyali u
waнd lakart viza u 500 drhm.
و ڤيزا الكارط واحد و ديالي الپاسپور فيه درهم 500 . :برايان
bulis:weš عqlti عla nnmra dyal ttaksi?
الطاكسي؟ ديال النمرة على عقلتي واش :بوليس
Brian: 45. 45. :برايانbulis: waxxa, xlli liya rrqm d
ttilifun dyalk, ġadi nt-taslu bik mn bعd. غادي ديالك، التلفون د الرقم ليا خلي وخا،
صلو بعد من بيك نت . :بوليس
Brian: šukran. .شكرا :برايانbulis: lla šukran عala wajib. ال واجب على شكرا . :بوليس
Questions1. fin mša Brian? عlaš? عالش؟ برايان؟ مشى فين .12. weš tsrq lih lbztam? البزطام؟ ليه تسرق واش .2
English TranslationBrian: Peace be upon you.police: Peace be upon you too.Brian: Excuse me, I forgot my wallet in a taxi.police: Okay, what’s your name?Brian: My name is Brian ...police: What was in the wallet?Brian: My passport, a Visa card, and 500 dirham.police: Do you remember the taxi’s number?Brian: 45.police: Okay, leave me your phone number, we’ll call you later.Brian: Thanks.police: It’s my duty.
Peace Corps / Morocco • 139
ButagasVocabulary
butane gas tank
lbuta البوطاmetal regulator be-tween gas tank and hose
lmagana المگانة
gas lgaz الگاز to test jrrb جربCO detector dditiktur الدتكتور to close (tank) sdd سدbattery lнjra الحجرة to open (tank) нll حلgasket (rubber ring)
jjlda d lbuta البوطا د الجلدة to turn on /
to make workxddm خدم
torn mqttع(a) ) ة) مقطع to change bddl بدلhose ttiyu التيو to tighten ziyr زيرodor / smell rriнa الريحة to smell šmm شمring lxatm الخاتم
ExpressionsThere is a gas smell. kayna rriнa d lgaz. الگاز د الريحة كاينة .
Turn on the detector. xddm dditiktur. الدتكتور خدم .
Test the butagas tank with water and soap.
jrrb lbuta b lma u ssabun. الصابون و الما ب البوطا جرب .
Change the rubber ring if it’s torn.
bddl jjlda d lbuta ila tqtعat. تقطعات إال البوطا د الجلدة بدل .
DialogueFatima عnd Caroline كارولين عند فاطمة
Fatima: ahlan bixir. بخير أهال . :فاطمةCaroline: bixir lнamdullah, mrнba
bik. بيك مرحبا الله، الحمد بخير :كارولين .
Fatima: šukran. aji šmmit rriнa d lbuta. أجي. البوطا د الريحة شميت شكرا . :فاطمة
Caroline: ma-šmmit-š, rah عndi ddi-tiktur d lgaz welakin ma-fih-š lнjra.
الگاز د الدتكتور عندي راه شميتش، ما الحجرة فيهش ما ولكن .
:كارولين
Fatima: xssk t-xddmih dima, had šši maši lعb. aji nšufu jjlda d lbuta bعda.
ماشي الشي هد ديما، تخدميه خصك أجي. البوطا د الجلدة نشوفو لعب
.بعدا
:فاطمة
Caroline: waxxa. .وخا :كارولينFatima: jjlda mqttعa. had šši
xatar. xssna n-bddluha u mn bعd n-jrrbu b lma u ssabun.
هد. الجلدة خصنا. الشي مقطعة خطر و الما ب نجربو بعد من و نبدلوها
.الصابون
:فاطمة
Caroline: fikra mzyana. مزيانة فكرة . :كارولين
140 • Moroccan Arabic
Questions laš ma-xddmat-š Carolineع .1 dditiktur d lgaz? الگاز؟ د الدتكتور كارولين خدماتش ما عالش .12. šnu lmuškil f lbuta dyal Caroline? كارولين؟ ديال البوطا ف المشكل شنو .2
3. šnu xss Caroline u Fatima y-diru? يديرو؟ فاطمة و كارولين خص شنو .3
English TranslationFatima: Hello, how are you?
Caroline: Fine, thanks be to God. Welcome.Fatima: Thanks. Come here . . . I smell gas.
Caroline: I don’t smell it. I have a gas detector but it ran out of batteries.Fatima: You should always have it on. This is no game. Let’s look at the
rubber gasket ring first.Caroline: Okay.
Fatima: You see, the rubber ring is torn. This is dangerous. We have to change it, then test it with water and soap.
Caroline: Good idea.
HashVocabulary
hashish lнšiš الحشيش to use stعml ستعملquality kaliti / nuع نوع/ كاليتي sticking to /
bothering someone
lasq الصقto smoke kma كمى
DialogueJalil:
aji axay, weš katqllb عla lнšiš?
على كتقلب واش أخاي، أجي الحشيش؟ :جليل
Scott:lla, sir f нalk. ana makanstعmlu-š.
أنا. ف سير ال، ما حالك .كنستعملوش :سكوت
Jalil: aji, rah عndi kaliti zwina mn ktama.
من زوينة كاليتي عندي راه أجي، .كتامة :جليل
Scott: glt lik sir f нalk. b ع ع d mnni. ana ma-kankmi-š.
بعد. ف سير ليك گلت أنا. حالك مني كنكميش ما .
:سكوت
Jalil: šuf, n-dir mعak taman mzyan.
مزيان تمن معاك ندير شوف، . :جليل
Peace Corps / Morocco • 141
Scott: šuf nta, ila bqiti lasqni ġadi n-gulha l lbulis. ana ma-kankmi-š.
غادي الصقني بقيتي إال نت، شوف أنا. ل نگولها كنكميش ما البوليس .
:سكوت
Jalil: lbulis! safi lla y-عawnk. صافي! يعاونك الله البوليس . :جليل
Questions1. mعa mn tlaqa Scott? سكوت؟ تالقى من مع .12. šnu bġa mnnu Jalil? جليل؟ منو بغى شنو .23. weš šra Scott lнšiš? الحشيش؟ سكوت شرى واش .3?laš xaf Jalil u mša b нaluع .4 حالو؟ ب مشى و جليل خاف عالش .4
English TranslationJalil: Come here (brother), are you looking for hash?
Scott: No, go away. I don’t use it.Jalil: Come on, it’s good stuff from Ktama.
Scott: I said go away. I don’t smoke.Jalil: Look, I’ll give you a good price.
Scott: You look, if you keep bothering me I’ll call the police. I don’t smoke.Jalil: Police! Okay, may God help you.
TheftVocabulary
theft ssrqa السرقة thiefšffar / sr-raq
/ شفار سراق
danger xatar خطر to touch qas قاس
dangerous xatir خطير to forgive smн l... ل سمح ...
make a statement / file a report
sjjl dعwa دعوة سجل he attacked me tعdda عliya عليا تعدى
summons stidعa ستدعاء he snatched my... xtf liya... ليا خطف ...
witness šahd شاهد he slapped me srfqni صرفقنيtestimony šahada شهادة he hit me drbni ضربنيpolice lbulis البوليس he spit on me dfl عliya عليا دفل
police inspector l-inspiktur إلنسپيكتور he grabbed me from...
šddni mn... من شدني ...
police car fargunit فرگونيط he cursed me sbbni سبني
report rappur راپور he stole my... srq liya... ليا سرق ...
law lqanun القانون he insulted me ayrniع عايرني
human rightsнuquq l'in-san
حقوقاإلنسان to call (the police) iyt lع ل عيط
lawyer muнami محام court mнkama محكمة
142 • Moroccan Arabic
medical certificate / re-port
šahada tib-biya طبية شهادة
ExpressionsWhere’s the closest police / gendarme station, please.
fin 'aqrab kumisariya / brigad d jjundarm, ?afakع
د بريگاد/ كوميسارية أقرب فين عفاك؟ الجوندارم،
I want to make a statement about a theft / an attack / sexual harassment.
bġit n-bllġ عla ssrqa / iعtida' / taнrruš jinsi.
/ إعتداء/ السرقة على نبلغ بغيت جنسي تحرش .
What police station should I go to?
lašmn kumisariya xssni n-mši? نمشي؟ خصني كوميسارية الشمن
Take me to the closest police station, please.
ddini l 'aqrab kumis-ariya, عafak. عفاك كوميسارية، أقرب ل ديني .
Be careful! нdi rask! راسك حضي !
Pay attention. rdd balk. بالك رد .
Come with me to the police. zid mعaya l lbulis. البوليس ل معايا زيد .
DialogueJohn: ssalamu عalaykum. عليكم السالم . :دجونbulis: wa عalaykum ssalam. šnu xssk? شنو. عليكم و خصك؟ السالم :بوليسJohn: bġit n-bllġ عla ši srqa. سرقة شي على نبلغ بغيت . :دجونbulis: weš lik nta? نت؟ ليك واش :بوليسJohn: iyeh. .إيه :دجونbulis: waxxa, عtini lppaspor dyalk. ديالك الپاسپور عطيني وخا، . :بوليسJohn: .ndi ġir la-kart d sejur, hakع هاك سيجور، د الكارت غير عندي . :دجونbulis: нtta hiya mzyana. šnu srq lik? u
fuqaš? شنو. هي حتى فوقاش؟ و ليك؟ سرق مزيانة :بوليسJohn: sak, f 3:00. 3:00 ف صاك، . :دجونbulis: kif dar srq lik ssak? الصاك؟ ليك سرق دار كيف :بوليسJohn: xtfu liya mn ktfi. كتفي من ليا خطفو . :دجونbulis: kif dayr had ššffar? wsfu liya. ليا وصفو الشفار؟ هد داير كيف . :بوليسJohn: twil u labs djin u tšurt нmr. حمر تيشورت و دجين البس و طويل . :دجونbulis: šnu kayn f had ssak b ddbt? الضبط؟ ب الصاك هد ف كاين شنو :بوليسJohn: ndi fih tilifun u futa u ktab uع
musjjala sġira (walkman) u 200 drhm.
مسجلة و كتاب و فوطة و تلفون فيه عندي ( صغيرة و) درهم 200 والكمان .
:دجون
bulis: waxxa, a sidi. ġadi ndiru lbнt dyalna u ntaslu bik mn bعd. غادي. أ وخا، و ديالنا البحت نديرو سيدي
بعد من بيك نتاصلو .
:بوليس
John: safi, weš n-mši? نمشي؟ واش صافي، :دجون
Peace Corps / Morocco • 143
bulis:lla, tsnna нtta taxud mعak nsxa mn rrappur. الراپور من نسخة معاك تاخد حتى تسنى ال، . :بوليس
John: waxxa šukran. وخا شكرا . :دجونbulis: hak, daba ntaslu bik. нdi rask
mrra xura. حضي. نتاصلو دبا هاك، خرى مرة راسك بيك . :بوليس
English TranslationJohn: Peace be upon you.
police officer: Peace be upon you too. Can I help you?
John: I want to report a theft.
police officer: Are you the victim?
John: Yes.
police officer: Okay, your passport, please.
John: I have only my “carte de sejour.” Here you are.
police officer: That’s okay. What was stolen from you and when?
John: A bag at 3:00.
police officer: How was it stolen?
John: A man snatched it from my shoulder.
police officer: Can you describe the thief?
John: He’s tall, wearing jeans and a red T-shirt.
police officer: What exactly did you have in the bag?
John: A cell phone, a towel, a book, a walkman, and 200 dirham.
police officer: Okay, sir, we’ll do our investigation and we’ll get in touch with you later.
John: That’s it? Can I leave?
police officer: Wait a minute, you’ve got to take a photocopy of the report.
John: Okay, thanks.
police officer: Here you are. We’ll get in touch with you. Be careful in the future.
House Security / Doors and WindowsVocabulary
lock qfl قفل sliding metal bolt for locking doors zzkrum الزكروم
weldersudur / нd-dad حداد/ سدور iron bars barrat بارات
144 • Moroccan Arabic
latch / bolt ssaqta الساقطة hardware store ddrogri الدروگري
DialogueJamal: ssalamu عalaykum. عليكم السالم . :جمال
Carlos:wa عalaykum ssalam. mrнba bik. مرحبا. عليكم و بيك السالم . :كارلوس
Jamal: aš katdir f d-dar? الدار؟ ف كتدير أش :جمالCarlos: walu, ġir gals. گالس غير والو، . :كارلوسJamal: yallah n-xrju. نخرجو يالله . :جمال
Carlos: waxxa. .وخا :كارلوسJamal: šnu hada? had lqfl
iyan. xssk waнd sнiн. uعxssk saqta baš t-sdd ldaxl.
خصك. القفل هد هدا؟ شنو واحد عيان و. تسد باش ساقطة خصك صحيح .لداخل
:جمال
Carlos: fikra mzyana. mnin ġadi n-šrihum?
منين. فكرة نشريهم؟ غادي مزيانة :كارلوس
Jamal:
mn ddrugri wlla mn ssuq ġdda. u нtta had ssrjm xssu barrat dyal lнdid baš thnna. aji nmšiu عnd ssudur nsawbu had ssrjm daba. xssk ġir tšdd l.bar dyaluع
الدروگري من و. السوق من وال غدا ديال بارات خصو السرجم هد حتى
أجي. باش الحديد عند نمشيو تهنى دبا. السرجم هد نصاوبو السدور ديالو العبار تشد غير خصك .
:جمال
Carlos: hadi fikra muعtabara. معتبرة فكرة هدي . :كارلوسJamal: iyeh, llahumma slama
wala ndama.ندامة وال سالمة اللهم إيه، . :جمال
Questions1. šnu kan Carlos kaydir? كيدير؟ كارلوس كان شنو .12. šnu lmuškil dyal Carlos? كارلوس؟ ديال المشكل شنو .23. šnu xss Carlos ydir? يدير؟ كارلوس خص شنو .34. mnin ġadi y-šri lqfl u ssaqta? الساقطة؟ و القفل يشري غادي منين .4?nd mn ġadi y-sawb lbarratع .5 البارات؟ يصاوب غادي من عند .5
English TranslationJamal: Peace be upon you.Carlos: And peace be upon you too. Welcome.Jamal: What are you doing at home?Carlos: Nothing, just sitting around.Jamal: Let’s go out.Carlos: Okay.
Peace Corps / Morocco • 145
Jamal: What is this? This lock is not strong. You need a strong one. You also need a sliding metal bolt in order to lock the door from the inside.
Carlos: Good idea. Where can I get these from?Jamal: From the hardware store or from souk tomorrow. Also this window needs iron bars
for you to feel safe. Let’s go to the welder’s to fix this window now. You need to measure it.
Carlos: Excellent idea.Jamal: It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Political HarassmentVocabulary
to end wqf وقف population, people
ššعb الشعبwar lнrb الحربcitizen muwatin مواطن for mعa معnormal adiع عادي against dedd ضدfreedom lнuriya الحرية to convince qnع قنع
democracy ddimuqratiya الديموقراطية killing lqtila القتيلة
subject muduع موضوع to kill qtl قتل
Dialoguekan John gals f lqhwa kayqra "Newsweek" u kanu nnas kaytfrrju f "Al-Jazira." waнd mn nnas gal l John:
" كيقرى القهوة ف گالس دجون كان و" كانو نيوزويك ." ف كيتفرجو الناس واحد" ل گال الناس من الجزيرة :دجون
muwatin: hdr mعa Bush y-wqqf had lнrb.
الحرب هد يوقف بوش مع هضر . :مواطن
John: ana ġir muwatin عadi mn mirikan. xdmti hiya nعawn nnas f lmġrib. had šši lli kanعrf. safi.
خدمتي. من عادي مواطن غير أنا مريكان هد. ف الناس نعاون هي الشي المغرب
صافي. اللي كنعرف .
:دجون
muwatin: welakin katgulu عndkum lнuriya u ddimuqratiya. و الحرية عندكم كتگولو ولكن
.الديموقراطية
:مواطن
John: had šši bssн welakin ana ġir mirikani عadi mn ššعb. مريكاني غير أنا ولكن بصح الشي هد
الشعب من عادي .
:دجون
muwatin: kulkum bнal bнal, katbġiu lнrb. f mirikan ktr mn 50% d nnas mعa lнrb. нtta nta mnhum.
ف. كتبغيو بحال، بحال كلكم الحرب الحرب. مع الناس د% 50 من كتر مريكان
منهم نت حتى .
:مواطن
John: lla. ana mعa 50% xora lli dedd lнrb.
أنا. الحرب ضد اللي خرى% 50 مع ال . :دجون
146 • Moroccan Arabic
muwatin: kifaš ġadi n-عrfu? نعرفو؟ غادي كيفاش :مواطنJohn: kifaš ġadi n-qnعk? نقنعك؟ غادي كيفاش :دجون
muwatin: ma-n-عrf welakin mirikan xssha t-wqqf lqtila dyal nnas.
توقف خصها مريكان ولكن نعرف ما الناس ديال القتيلة .
:مواطن
John: mttafq mعak. معاك متافق . :دجونbqat waнd lmjmuعa d nnas f lqhwa kaytkllmu عla had lmuduع u kayšufu f John. John xlls qhwtu u mša f нalu.
هد على كيتكلمو القهوة ف الناس د المجموعة واحد بقات دجون. ف كيشوفو و الموضوع مشى و قهوتو خلص دجون
حالو ف .
Questions1. fin kan John? دجون؟ كان فين .12. šnu kan kaydir? كيدير؟ كان شنو .23. šnu kanu nnas kaydiru? كيديرو؟ الناس كانو شنو .34. šnu hiya lxdma dyal John f lmġrib? المغرب؟ ف دجون ديال الخدمة هي شنو .45. weš mirikan kulha mعa lнrb? الحرب؟ مع كلها مريكان واش .56. weš John mعa wlla ddd lнrb? مع دجون واش .6 الحرب؟ ضد وال7. šnu dar John f ttali? التالي؟ ف دجون دار شنو .7
English TranslationJohn was sitting in a café reading “Newsweek.” Some people there were watching “Al-Jazeera.” One of the men at the café said to John:
Moroccan citi-zen: Talk to Bush about stopping this war.
John: I’m just a normal citizen from America. My job is to help people in Morocco. That’s all I know.
Moroccan citi-zen: But in America you say you have freedom and democracy.
John: That’s true, but I am just a normal American.Moroccan citi-
zen:You are all the same. You all like war. In America more than 50% of the people are for the war. You are one of them.
John: No, I am with the other Americans against the war.Moroccan citi-
zen: How are we going to know?
John: How can I convince you?Moroccan citi-
zen: I don’t know but America must stop killing people.
John: I agree.A group of people in the café kept talking about the subject of the war. They were looking at John. John paid for his coffee and left.
AppendicesPronunciation of Moroccan Arabic 144Supplementary Grammar Lessons 148More Useful Expressions 157Moroccan Holidays159Glossary of Verbs 163
Pronunciation of Moroccan ArabicDespite what you may think at first, it is indeed possible for you to learn how to pro-nounce the sounds of Moroccan Arabic. Learning to pronounce Arabic sounds correctly entails two things: first, becoming aware of how to make the different sounds and, sec-ond, practicing with a native speaker. This chapter will help you with the first task.
Understanding How Sounds Are MadeBefore we move directly into how to pronounce Arabic sounds, let’s first understand how sounds are made in general. Then we can use this knowledge in order to work on Arabic sounds.Fricatives and StopsMake the /s/ sound. Notice how air is being forced through the space between your tongue and the gum ridge in your mouth. When a sound is produced like this, by forcing air between some small opening, that sound is called a fricative. Make the /f/ sound. This sound is also a fricative, because in order to make it we must force air between our teeth and our bottom lip. Some sounds in English that are fricatives are: /s/, /z/, /sh/, /th/, /f/, /v/, and others.Now make the /t/ sound. Here, we are not forcing air through a small opening at a con-stant pressure, but rather we completely block the air flow for a moment, and then re-lease the air stream in one big burst. A sound that is produced by blocking the air flow, and then releasing it, is called a stop. Make the /k/ sound. This is another “stop” be-cause again, you will notice how we build up a lot of pressure with air, and then release it. Some stops in English are: /t/, /k/, /g/, /b/, /p/, and others.
Voiced and Voiceless SoundsWe can also categorize consonant sounds according to whether we use our voice box or not. Make the /s/ sound. While making the sound, hold your hand over your throat. Now make the /z/ sound, still holding your hand to your throat. You’ll notice that with /s/, we don’t use our voice box, but with /z/, our voice box vibrates. Sounds like /s/ are called voiceless, since we don’t use our voice box. Sounds like /z/ are called voiced, since our voice box vibrates. Make the sound /t/. Is it voiceless or voiced? Now make the sound /d/. Voiceless or voiced?∗ Let’s look now at some of the difficult Arabic sounds, using what we know about sounds in general.
Pronunciation of Non-English ConsonantsThe Sound “q“ (ق)The q sound is similar to the k sound. Both are voiceless “stops” that are made by re-leasing air forcefully after completely blocking the air flow momentarily. The only differ-ence is where in the throat the speaker blocks the air flow. The q sound will be made further back in the throat than the k sound. Try the following exercise.First, take a minute to become more familiar with your throat muscles. Open your mouth and say aah, as if you were at the doctor’s office. Your tongue should be flat in your mouth. Without raising your tongue, pull it back so that the base of your tongue closes off air by pulling back against the throat. At this point, you should not be able to breathe through your mouth, although it is wide open. Practice doing this first without making a sound. After performing this exercise several times, make a sound by releasing the air forcefully. The result will be the sound q.
∗ The /t/ sound is voiceless and the /d/ sound is voiced. Both are “stops.”
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The Sound “x“ (خ)The sound x is a voiceless fricative formed around the same place as the sound q. It is found in many European languages: the Russian x, the Scottish pronunciation of loch, and the German ch as pronounced after a back vowel as in Bach. Some people use this sound to say yech! To pronounce x, make the sound q and pay attention to where the back of your tongue hits the back of the roof of your mouth and blocks your windpipe. Instead of closing off the windpipe with the back of your tongue completely, block it part way, and you will produce this sound.The Sound “ġ“ (غ)The sound ġ is the same sound as the sound x, except it is “voiced.” In other words, if you can make the sound x, all you need to do is vibrate your voice box at the same time, and you will produce ġ. Think of the correspondence between the sounds k (kite) and g (game): k is voiceless and g is voiced. Pronounce k and g several times, paying attention to how your voice changes when you say g. Now say x several times, and then “voice” it. The result is ġ.Alternatively, you may think of ġ as similar to the sound you make when gargling. Gar-gle for a minute and pay attention to the muscles you use. The sound ġ is pronounced using these same muscles in similar fashion.
The Emphatic Sounds “s“ (ص), “d“ (ض), and “t“ (ط)The sound s is the emphatic counterpart of the sound s. Pronounce the sound s aloud, and note the position of your tongue. It should be toward the front of the mouth and high, close to the roof. Now, starting at the back of your teeth, move your tongue back along the roof of your mouth. You will find a bony ridge just behind the teeth, before the upward curve of the roof. Put your tongue against this ridge. The rest of your tongue will drop lower inside your mouth. The emphatic or velarized consonants in Arabic are pronounced by placing the tip of your tongue in this spot and dropping the rest of the tongue as low as you can. Thus, the sounds s, d, and t are all made with the tongue in this position.All the emphatic sounds are lower in pitch than their non-emphatic counterparts. They are pronounced with greater muscular tension in the mouth and throat and with a rais-ing of the back and root of the tongue toward the roof of the mouth. You can notice this contraction of the throat easily by prolonging the ‘l’ in “full.”One important note about the emphatic sounds: they deepen the sound of surrounding vowels. Pay attention to the sound of all vowels near these emphatic sounds, because the quality of the vowels gives the best indication of the presence of emphatic conso-nants. One important example is عtini, “give me” in Moroccan Arabic. Most trainees will hear the word and think it is pronounced عtayni, with the middle vowel sound ay instead of i. This is because the emphatic sound t affects the way the i sounds, making it sound (to the English speaker’s ear) like an ay. It is, in fact, an i however.
The Sound “н“ (ح)The sound н is a voiceless fricative pronounced deep in the throat. It has no equivalent in English. In order to practice this sound, first take a few minutes to become better ac-quainted with some of your throat muscles that you use often, but not to speak English. The following exercises are designed to make you aware of what these muscles can al-ready do, so that you can use them to speak Arabic. Practice them for a few minutes ev-ery day, as often as you can.
1. With your mouth closed, block off your windpipe at your throat. Put your hand on your throat at the Adam’s apple and constrict the muscles on the inside. You should be able to feel the muscles contracting. Alternately tighten and relax them for a few minutes.
150 • Moroccan Arabic
2. Repeat this with your mouth open. Try to breathe out through your mouth—if you can, you are not closing off the windpipe entirely.
3. Constrict those same muscles so that air can just barely squeeze through your throat. Imitate someone fogging a pair of glasses to clean them. The sound of the air coming through your constricted throat muscles is н. By now, you should be aware of what your throat muscles are doing.
4. Bend your head down so that your chin rests on the top of your chest, and repeat exercise 3. This position should make it easier for you to feel what you are doing.
Pronouncing н takes practice, first to pronounce the letter alone, and then to pronounce it surrounded by other letters in a word. You must learn to pronounce it properly to be understood, and at first, this will take some concentration on your part. However, the more you practice now, the sooner you will be able to say it easily. The Sound “ (ع“ )عWe now come to one of the most distinctive sounds in Arabic: ع. When pronounced cor-rectly, ع has its own unique beauty and can be a very expressive sound. It is not as diffi-cult to pronounce as one may first think, but you need to exercise your throat muscles, the same ones that you use to pronounce н. You should continually be doing the exer-cises you learned above for н, in which you constricted your throat muscles as if you were blocking off the air passage from the inside. You can feel this by putting your hand on your throat. Say н, and feel the muscles contract. Now pronounce the same sound and “voice” it. That is, say the say sound while vibrating your voice box, changing the breathy sound of н into the deep, throaty sound of ع. The sounds н and ع are only differ-ent because н is voiceless and ع is voiced.
Some trainees think that ع sounds like a vowel, but it is not a vowel. Because we con-strict our throat muscles and force air through the passageway, the sound ع is a fricative. Vowels do not force air through a partially blocked passageway, and thus cannot be fricatives.
The Arabic “r“ (ر)The sound r in Arabic is not the same as the English “r.” It is not difficult, like some of the other sounds above may seem at first. But because it is new, we include here a short description of it. The sound is a flap, like the Spanish or Italian “r.” You already know how to make this sound: it is the sound American English speakers make saying gotta as in gotta go. Say gotta several times in a row very quickly and pay attention to what your tongue is doing. You should feel it flapping against the roof of your mouth behind your teeth. Now pronounce the sound alone. Another good exercise is to practice making a whirring sound: rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Do these exercises daily until you have mastered this sound.
Pronunciation of SheddaIn Arabic, a “shedda” is a pronounced stress upon a letter in a word. In transcription, this stress is indicated by a doubling of a consonant (see page 3). When there is shedda, it indicates that the consonant is to be held twice as long as a normal consonant. That is, it should be pronounced for twice the length of time. This is easy with fluid sounds like z or r. With sounds like b or d, however, you must begin to say them and pause in the mid-dle of pronouncing them for a second. This may take some practice at first.In English, this doubling of a consonant sound never occurs in the middle of words, but is very common from the end of one word to the beginning of another. Compare the differ-ence between the single ‘d’ in “lay down” and the double ‘dd’ in “laid down.” Noticing the difference between the single ‘d’ and double ‘dd’ in this example will give you some idea of how a shedda affects pronunciation.
the definite article
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It cannot be stressed enough that shedda affects not only the pronunciation of a word, but also its meaning, especially for verbs. Recognizing when shedda is used and learning to pronounce it correctly yourself is an important task in your study of Moroccan Arabic.
The Definite ArticleIn English, the “definite article” is the word “the.” It is different from the “indefinite arti-cles,” which are “a” and “an.” In English, the definite article speaks about something specific: I washed the dog today (you know which dog I’m speaking about). The indefi-nite articles talk about something non-specific: I saw a dog today (you don’t know the dog I’m speaking about).In Arabic, the definite article is not always used exactly as in English. When written in Arabic script, it is composed of two letters, al (ال), attached to the beginning of a noun or an adjective. Here is the Arabic script for “the book”:
الكتاب
These two letters are always written in Arabic script for a definite article, but they are not always pronounced. In Moroccan Arabic, the first letter, a (ا), is never pronounced. Two possibilities exist, therefore, for pronouncing the definite article. Sometimes, the second letter, l (ل), is pronounced. Other times, instead of pronouncing the l (ل), the first letter of the word is doubled with a “shedda.” Whether the definite article is pronounced with “l” or by doubling the first letter with shedda is determined by which letter is the first letter of the word. Let’s look at these two different possibilities.
The Moon LettersIn the first possibility, the Arabic definite article is pronounced with an l (ل) at the begin-ning of a word. All words that begin with the following letters follow this rule:
i/y u/w h m k q f ġ ع x н b aي و ه م ك ق ف غ ع خ ح ب ا
These letters are called moon letters, because the Arabic word for moon, qamar, begins with one of the letters in the group. Notice in the following examples that the definite article is pronounced by adding an l to the word:
a book ktab كتاب a girl bnt بنتthe book lktab الكتاب the girl lbnt البنتa boy wld ولد a moon qamar قمرthe boy lwld الولد the moon lqamar القمر
The Sun LettersIn the second possibility, the Arabic definite article is pronounced by doubling the first letter of a word with a “shedda.” All words that begin with the following letters follow this rule:
n l t d s š s z r j tن ل ط ض ص ش س ز ر ج ت
These letters are known as sun letters, because the Arabic word for sun, šms, begins with one of the letters in the group. Notice in the following examples that the definite article is pronounced by doubling the first letter of the word by using “shedda.”
a house dar دار a street znqa زنقةthe house d-dar الدار the street zznqa الزنقة
152 • Moroccan Arabic
a man rajl راجل a sun šms شمسthe man rrajl الراجل the sun ššms الشمس
Supplementary Grammar LessonsThese are lessons you can work on by yourself or with your tutor once you arrive at your site. It is unlikely you will be able to complete them during stage, unless you already have some experience with Arabic.
Making Intransitive Verbs into Transitive VerbsIntransitive verbs are verbs that do not require a direct object such as:
to come in dxl دخل to be afraid xaf خافto go out xrj خرج to drink šrb شربto laugh dнk ضحك to understand fhm فهمto fall taн طاح to go up tlع طلع
to go down hbt هبط
All these verbs are trilateral (i.e. they are made up of three letters) and they can be made transitive by doubling their middle consonant (i.e. putting a shedda on it). The new tran-sitive verb normally has the meaning “to make someone do something.” Look at how the meaning changes when the intransitive verb dнk “to laugh” is changed into a transitive verb:
You are laughing / you laugh. katdнk. .كتضحك
You make me laugh. katdннkni. .كتضحكني
Here is a list of verbs commonly used in their transitive form:
to make (someone or some-thing) enter / to bring in
dxxl دخل
to make (someone or some-thing) exit / to take out
xrrj خرج
to make (so/sth) laugh dннk ضحكto drop / to throw down (i.e. to make something fall)
tiyн طيح
to frighten (i.e. to make some-one afraid)
xuwf خوف
to water (i.e. to make something “drink”)
šrrb شرب
to make (someone) understand / to explain
fhhm فهم
to make go up / to promote / to take up
tllع طلع
to bring down / to demote hbbt هبط
154 • Moroccan Arabic
Some examples:
I brought in a dog to the house but my father took it out.
dxxlt waнd lklb l d-dar welakin bba xrrju.
با ولكن الدار ل الكلب واحد دخلت .خرجو
The clown makes small kids laugh.
lklun kaydннk ddrari ssġar. الصغار الدراري كيضحك لكلون .
Take this table out of here, please.
xrrj عafak had ttbla mn hna. هنا من الطبلة هد عفاك خرج .
Passive VerbsTransitive verbs can be made passive by adding t (ت) to them, as shown below:
to write ktb كتبto be written (masc.) tktb تكتبto be written (fem.) tktbat تكتباتto be written (plur.) tktbu تكتبوto understand fhm فهمto be understood (masc.) tfhm تفهمto be understood (fem.) tfhmat تفهماتto be understood (plur.) tfhmu تفهموto buy šra شرىto be bought (masc.) tšra تشرىto be bought (fem.) tšrat تشراتto be bought (plur.) tšrau تشراوto steal srq سرقto be stolen (masc.) tsrq تسرقto be stolen (fem.) tsrqat تسرقاتto be stolen (plur.) tsrqu تسرقو
Some examples:
Ali ate pizza. .li kla lpitzaع الپيتزا كال علي .
The pizza was eaten. tklat lpitza. الپيتزا تكالت .
The teacher wrote the lesson. lustad ktb ddrs. الدرس كتب األستاد .
The lesson was written. ddrs tktb. تكتب الدرس .
The students understood the rid-dle.
ttlamd fhmu lluġz. اللغز فهمو التالمد .
The riddle was understood. lluġz tfhm. تفهم اللغز .
Laila bought some clothes. layla šrat lнwayj. الحوايج شرات ليلى .
Some clothes were bought. lнwayj tšrau. تشراو الحوايج .
Exercise:Put the sentences below in the passive form.1. lssq ttswira f lнit. الحيط ف التصويرة لصق .1 .
2. baعu lfllaнa lmнsul dyalhum. ديالهم المحصول الفالحة باعو .2 .
Peace Corps / Morocco • 155
3. sbnat Jamila lнwayj. الحوايج جميلة صبنات .3 .
4. hrrs Peter lkisan. الكيسان بيتر هرس .4 .
5. smma Aziz bntu Ibtisam. إبتسام بنتو عزيز سمى .5 .
6. smعt ssdaع lbarн. البارح الصداع سمعت .6 .
7. jlat Lupe lpurtabl. الپورطابل لوپي جالت .7 .
8. jrнat Jill sbعha b lmus. الموس ب صبعها دجيل جرحات .8 .
.tat Aicha lkadu l Malikaع .9 مليكة ل الكادو عيشة عطات .9 .
10. kra ši waнd had d-dar. الدار هد واحد شي كرى .10 .
The Past ProgressiveThe Moroccan Arabic equivalent for the English past progressive (was doing, were do-ing) is the past of kan (كان) “to be” followed by the present tense. For example:
He was talking. kan kaytkllm. كيتكلم كان .
He wasn’t talking. ma-kan-š kaytkllm. كيتكلم كانش ما .
You were talking. knti kattkllm. كتتكلم كنتي .
I wasn’t working ma-knt-š kanxdm. كنخدم كنتش ما .
She was writing. kant katktb. كتكتب كانت .
This construction can also be translated as “used to.” For example:
I used to sell cars. knt kanbiع ttumubilat. الطوموبيالت كنبيع كنت .
Whether a given occurrence of this construction is to be translated as past progressive or “used to” depends upon the context.
I used to travel a lot. knt kansafr bzzaf. بزاف كنسافر كنت .
When I was in Essaouira, I used to eat fish every day.
mlli knt f sswira, knt kanakul lнut kul nhar.
كناكل كنت الصويرة، ف كنت ملي نهار كل الحوت .
I was watching TV when some-one knocked at the door.
knt kantfrrj f ttlfaza mlli dqq ši waнd f lbab.
شي دق ملي التلفزة ف كنتفرج كنت الباب ف واحد .
I used to work in this school.knt kanxdm f had lm-drasa. المدرسة هد ف كنخدم كنت .
I used to run every morning. knt kanjri kul sbaн. صباح كل كنجري كنت .
I used to smoke a lot but I quit smoking (don’t smoke anymore).
knt kankmi bzzaf, we-lakin ma-bqit-š kankmi.
بقيتش ما ولكن بزاف، كنكمي كنت .كنكمي
156 • Moroccan Arabic
Exercise:Put the verbs in parentheses in the correct form.
mlli ana (kan / qra) f jjamiعa f mirikan, (kan / skn) mعa waнd l a mnعa'ila mعa'ila mirikaniya. lع(kan / skn), عndha juj d lbnat (kan / qra) mعaya f jjamiعa. wнda mnhum (kan / tعllm) lعrbiya lfusнa, u ana (kan / rajع) mعaha ddurus dyalha. lustad lli (kan / qrra) lعr-biya lfusнa f dik jjamiعa smitu dduktur Jawad. huwa msri welakin dar jinsiya mirikaniya.
( كان) أنا ملي ف/ ( كان) مريكان، ف الجامعة قرى سكن/ العائلة. العائلة واحد مع ( كان) من مع مريكانية /، سكن
( كان) البنات د جوج عندها معايا/ وحدة. ف قرى الجامعة ( كان) منهم العربية/ ( كان) أنا و الفوصحة، تعلم راجع/ األستاد. الدروس معاها ( كان) اللي ديالها العربية/ قرى
هو. الدكتور سميتو الجامعة ديك ف الفوصحة مصري جواد مريكانية جنسية دار ولكن .
The Verb “to remain”The verb bqa (بقى) “to remain” is followed by the present tense or by the active participle (see section below) when it corresponds to the English “kept doing something.” Some ex-amples:
She kept waiting for them. bqat kattsnnahum. كتتسناهم بقات .
He kept on searching in the well until he got tired.
bqa kayqllb f lbir нtta .yaع عيى حتى البير ف كيقلب بقى .
He kept going (habitually). bqa kaymši. كيمشي بقى .
He kept going (continued on his way, on one occasion).
bqa maši. ماشي بقى .
When negated, bqa (بقى) in verb phrases is equivalent to “no longer, not anymore,” with either past or present meaning. For example:
He didn’t (doesn’t) laugh at them anymore.
ma-bqa-š kaydнk عlihum. عليهم كيضحك بقاش ما .
The active participle baqi preceding the present tense is equivalent to the English “still.”
He’s still working with us. huwa baqi kayxdm mعana. معانا كيخدم باقي هو .
Verb ParticiplesVerb participles are adjectives derived from verbs. They agree in gender and number, like all adjectives, but not in person (I, you, he) or tense (past, present). Transitive verbs have two participles, an active and a passive participle. Intransitive verbs have only an active participle.The Active Participle
Verb Stem Active Participle
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to write ktb كتب having written katb(a) ) ة) كاتبto open нll حل having opened нall(a) ) ة) حالto sell baع باع having sold bayع(a) ) ة) بايعto buy šra شرى having bought šari(a) ) ة) شاري
Some examples:
He had written he lessons. kan katb ddurus dyalu. ديالو الدروس كاتب كان .
She had sold her house. kant bayعa d-dar dyalha. ديالها الدار بايعة كانت .
I found him standing at the door. lqitu waqf f lbab. الباب ف واقف لقيتو .
He is wearing a new shirt today. huwa labs qamija jdida. جديدة قميجة البس هو .
I saw her wearing a green coat. šftha labsa kbbut xdr. خضر كبوط البسة شفتها .
Everyday I see him walking on this street.
kul nhar kanšufu maši f had zznqa. الزنقة هد ف ماشي كنشوفو نهار كل .
For a small group of verbs, the active participle must be used in order to express a cur-rent (i.e. progressive) activity. For these verbs, the present tense expresses only a habit-ual activity
Verb Stem Active Participle
to sit / stay gls گلس sitting gals گالسto wear lbs لبس wearing labs البسto sleep nعs نعس sleeping naعs ناعسto leave / exit xrj خرج leaving xarj خارجto enter dxl دخل entering daxl داخلto return rjع رجع returning rajع راجعto stand wqf وقف standing waqf واقفto travel safr سافر traveling msafr مسافرto rent kra كرى renting kari كاريto regret ndm ندم regretting nadm نادمto be quiet skt سكت being quiet sakt ساكتto be afraid xaf خاف being afraid xayf خايفto spend the night
bat بات spending the night
bayt بايت
Some examples:
He wears a green shirt every day. (habitual → present tense)
kaylbs qamija xdra kul nhar. نهار كل خضرة قميجة كيلبس .
He is wearing a green shirt. (now→ participle)
huwa labs qamija xdra. خضرة قميجة البس هو .
She goes to sleep at 10:00.(habitual → present tense)
katnعs f 10:00. 10:00 ف كتنعس .
158 • Moroccan Arabic
She is sleeping.(now→ participle)
hiya naعsa. ناعسة هي .
Passive ParticipleVerb Stem Passive Participle
to write ktb كتب (having been) written
mktub(a) ) ة) مكتوب
to open нll حل (having been) opened
mнlul(a) ) ة) محلول
to sell baع باع (having been) sold
mbiuع(a) ) ة) مبيوع
to buy šra شرى (having been) bought
mšri(a) ) ة) مشري
to make (man-ufacture)
snع صنع(having been) made / manu-factured
msnuع(a) ) ة) مصنوع
Some examples:
This tray is made of silver.had ssiniya msnuعa mn lfdda. الفضة من مصنوعة الصينية هد .
These boxes have something written on them.
had snadq mktub عlihum ši lнaja.
شي عليهم مكتوب صنادق هد .الحاجة
This letter is written; I need only a stamp to send it.
had lbra mktuba, xssni ġir t-tanbr baš n-siftha.
التانبر غير خصني مكتوبة، البرا هد نصيفطها باش .
Go to my room, the door is open.
sir l lbit dyali rah lbab mнlul.
الباب راه ديالي البيت ل سير .محلول
Intransitive Verbs with Only One ParticipleVerb Stem Participle
to garnishxddr خضر having garnished
having been garnishedmxddr(a) ) ة) مخضر
to cover ġtta غطى having coveredhaving been covered
mġtti(a) ) ة) مغطي
to travel safr سافر having traveledhaving been traveled
msafr(a) ) ة) مسافر
to rest rtaн رتاح having restedhaving been rested
mrtaн(a) ) ة) مرتاح
to go flat tfš تفش having gone flathaving been gone flat
mfšuš(a) ) ة) مفشوش
to hide xbba خبى having hiddenhaving been hidden
mxbbi(a) ) ة) مخبي
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Some examples:
She is traveling now because she is on vacation.
hiya msafra daba нit .utlaع ndhaع عطلة عندها حيت دبا مسافرة هي .
I’m relaxed since I finished my work.
ana mrtaн mlli kmmlt lxdma dyali. ديالي الخدمة كملت ملي مرتاح أنا .
The tajine is garnished with prunes and almonds.
ttajin mxddr b lbrquq u lluz. اللوز و البرقوق ب مخضر الطاجين .
He is covered with a blanket be-cause he is cold.
huwa mġtti b lkaša нit jah lbrd. البرد جاه حيت الكشة ب مغطي هو .
She was hidden behind the door.
kant mxbbya mur lbab. الباب مور مخبية كانت .
Exercise:In the sentences below, supply the proper form of the participle of the verb written in parentheses.
1. Aicha (safr) l fransa. ( عيشة .1 ل) فرنسا سافر .
2. kant Sara (нll) lbab. ( سارة كانت .2 الباب) حل .
3. d-dar dyal нsn (baع) ( حسن ديال الدار .3 باع)4. kant Layla (mša) ssuq. ( ليلى كانت .4 السوق) مشى .
.laš xlliti ssrjm (нll)ع .5 ( السرجم خليتي عالش .5 حل) .
6. lbarн mlli jit kant xti (nعs). ( ختي كانت جيت ملي البارح .6 نعس) .
7. lqamija dyali (wssx). ( ديالي القميجة .7 وسخ) .
8. weš (sdd) lbab dyal lkuzina? ( واش .8 الباب) الكوزينة؟ ديال سد9. kant Suعad (ġab) lbarн. ( سعاد كانت .9 البارح) غاب .
10. tiybt ddjaj (عmmr) b lluz. ( الدجاج طيبت .10 ب) اللوز عمر .
11. had lkas (snع) f fransa. ( الكاس هد .11 ف) فرنسا صنع .
12. weš kant Erika (gls) f d-dar? ( إريكا كانت واش .12 ف) الدار؟ گلس13. had lktab (trjm) mn lعrbiya l nngliziya. ( الكتاب هد .13 من) النگليزية ل العربية ترجم .
14. ana (عrf) blli djun (rjع) lmġrib. ( أنا .14 بلي) ( دجون عرف المغرب) رجع .
Conjunctionseither ... or imma ... wlla ... إما وال
Either send a letter or call me.imma sift liya bra wlla .iyt liya f ttilifunع
برا ليا صيفط إما ف ليا عيط وال .التلفون
in order to baš باش
I am learning Arabic in order to talk to people.
kantعllm lعrbiya baš ntkllm mعa nnas. الناس مع نتكلم باش العربية كنتعلم .
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if weš واش
I want to know if you read this book.
bġit n-عrf weš qriti had lktab. الكتاب هد قريتي واش نعرف بغيت .
when / since mlli / mnin منين/ ملي
When I came to Rabat I took the train.
mlli / mnin jit l rrbat šddit ttran.
شديت الرباط ل جيت منين/ ملي .التران
I have been sick since I came to Rabat.
mlli jit l rrbat u ana mrida. مريضة أنا و الرباط ل جيت ملي .
who / whom / which / that lli اللي
The man who is sitting at that ta-ble is my friend.
rrajl lli gals f dik ttbla saнbi.
الطبلة ديك ف گالس اللي الراجل .صاحبي
The book that I read is impor-tant.
lktab lli qrit muhimm. مهم قريت اللي الكتاب .
until нtta حتى
I won’t sleep until I finish this book.
ma-ġadi-š n-nعs нtta nkmml had lktab.
هد نكمل حتى نعس غاديش ما .الكتاب
as soon as ġir غيرAs soon as I finished my work I went out.
ġir kmmlt lxdma dyali u xrjt. خرجت و ديالي الخدمة كملت غير .
whenever wqt mma ما وقت
Whenever I am upset I cry. wqt mma tqllqt kanbki. كنبكي تقلقت ما وقت .
although / even though waxxa وخاAlthough John is not a Muslim he fasts.
waxxa John maši muslim kaysum. كيصوم مسلم ماشي دجون وخا .
but welakin ولكن
I want to help you but I can’t.bġit n-عawnk welakin maqddit-š. قديتش ما ولكن نعاونك بغيت .
before qbl ma ما قبل
This conjunction requires the present tense without the prefix ka (كـ), even if the past is referred to.
I always read before I sleep. dima kanqra qbl ma nnعs. نعس ما قبل كنقرى ديما .
after bعd ma ما بعد
In sentences having this conjunction, the verb of the subsequent phrase has to be in the same tense as the first one.
After I went home, I showered.bعd ma mšit l d-dar, duwšt. دوشت الدار، ل مشيت ما بعد .
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that blli بلي
I knew that you weren’t there. .rft blli ma-knti-šع كنتيش ما بلي عرفت .
since / when / because нit حيت
Since you had a lot of work, why did you go to the cinema?
нit عndk lxdma bzzaf ?laš mšiti l ssinimaع
عالش بزاف الخدمة عندك حيت السينما؟ ل مشيتي
When I was in Marrakech I went to the Menara.
нit knt f Marrakech mšit l lMenara.
ل مشيت مراكش ف كنت حيت .المنارة
I went to the doctor because I was sick.
mšit l ttbib нit knt mrid. مريض كنت حيت الطبيب ل مشيت .
because laнqqašع علحقاش
He didn’t go to school because he didn’t wake up early.
ma-mša-š l lmdrasa .laнqqaš ma-faq-š bkriع
ما علحقاش المدرسة ل مشاش ما بكري فاقش .
without bla ma ما بال
They talked without thinking. hdru bla ma y-fkru. يفكرو ما بال هضرو .
wherever fin mma ما فينWherever there is water there is life.
fin mma kayn lma, kayna lнayat. الحياة كاينة الما، كاين ما فين .
then adع عاد
I ate then slept. klit عad nعst. نعست عاد كليت .
Exercise:Fill in the blanks with the appropriate conjunction from the list.
baš нit mlli laнqqašع adع нtta blli weš bla ma l-li welakin qblباش حيت ملي علحقاش عاد حتى بلي واش ما بال اللي ولكن قبل
1. ma-ġadi-š n-safr ____ t-ji. تجي____ نسافر غاديش ما .1 .2. xssk t-عrfi ____ нtta ši нaja masعiba. ماصعيبة حاجة شي حتى____ تعرفي خصك .2 .3. bġit n-duwš ____ n-rtaн. نرتاح____ ندوش بغيت .3 .4. bġau y-عrfu ____ kayna ši mdrasa hna. هنا مدرسة شي كاينة____ يعرفو بغاو .4 .5. ddwa ____ stعmlt mzyan. مزيان ستعملت____ الدوا .5 .6. ____ kant mrida mšat l عnd ttbib. الطبيب عند ل مشات مريضة كانت ____ .6 .7. bġat t-šufu ____ ma-عndha-š lwqt. الوقت عندهاش ما____ تشوفو بغات .7 .8. fkkr ____ jawb. جاوب____ فكر .8 .9. lmdina ____ knt sakn fiha kbira. كبيرة فيها ساكن كنت____ المدينة .9 .10. ktbt bra ____ nعst. نعست____ برا كتبت .10 .11. kayakul ____ y-ġsl yddih ____ kayakul b lfršita.
ب كياكل____ يديه يغسل____ كياكل .11 .الفرشيطة
12. ma-safrat-š ____ ma-عndha-š lflus. الفلوس عندهاش ما____ سافراتش ما .12 .
More Useful ExpressionsYou were given some useful expressions on pages 19 to 21. Here are more expressions, including many “God phrases.”
God PhrasesMay God bless your parents. (used often when asking for a service / information or to express gratitude to someone)
lla y-rнm lwalidin. الوالدين يرحم الله .
Our parents and yours. (a re-sponse to the above)
walidina u walidik. والديك و والدينا .
May God cure you. (used to show sympathy toward a sick person)
lla y-šafi. يشافي الله .
May God not show you any harm. (a response to the above)
lhla y-wrrik bas. باس يوريك لهال .
May God magnify the good deeds. (used to offer condolences for someone’s death)
ajarakum llah. الله أجركم .
May God make your child a good person. (used to complement a parent on his/her child)
lla y-slн. يصلح الله .
May God grant you grace. (used when saying goodbye to a friend or congratulating him/her on a job well done)
tbark llah عlik. عليك الله تبارك .
May God grant you grace. (re-sponse to the above)
lla y-bark fik. فيك يبارك الله .
I swear to God. (expresses that what you said was true)
ullah. .والله
Used to express “excuse me” when someone does something for you, such as: hands you socks or shoes, pours water over your hands to wash them, etc. It is also used when the speaker mentions words like “donkey” or “trash.”
нašak. .حشاك
May God grant you pride and honor. (used as a response to the above)
.zzk llahع الله عزك .
Used on the arrival of somebody after a trip.
.la slamtkع سالمتك على .
Response to the above. lla y-sllmk. يسلمك الله .
May God make your life easier. (said to beggars)
lla y-shl. يسهل الله .
Other ExpressionsWould you please help me? weš ymkn lik t-عawnni? تعاوني؟ ليك يمكن واش
If you don’t mind. ila jat عla xatrk. خاطرك على جات إال .
It is my pleasure. .inعla rras u lع العين و الراس على .
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You’re welcome. la šukran عla wajib. ال واجب على شكرا .
God forgives. lla y-samн. يسامح الله .
It is all right. (no harm done) ši bas ma kayn. كاين ما باس شي .
There is no harm. (response to apology)
ma fiha bas. باس فيها ما .
That’s fine. ddnya hanya. هانية الدنيا .
I’m going on ... ġadi n-mši nhar... نهار نمشي غادي ...
and I’ll be back on ... u ġadi n-rjع nhar... نهار نرجع غادي و ...
Really ?/! bssн ?/! ؟ بصح /!
It’s shameful. нšuma حشومة
Shame on you. нšuma عlik. عليك حشومة .
It’s none of your business. maši šġlk. شغلك ماشي .
Hurry up. srbi / dġya / tlq rask. راسك طلق/ دغية/ سربي .
You are right. .ndk lнqqع الحق عندك .
I agree with you. ana mttafq mعak. معاك متافق أنا .
Watch out! !ndakع !عنداك
Move aside. balak. .بالك
How do we say ... in Arabic?kifaš kangulu ... b lعr-biya. العربية ب... كنگولو كيفاش .
Is there another word? weš kayna ši klma xura? خرى؟ كلمة شي كاينة واش
Is there an easy word?weš kayna ši klma sahla? ساهلة؟ كلمة شي كاينة واش
Moroccan HolidaysHolidays in Morocco are extremely important and festive occasions. Women and girls
have henna parties and come out of their houses to celebrate. Visitors are entertained and gifts are exchanged among friends. Particular religious rites are performed. Special sweets and foods are washed down by glass after glass of mint tea as everyone gets caught up in the socializing and celebrating.
Religious HolidaysThere are both religious and civil holidays in Morocco. The Gregorian calendar, based
on solar computation, is used for civil purposes. This is the calendar Westerners gener-ally use.
The Islamic calendar, based on lunar computation, divides the year into twelve months which reoccur in varying relationship to the Gregorian year and complete their cycle every thirty years of 355 days. These thirtyyear cycles consist of nineteen years of 354 days and eleven years of 355 days. Thus, the Islamic calendar gains 10 to 11 days a year on the Gregorian year.
This calendar is called the Hegiran calendar because its starting point was the hegira, when Mohamed fled from Mecca in 622 of the Gregorian calendar. This calendar is used for religious purposes in Morocco.
Month TranscriptionName Arabic Festivals
1st muнarram محرم 10th of the month: عašura2nd safar صفر3rd rabiع lluwl اللول ربيع 12th of the month: عid l-mulud4th rabiع ttani التاني ربيع5th jumada lluwla اللولة جمادى6th jumada ttanya التانية جمادى7th rajab رجب8th šaعban شعبان 15th of the month: šعbana9th ramadan رمضان
10th šuwal شوال 1st of the month: l-عid s-sġir11th du lqiعda القيعدة دو12th du lнijja الحجة دو 10th of the month: l-عid l-kbir
Here are descriptions of the major festivals:ašuraع عاشورا
muнarram, the first month of the Islamic year, is in Morocco called šhr عašura, the month of the عašura. It has derived this name from the feast on the tenth day of the month. This day, called nhar عašura is the Islamic New Year’s Day. It is said that Allah created Adam and Eve, heaven and hell, and life and death on the 10th.
The month of عašura is rich in magical qualities. The ninth and particularly the tenth day are blessed days, and on the latter, many sacred or wonderful events are said to have taken place in the past. In Morocco, baraka is also generally ascribed to those days. Magic, good, or evil is extensively practiced on the ašura day and on the precedingع
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night which is said to favor witches. People gather and many wear masks and costumes and speak in disguised voices on the night before the ašura. It is believed that magicع practiced at this time of year will produce an effect which lasts for the whole year.
Good food has a place in the rejoicing of ašura, in accordance with the traditionalع saying of the Prophet, “Who give the plenty to his household on the عašura day, God will bestow plenty upon him throughout the remainder of the year.” Cow, bullock, goat, sheep, dried dates, and eggs are fixed according to local custom. Visits to the graves of relatives and almsgiving are common at this time.
Of great interest are the fire and water rites practiced at عašura, to which purificatory and other beneficial effects are ascribed. On ašura eve, “the bonfire night” fires areع built throughout the town and the people sing and dance around them. The chief object of the rite is to purify men and animals or to protect them from evil influences, since there is “baraka” (blessings) from those fires.
Similar effects are attributed to the water rites which even more frequently are prac-ticed on the following morning. It is a general belief that there is baraka in all water on this morning. To take a bath on the morning of the عašura day is a very widespread cus-tom, and in many cases it was expressly said that it must be done before sunrise. Chil-dren are traditionally involved in this festival. They dressup, play small drums, and are given gifts during this holiday.
id lmuludع المولود عيد
In Morocco, the third month of the Islamic year is called šhr lmulud, the month of the mulud. These names are given because of the feast celebrating the birth of the Prophet which commences on the twelfth day of the month and lasts for several days. The mulud is a particularly blessed month and all children born during it are considered fortunate.
The Prophet’s Birthday has more significance in Morocco because Morocco is a King-dom rather than a republic, and King Mohamed VI is a descendant of the Prophet. The anniversary is brilliantly celebrated at the Imperial Palace in Rabat and in the evening in Sale a great procession of candles takes place.
In Meknes the Aissaoua brotherhood has its own unique celebration worth seeing. Followers of the holy man, lhadi Ben Aissa throng to Meknes and play music, dance, cele-brate and make what is called “the small pilgrimage” to nearby saints’ tombs.
šعbana شعبانة
The eighth month of the Moroccan year is called šعban. On the fifteenth day a festival known as šعbana takes place. According to legend, this is the day that Allah “registers all the actions of mankind which they are to perform during the year and all the children of men who are to be born and die in the year.”
Traditionally, barren women gather in homes in the neighborhood and cook a cous-cous meal with special spices. This meal is eaten by the women and children at home or in the mosque. The barren women in the group hope this will help them to give birth dur-ing the upcoming year.
šعbana is also the month before the month of fasting, Ramadan. People think of the difficult month ahead and have a feast. Craftsmen guilds often have parties on this night involving music and feasting.
laylatu lqadr القدر ليلة
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic year. The most important feature of Ra-madan is the complete abstinence from food, drink and sexual activity from daybreak to
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sunset. Every Muslim who has reached the age of puberty must fast. Pregnant women, menstruating women, travelers, and those who are ill are exempt from fasting, but should make it up at a later date.
According Islam, there is one night in Ramadan which is more important than any other, namely, laylatu lqadr, “the night of power.” The Koran is said to have been sent down to the Prophet on that night. This night is one of the last ten nights of Ramadan, but its exact date has not been discovered by anyone but the Prophet himself. Tradition fixes it to be one of the odd nights—the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th—and in Morocco it is celebrated on the 27th day.
On the night of the 27th, the men go to the mosque to pray. From sundown to day-break, the imam (the prayer leader) reads the Koran. The complete Koran is read before the sun rises. It is believed by some that the sky will open up during this night and wishes will ascend directly to Allah and be granted. During the night, special meals of couscous are prepared and brought to the mosques. Those unable to go to the mosque eat specially prepared meals at home. Each family gives part of the meal to the poor.
lعid ssġir الصغير العيد
Immediately following Ramadan is lعid ssġir, or “the little feast.” Everyone stays up very late hoping to hear the announcement that the new moon has been sighted and Ra-madan and fasting are over. When it has officially been sighted, a threeday festival en-sues in which almsgiving plays a major role. The alms usually consist of food items like wheat or barley, and each family does the best it can. The chief religious rite of the feast is a prayer service at the mosque.
lعid lkbir الكبير العيد
On the tenth day of the month du lнijja, the last month of the year, the Islamic world celebrates its yearly sacrificial feast. In Morocco it is known as lعid lkbir or “the great feast.” This is the central feast in Islam, comparable to and derived from the feast of the atonement, Abraham’s substitute sacrifice, for the remission of sins. Hence, the animal sacrificed must be mature and without blemish.
Every family must have its own sheep just as Americans need turkeys for the proper celebration of Thanksgiving. Those who cannot afford a sheep buy a lamb or another less expensive animal. In Morocco, the animal cannot be slain until the King has killed his sheep. Then in each household, the head of the family kills the sheep (sometimes a butcher is asked to come to the house and perform the ritual). The sheep is eaten in an orderly fashion determined by local custom. For example, on the first day, the liver, heart, stomach, and lungs are eaten. On the second day, normally the head and feet are eaten. However, the head and feet can be eaten on the first day if that is the local cus-tom. There are purification and sanctification customs and rites that prepare the people for the holy feast and its principal feature, the sacrifice. People must purify and sanctify themselves in order to benefit from the holy feast and its sacrifice. Personal cleanliness should be observed. Men and boys visit the barber and often make a trip to the hammam as well.
Henna is used not merely as a cosmetic, but as a means of protection against evil in-fluences. Women paint their hands with it and, in many cases, also their feet. Among some ethnic groups, henna is also applied to domestic animals.
Almsgiving and prayer are two other purification rites practiced during the great feast. Gifts are exchanged between family members and a portion of the meal is given to the poor. The day begins with prayer. The chief praying ceremony takes place in the morning at the mosque.
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MoussemsMany Moroccan communities commemorate local saints, or “marabous,” in a yearly
festival or “moussem.” Most moussems are held near the tomb of the marabou and in-volve music, dancing and fantasia. For a very famous marabou’s moussem, people will come from very far away. Some very famous moussems celebrate Moulay Bouchaib (near El Jadida), Moulay Brahim (near Marrakech), Moulay Yaعqub (Fes), and Moulay Idriss (Moulay Idriss). Many towns have their own moussems known only to those in the re-gion.
National HolidaysIn addition to the religious holidays, some important civil holidays commemorating
significant events in Morocco’s recent history are celebrated. The most important of these are Independence Day, the Throne feast, Green March Day, and King Mohamed’s birthday.
The Festival of the Throne, or عid l-عrš, is the biggest of the civil holidays. This festival commemorates the coming to power of the King on July 30, 1999. Celebrations including parades with nationalistic anthems, usually occur in the cities with local government offi-cials, like the governor, making appearances. Traditionally during this holiday, country people come to visit their city relatives, who are expected to feed and house them for the duration of the festival. There is often a special emphasis on improving the appearance of the town prior to this holiday. City employees clean streets and paint walls, and towns-people are sometimes required by government officials to paint their doors, whitewash their houses, and display flags.
Green March Day is also celebrated by large parades in most of Morocco. This day commemorates one of the greatest achievements of King Hassan II: the mobilization of 350,000 Moroccans for the march into the Sahara territory. On November 6, 1975, the first Moroccan marchers, under the leadership of the then Prime Minister Ahmed Os-man, set out from Tarfaya and entered the Spanish territory. During the celebration, those who went on the actual march once again dress up in green and reenact the march.
Independence Day, or عid l-istiqlal, commemorates the November 18, 1956 return of Mohamed V from his Frenchimposed exile in Madagascar. This day gives rise to recep-tions at the Imperial Palace and parades and celebrations all over Morocco.
The last of these major national holidays celebrates the King’s Birthday, August 21, 1962. There are many organized celebrations in Rabat and broadcasts on the radio prais-ing the King.
Regional FestivalsThere are also many regional festivals which are centered around a particular prod-
uct in which a region specializes. The product is displayed and sold; music and other ac-tivities take place in an atmosphere similar to a country fair.
Some famous regional festivals are the Cherry Festival in Sefrou, the Date Festival in Erfoud, the Rose Festival in El-Kelaa M’Gouna (near Ouarzazate), the Marrakech Folk-lore and Music Festival, and the Immouzer Honey Festival (near Agadir).
One of the most interesting festivals in Morocco is the reenactment of an ancient mar-ket in the High Atlas mountains. At one time, these very isolated High Atlas tribes would gather yearly at a specific point near Imilchil where many mountain paths met for the yearly “market.” Provisions for many months were bought and sold and at one time one of the reasons for coming was to acquire a bride. Men would meet a girl for the first time and pay her dowry then take her home. Some say this practice still exists and others say
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it is just a reenactment for tourists, but in any case, it is a large market where many Berbers still buy many of the coming year’s provisions.
Religious, civil, and regional festivals are an excellent chance to get out and see inter-esting things, meet people on an informal basis, and have fun. Dates of these celebra-tions can be obtained from the national tourist office branches in many cities, but people in your community will usually provide you with the information about your region.
It should be noted that the same festival may be celebrated somewhat differently in various sections of the country. For example, in Errachidia Province, a far greater em-phasis is put on Green March Day than in other sections of Morocco because that prov-ince provided the first contingent for the march.
Be sure to check out the expectations of your community for a particular holiday, par-ticularly in terms of visitation, entertaining, giftgiving, and participation, so you can get as involved as possible and enjoy the holidays.
Glossary of VerbsThis glossary provides both the present tense and past tense conjugations for the subject “I,” making it possible for you to determine how to conjugate irregular verbs.
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
absent, to be ġab غاب kan-ġib ġbt
able, to be qdr قدر kan-qdr qdrt
absorb šrb شرب kan-šrb šrbt
abort (a fetus) sqqt سقط kan-sqqt sqqtt
accept qbl قبل kan-qbl qblt
accomplish нqqeq حقق kan-нqqeq нqqeqt
accuse ttahm هم ت kan-ttahm ttahmt
accustom tعuwd تعود kan-tعuwd tعuwdtwllf ولف kan-wllf wllft
ache wjع وجع kan-wjع wjعtdrr ضر kan-drr drrit
acknowledge tarf bع ب عترف kan-عtarf tarftعacquaint with, become acquainted with, sth/sb
tعarf mعa مع تعارف kan-tعarf tعarft
tعrrf mعa مع تعرف kan-tعrrf tعrrftadd zad زاد kan-zid zdt
adopt (a child, an idea) tbnna تبنى kan-tbnna tbnnit
advance tqddm تقدم kan-tqddm tqddmt
advise nsн نصح kan-nsн nsнt
affect attr عla على أتر kan-attr attrt
afraid (of), to be xaf (mn) ( خاف من) kan-xaf xft
age (get old) šrf شرف kan-šrf šrft
agree (with) ttafq (mعa) ( تافق مع) kan-ttafq ttafqt
amuse nššt نشط kan-nššt nšštt
dннk ضحك kan-dннk dннkt
analyze нllel حلل kan-нllel нllelt
angry, to be tqllq تقلق kan-tqllq tqllqt
annoy sddع صدع kan-sddع sddعtanswer jawb جاوب kan-jawb jawbt
appear ban بان kan-ban bnt
applaud sffq صفق kan-sffq sffqt
apply (a rule, an idea) tbbq طبق kan-tbbq tbbqt
apply for (a job) qddm talab طلب قدم kan-qddm qddmt
appoint iynع عين kan-عiyn iyntع
170 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
approach qrrb mn من قرب kan-qrrb qrrbt
argue (with) txasm (mعa) )مع) تخاصم kan-txasm txasmt
arrange rttb رتب kan-rttb rttbt
arrest sb šdd شد kan-šdd šddit
нbs حبس kan-нbs нbstqbt عla على قبط kan-qbt qbtt
arrive wsl وصل kan-wsl wslt
arrive, to make wssl وصل kan-wssl wsslt
ascend tlع طلع kan-tlع tlعtask suwl سول kan-suwl suwlt
ask (in marriage) xtb خطب kan-xtb xtbt
assemble (parts) rkkb ركب kan-rkkb rkkbt
attack hjm عla على هجم kan-hjm hjmt
attempt нawl حاول kan-нawl нawlt
attend нdr f ف حضر kan-нdr нdrt
attention, pay rdd l-bal البال رد kan-rdd l-bal rddit l-bal
нda rasu راسو حضى kan-нdi rasi нdit rasi
avoid tjnnb تجنب kan-tjnnb tjnnbt
banter tflla تفلى kan-tflla tfllit
bargain tšttr تشطر kan-tšttr tšttrt
bark nbн نبح kan-nbн nbнt
bathe ġsl غسل kan-ġsl ġslt
tнmmem تحمم kan-tнmmem tнmmemt
be kan كان kan-kun knt
beat (drum) tbbl طبل kan-tbbl tbblt
beat sb (in a game) ġlb غلب kan-ġlb ġlbt
become wlla ولى kan-wlli wllit
become accustomed wllf ولف kan-wllf wllft
befriend tsaнb mعa مع تصاحب kan-tsaнb tsaнbt
beg rġb رغب kan-rġb rġbt
tlb طلب kan-tlb tlbt
begin bda بدى kan-bda bdit
belch/burp tgrrع تگرع kan-tgrrع tgrrعtbelieve sb tiyq تيق kan-tiyq tiyqt
believe (in) amn (b) ( أمن ب) kan-amn amnt
benefit (from) stafd (mn) ( ستفد من) kan-stafd stafdt
betray xan خان kan-xun xnt
bigger, to make kbbr كبر kan-kbbr kbbrt
Peace Corps / Morocco • 171
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
birth, to give wld ولد kan-wld wldt
bite ddع عض kan-عdd dditعblow up (with air) nfx نفخ kan-nfx nfxt
blow up (explode) frgع فرگع kan-frgع frgعtboil ġlla غلى kan-ġlli ġllit
born, to be tzad تزاد kan-tzad tzadt
borrow tsllf تسلف kan-tsllf tsllft
bow нdr حدر kan-нdr нdrt
break hrrs هرس kan-hrrs hrrst
broken, to be thrrs تهرس kan-thrrs thrrst
break down (machine) txssr تخسر kan-txssr txssrt
breathe tnffs تنفس kan-tnffs tnffst
bring jab جاب kan-jib jbt
brush (hair) mšt مشط kan-mšt mštt
build bna بنى kan-bni bnit
burn нrq حرق kan-нrq нrqt
burnt, to be tнrq تحرق kan-tнrq tнrqt
burst (pipe) tfrgع تفرگع kan-tfrgع tfrgعtbury dfn دفن kan-dfn dfnt
buy šra شرى kan-šri šrit
call laع/iyt lع على/ عيط ل kan-عiyt iyttع
call on the phonedrb t tili-
fun التليفون ضرب kan-drb drbt
iyt lع ل عيط kan-عiyt iyttع
calm, to be (to not worry) thnna تهنى kan-thnna thnnit
can qdr قدر kan-qdr qdrt
camp xiym خيم kan-xiym xiymt
capture qbt قبط kan-qbt qbtt
care of, to take thla f ف تهال kan-thla thlat
carry hzz هز kan-hzz hzzit
carve (wood) nqš نقش kan-nqš nqšt
cash srrf صرف kan-srrf srrft
catch šdd شد kan-šdd šddit
qbt قبط kan-qbt qbtt
catch up (with) xlt عla على خلط kan-xlt xlttlнq عla على لحق kan-lнq lнqt
cause sbbeb سبب kan-sbbeb sbbebt
172 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
tsbbeb f ف تسبب kan-tsbbeb tsbbebt
celebrate нtafl b ب حتفل kan-нtafl нtaflt
censor (prices, film) raqb راقب kan-raqb raqbt
change bddl بدل kan-bddl bddlt
change (money) srrf صرف kan-srrf srrft
change (weather) tbddl تبدل kan-tbddl tbddlt
charge of, to be in tkllf b ب تكلف kan-tkllf tkllft
cheat ġšš غش kan-ġšš ġššit
cheat (exam) nql نقل kan-nql nqlt
cheat out of šmt شمت kan-šmt šmtt
chew mdġ مضغ kan-mdġ mdġt
choose xtar ختار kan-xtar xtarit
churn mxd مخض kan-mxd mxdt
clap sffq صفق kan-sffq sffqt
clarify šrн شرح kan-šrн šrнt
wddн وضح kan-wddн wddнt
clean nqqa نقى kan-nqqi nqqit
clean (pipes) srrн سرح kan-srrн srrнt
climb tlع طلع kan-tlع tlعtclog xnq خنق kan-xnq xnqt
close sdd سد kan-sdd sddit
close eyes ġmmd غمض kan-ġmmd ġmmdt
cold, to make brrd برد kan-brrd brrdt
collapse rab راب kan-rib rbt
collect jmع جمع kan-jmع jmعtcome ja جا kan-ji jit
comment llqع علق kan-عllq llqtعcompare qarn bin بين قارن kan-qarn qarnt
complain about tškka mn من تشكى kan-tškka tškkit
complain to tškka عla على تشكى kan-tškka tškkit
complete kmml كمل kan-kmml kmmlt
concentrate rkkz ركز kan-rkkz rkkzt
concern hmm هم kay-hmm hmm
concerned with, to be httm b ب هتم kan-httm httmt
confess tarfع عترف kan-عtarf tarftعconfuse нiyr حير kan-нiyr нiyrt
confused, to be нar حار kan-нir нrt
Peace Corps / Morocco • 173
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
congratulate hnna هنى kan-hnni hnnit
conjugate srrf صرف kan-srrf srrft
connect rbt ربط kan-rbt rbtt
consult (with) tšawr (mعa) ( تشاور مع) kan-tšawr tšawrt
contact tasl b ب تصل kan-tasl taslt
content with, to be (give your blessing to)
rda عla على رضى kan-rdi rdit
continue in sth stamr f ف ستمر kan-stamr stamrt
continue studies tabع تابع kan-tabع tabعtcontribute sahm ساهم kan-sahm sahmt
control tнkkm f ف تحكم kan-tнkkm tнkkmt
raqb راقب kan-raqb raqbt
cook tiyb طيب kan-tiyb tiybt
cooperate (with) tعawn (mعa) ( تعاون مع) kan-tعawn tعawntcope sllk سلك kan-sllk sllkt
copy (by hand) nql نقل kan-nql nqlt
copy (photocopy) nsx نسخ kan-nsx nsxt
correct sннeн صحح kan-sннeн sннeнt
cost swa سوى kan-swa swit
cough kнн كح kan-kнн kннit
kнb كحب kan-kнb kнbt
count нsb حسب kan-нsb нsbt
cram into xša خشى kan-xši xšit
crazy, to be нmq حمق kan-нmq нmqt
crazy, to make нmmq حمق kan-нmmq нmmqt
create xlq خلق kan-xlq xlqt
cross (road) qtع قطع kan-qtع qtعtcross-breed lqqm ملق kan-lqqm lqqmt
cry bka بكى kan-bki bkit
cry, to make bkka بكى kan-bkki bkkit
cure dawa داوى kan-dawi dawit
cured, to be bra برى kan-bra brit
cut qtع قطع kan-qtع qtعtcut (hair) нssn حسن kan-нssn нssnt
cut/injure (skin) jrн جرح kan-jrн jrнt
cut/injured, to be tjrн تجرح kan-tjrн tjrнt
cut( a pattern from cloth) fssl فصل kan-fssl fsslt
damage xssr خسر kan-xssr xssrt
174 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
dampen fzzg فزگ kan-fzzg fzzgt
damp, to get fzg فزگ kan-fzg fzgt
dance štн شطح kan-štн štнt
deafen smmk صمك kan-smmk smmkt
deal with sb tعaml mعa مع تعامل kan-tعaml tعamltdecide qrrer قرر kan-qrrer qrrert
declare lnع علن kan-عln lntعdecrease nqs نقص kan-nqs nqst
dedicate hda هدى kan-hdi hdit
defeat ġlb غلب kan-ġlb ġlbt
defend daf ع ع la على دافع kan-dafع dafعtdefine нdded حدد kan-нdded нddedt
defy tнdda تحدى kan-tнdda tнddit
delay ttlع عطل kan-عttl ttltعdeprive нrm حرم kan-нrm нrmt
descend hbt هبط kan-hbt hbtt
nzl نزل kan-nzl nzlt
describe wsf وصف kan-wsf wsft
deserve staнq ستحق kan-staнq staнqt
design xttet خطط kan-xttet xttett
desire strongly mat عla على مات kan-mut mtt
destroy hddm هدم kan-hddm hddmt
develop tuwr طور kan-tuwr tuwrt
develop (film) xrrj خرج kan-xrrj xrrjt
die mat مات kan-mut mtt
differ (from) xtalf (mعa) ( ختلف مع) kan-xtalf xtalft
dig нfr حفر kan-нfr нfrt
digest hdm هضم kan-hdm hdmt
dinner, to have tعšša تعشى kan-tعšša tعššitdirect wjjh وجه kan-wjjh wjjht
direct (as an order) amr أمر kan-amr amrt
dirty, to make wssx وسخ kan-wssx wssxt
dirty, to get tussx توسخ kan-tussx tussxt
disappear ġbr غبر kan-ġbr ġbrt
discipline addb أدب kan-addb addbtrbba ربى kan-rbbi rbbit
Peace Corps / Morocco • 175
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
discover ktašf كتشف kan-ktašf ktašft
discuss (a topic) naqš ناقش kan-naqš naqšt
dislike ma-нml-š حملش ما ma-kan-нml-š ma-нmlt-škrh كره kan-krh krht
dissolve sth duwb دوب kan-duwb duwbt
distribute frrq فرق kan-frrq frrqt
distance oneself (from) b ع ع d (mn) ( بعد من) kan-b ع ع d b ع ع dt
divide qsm قسم kan-qsm qsmt
divorce tllq طلق kan-tllq tllqt
dizzy, to get dax داخ kan-dux dxt
dizzy, to make duwx دوخ kan-duwx duwxt
do dar دار kan-dir drt
drag jrr جر kan-jrr jrrit
draw rsm رسم kan-rsm rsmt
draw up (water from a well)
jbd جبد kan-jbd jbdt
dream (about) нlm (b) ( حلم ب) kan-нlm нlmt
dress lbs لبس kan-lbs lbst
dress up (slang) tfrks تفركس kan-tfrks tfrkst
drink šrb شرب kan-šrb šrbt
drink, to make šrrb شرب kan-šrrb šrrbt
drip qtr قطر kan-qtr qtrt
drive sag صاگ kan-sug sgt
drive crazy нmmq حمق kan-нmmq нmmqt
drop sth tiyн طيح kan-tiyн tiyнt
drown ġrq غرق kan-ġrq ġrqt
drunk, to get skr سكر kan-skr skrt
dry, to get nšf نشف kan-nšf nšft
ybs يبس kan-ybs ybst
dry sth nššf نشف kan-nššf nššft
ybbs يبس kan-ybbs ybbst
dry (a wet floor) jffef جفف kan-jffef jffeft
dye sbġ صبغ kan-sbġ sbġt
earn (money) suwr صور kan-suwr suwrt
easy, to make shhl سهل kan-shhl shhlt
eat kla كلى kan-akul klit
eat breakfast ftr فطر kan-ftr ftrt
176 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
eat lunch tġdda تغدى kan-tġdda tġddit
eat dinner tعšša تعشى kan-tعšša tعššiteconomize qtasd قتصد kan-qtasd qtasdt
elect ntaxb نتخب kan-ntaxb ntaxbt
embarrass sb нššm حشم kan-нššm нššmt
embarrassed, to be нšm حشم kan-нšm нšmt
embrace anqع عانق kan-عanq anqtعembrace Islam slm سلم kan-slm slmt
emigrate hajr هاجر kan-hajr hajrt
empty xwa خوى kan-xwi xwit
encourage šjjع شجع kan-šjjع šjjعtenjoy sth tbrع تبرع kan-tbrع tbrعtenroll tsjjl تسجل kan-tsjjl tsjjlt
enter dxl دخل kan-dxl dxlt
envy нsd حسد kan-нsd нsdt
erase msн مسح kan-msн msнt
mнa محى kan-mнi mнit
escape hrb هرب kan-hrb hrbt
estimate qddr قدر kan-qddr qddrt
evacuate (house/coun-try)
xwa خوى kan-xwi xwit
evict xrrj خرج kan-xrrj xrrjt
evolve ttuwr تطور kan-ttuwr ttuwrt
exaggerate (slang) balġ بالغ kan-balġ balġt
exchange tbadl mعa مع تبادل kan-tbadl tbadlt
exhibit rdع عرض kan-عrd rdtعexit xrj خرج kan-xrj xrjt
expensive, to get ġla غلى kay-ġla ġla
experience jrrb جرب kan-jrrb jrrbt
expire tqada تقاضى kay-tqada tqada
explain šrн شرح kan-šrн šrнt
fssr فسر kan-fssr fssrt
explode tfrgع تفرگع kan-tfrgع tfrgعtexploit staġl ستغل kan-staġl staġlt
export sddr صدر kan-sddr sddrt
express bbrع عبر kan-عbbr bbrtعexterminate txlls mn من تخلص kan-txlls txllst
Peace Corps / Morocco • 177
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
face tqabl mعa مع تقابل kan-tqabl tqablt
facilitate shhl سهل kan-shhl shhlt
fail sqt سقط kan-sqt sqtt
faint sxf سخف kan-sxf sxft
fall taн طاح kan-tiн tнt
fall, to make tiyн طيح kan-tiyн tiyнt
fake zuwr زور kan-zuwr zuwrt
fart нzq حزق kan-нzq нzqt
falsify zuwr زور kan-zuwr zuwrt
fast sam صام kan-sum smt
fear xaf خاف kan-xaf xft
feed wkkl وكل kan-wkkl wkklt
feed fodder llfع علف kan-عllf llftعfeel нss حس kan-нss нssit
ferment xmr خمر kan-xmr xmrt
fight (physically) tdabz تدابز kan-tdabz tdabzt
fill (intransitive) mrع عمر kan-عmr mrtعfill out mmrع عمر kan-عmmr mmrtعfill up mmrع عمر kan-عmmr mmrtعfilter sffa صفى kan-sffi sffit
finance muwl مول kan-muwl muwlt
find lqa لقى kan-lqa lqit
finish kmml كمل kan-kmml kmmlt
sala سالى kan-sali salit
finished, to be tsala تسالى kan-tsala tsalit
fish siyd صيد kan-siyd siydt
fix sawb صاوب kan-sawb sawbt
slн صلح kan-slн slнt
flatten (bread) grrs گرص kan-grrs grrst
flatter (a female) tġzzl b ب تغزل kan-tġzzl tġzzlt
flee hrb هرب kan-hrb hrbt
flip qlb قلب kan-qlb qlbt
fly tar طار kan-tir trt
fold twa طوى kan-twi twit
follow tbع تبع kan-tbع tbعtforbid нrrm حرم kan-нrrm нrrmt
force open frع فرع kan-frع frعt
178 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
forge (signature) zuwr زور kan-zuwr zuwrt
forget nsa نسى kan-nsa nsit
forgive smн l ل سمح kan-smн smнt
foretell tnbba تنبأ kan-tnbba' tnbba't
free нrrer حرر kan-нrrer нrrerttlq طلق kan-tlq tlqt
freeze jmd جمد kan-jmd jmdt
freeze sth jmmd جمد kan-jmmd jmmdt
fry qla قلى kan-qli qlit
fulfill sth нqqeq حقق kan-нqqeq нqqeqt
full (of food), to be šbع شبع kan-šbع šbعtfun, to make dнk ضحك kan-dнk dнkt
nšt نشط kan-nšt nštt
fun of, to make dннk عla على ضحك kan-dннk dннkttflla عla على تفلى kan-tflla tfllit
gain ksb كسب kan-ksb ksbt
rbн ربح kan-rbн rbнt
gamble qmmr قمر kan-qmmr qmmrt
gather jmع جمع kan-jmع jmعtgather (with people) jtamع جتمع kan-jtamع jtamعtgaze нnzez حنزز kan-нnzez нnzezt
generalize mmemع عمم kan-عmmem mmemtعgenerate wlld ولد kan-wlld wlldt
get xda خدى kan-axud xditšdd شد kan-šdd šddit
get down hbt هبط kan-hbt hbtt
get off nzl نزل kan-nzl nzlt
get on rkb ركب kan-rkb rkbttlع طلع kan-tlع tlعt
get rid of thnna mn من تهنى kan-thnna thnnittxlls mn من تخلص kan-txlls txllst
get sick mrd مرض kan-mrd mrdt
get through daz mn من داز kan-duz dzt
get up nad ناض kan-nud ndt
get used to wllf ولف kan-wllf wllft
give taع عطى kan-عti titعgive a ride dda دى kan-ddi ddit
Peace Corps / Morocco • 179
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
wssl وصل kan-wssl wsslt
give a speech xtb خطب kan-xtb xtbt
give back rjjع رجع kan-rjjع rjjعtrdd رد kan-rdd rddit
give off tllq طلق kan-tllq tllqt
give pain drr ضر kan-drr drrit
glare at xnzr f ف خنزر kan-xnzr xnzrt
gleam lmع لمع kan-lmع lmعtdwa ضوى kan-dwi dwit
glue lssq لصق kan-lssq lssqt
go mša مشى kan-mši mšit
go ahead of/in front of sbq سبق kan-sbq sbqt
go by daz عla على داز kan-duz dzt
go out xrj خرج kan-xrj xrjt
go through daz mn من داز kan-duz dzt
go up tlع طلع kan-tlع tlعtgossip about hdr f ف هضر kan-hdr hdrt
govern нkm عla على حكم kan-нkm нkmt
grab qbt قبط kan-qbt qbtt
šdd شد kan-šdd šddit
graze rعa رعى kay-rعa rعagreet sllm عla على سلم kan-sllm sllmt
greet one another tsalm تسالم kan-tsalm tsalmt
grill šwa شوى kan-šwi šwit
grind tнn طحن kan-tнn tнnt
grow (get older/bigger) kbr كبر kan-kbr kbrt
guarantee dmn ضمن kan-dmn dmnt
guard ssع عس kan-عss ssitعhand mdd مد kan-mdd mddit
hang llqع علق kan-عllq llqtعhang to dry nšr نشر kan-nšr nšrt
happen wqع وقع kay-wqع wqعjra جرى kay-jra jra
tra طرى kay-tra tra
happy, to be frн فرح kan-frн frнt
happy, to make frrн فرح kan-frrн frrнt
harvest нsd حصد kan-нsd нsdt
hatch tfqqs تفقص kay-tfqqs tfqqs
180 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
hate krh كره kan-krh krht
have ndع عند ndiع kan عndihear smع سمع kan-smع smعtheat sxxn سخن kan-sxxn sxxnt
help awnع عاون kan-عawn awntع
herd srн سرح kan-srн srнt
hesitate trdded تردد kan-trdded trddedt
hide sth xbba خبى kan-xbba xbbit
hide (oneself) txbba تخبى kan-txbba txbbit
hire (a car) kra كرى kan-kri krit
hit drb ضرب kan-drb drbt
hit, to be tdrb تضرب kan-tdrb tdrbt
hold šdd شد kan-šdd šddit
honor šrrf شرف kan-šrrf šrrft
hope tmnna تمنى kan-tmnna tmnnit
house skkn سكن kan-skkn skknt
hug nnqع عنق kan-عnnq nnqtعhug one another tعanq تعانق kan-tعanq tعanqthungry, to be jaع جاع kan-juع jعthunt siyd صيد kan-siyd siydt
hurry zrb زرب kan-zrb zrbt
hurt drr ضر kan-drr drrit
ignore (slang) miyk عla على ميك kan-miyk miykt
ill, to be mrd مرض kan-mrd mrdt
ill, to make mrrd مرض kan-mrrd mrrdt
imagine tsuwr تصور kan-tsuwr tsuwrt
txayl تخايل kan-txayl txaylt
imitate qlld قلد kan-qlld qlldt
import stawrd ستورد kan-stawrd stawrdt
impose frd فرض kan-frd frdt
imprison sjn سجن kan-sjn sjnt
šdd f l нbs الحبس ف شد kan-šdd šddit
improve нssn حسن kan-нssn нssnt
tнssn تحسن kan-tнssn tнssnt
improvise rtajl رتجل kan-rtajl rtajlt
increase zad زاد kan-zid zdt
indicate biyn بين kan-biyn biynt
Peace Corps / Morocco • 181
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
infect adaع عادى kan-عadi aditعinform lmع علم kan-عlm lmtع
xbr خبر kan-xbr xbrt
inherit wrt ورت kan-wrt wrtt
injure jrн جرح kan-jrн jrнt
inspect (education) fttš فتش kan-fttš fttšt
install blasa بالصى kan-blasi blasit
rkkb ركب kan-rkkb rkkbt
insult ayrع عاير kan-عayr ayrtعsbb سب kan-sbb sbbit
integrate dmj دمج kan-dmj dmjt
interest httm هتم kay-httm httm
interfere tdxxl تدخل kan-tdxxl tdxxlt
interrupt qatع قاطع kan-qatع qatعtintroduce qddm قدم kan-qddm qddmt
invent xtarع خترع kan-xtarع xtarعtinvite laع rdع على عرض kan-عrd rdtعiron нdded حدد kan-нdded нddedt
irrigate sga سگى kan-sgi sgit
sqa سقى kan-sqi sqit
irritate qllq قلق kan-qllq qllqt
irritated, to be tqllq تقلق kan-tqllq tqllqt
isolate hmmš همش kan-hmmš hmmštzlع عزل kan-عzl zltع
jealous, to be ġar عla على غار kan-ġir ġrt
joke dнk ضحك kan-dнk dнkt
tflla تفلى kan-tflla tfllit
judge нkm عla على حكم kan-нkm нkmtнasb حاسب kan-нasb нasbt
jump nqqz نقز kan-nqqz nqqzt
justify brrer برر kan-brrer brrert
keep нtafd b ب حتفض kan-нtafd нtafdtнafd عla على حافض kan-нafd нafdt
keep house qabl d-dar الدار قابل kan-qabl qabltgabl d-dar الدار گابل kan-gabl gablt
kick (a ball) šat شات kan-šut šttqdf قدف kan-qdf qdft
182 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
kidnap xtf خطف kan-xtf xtft
kiss bas باس kan-bus bst
knead jnع عجن kan-عjn jntع
know rfع عرف kan-عrf rftعlast (time) bqa بقى kan-bqa bqit
dam دام kan-dum dmt
late, to be tعttl تعطل kan-tعttl tعttltlate, to make ttlع عطل kan-عttl ttltعlaugh dнk ضحك kan-dнk dнkt
laugh, to make dннk ضحك kan-dннk dннkt
lay down нtt حط kan-нtt нttit
lay eggs biyd بيض kan-biyd biydt
lead tz ع ع m تزعم kan-tz ع ع m tz ع ع mt
leak sal سال kan-sil sltqtr قطر kan-qtr qtrt
lean tkka عla على تكى kan-tkka tkkit
learn tعllm تعلم kan-tعllm tعllmtleave xrj خرج kan-xrj xrjt
leave (a house/city for another)
rнl رحل kan-rнl rнlt
leave alone xlla خلى kan-xlli xllit
leave behind xlla خلى kan-xlli xllit
lend sllf سلف kan-sllf sllft
lengthen tuwl طول kan-tuwl tuwlt
lessen qllel قلل kan-qllel qllelt
let xlla خلى kan-xlli xllit
let go of tlq mn من طلق kan-tlq tlqt
liberate нrrer حرر kan-нrrer нrrert
lie kdb كدب kan-kdb kdbt
lift hzz هز kan-hzz hzzit
light šعl شعل kan-šعl šعltlike bġa بغى kan-bġi knt baġi
jbع عجب kay عjbni jbniعlighten (weight) xffef خفف kan-xffef xffeft
limit нdded حدد kan-нdded нddedtнbs حبس kan-нbs нbst
Peace Corps / Morocco • 183
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
limp rjع عرج kan-عrj rjtعline, to draw a sttr سطر kan-sttr sttrt
live (reside) skn سكن kan-skn sknt
loan sllf سلف kan-sllf sllft
lock sdd سد kan-sdd sdditsurt سورت kan-surt surtt
look šaf شاف kan-šuf šft
look after thlla f ف تهال kan-thlla thllat
нda حضى kan-нdi нdit
look alike tšabh تشابه kan-tšabh tšabht
look behind tlfft تلفت kan-tlfft tlfftt
look down (on sb) нgr حگر kan-нgr нgrt
look for qllb عla على قلب kan-qllb qllbt
look like šbh شبه kan-šbh šbht
ban bнal بحال بان kan-ban bnt
look out (window) tll طل kan-tll tllit
loosen tlq طلق kan-tlq tlqt
rxa رخى kan-rxi rxit
rxf رخف kan-rxf rxft
lose wddr وضر kan-wddr wddrt
tllf تلف kan-tllf tllft
lost, to be twddr توضر kan-twddr twddrt
love bġa بغى kan-bġi knt baġimat عla على مات kan-mut mtt
lower nzzl نزل kan-nzzl nzzlthbbt هبط kan-hbbt hbbtt
nqs نقص kan-nqs nqst
magnify kbbr كبر kan-kbbr kbbrt
maintain нafd عla على حافض kan-нafd нafdt
make sawb صاوب kan-sawb sawbt
dar دار kan-dir drtsnع صنع kan-snع snعt
make difficult for sb tkrfs عla على تكرفس kan-tkrfs tkrfst
maltreat (destroy) krfs كرفس kan-krfs krfst
manipulate tнkkm تحكم kan-tнkkm tнkkmt
manufacture snع صنع kan-snع snعtmark nqqt نقط kan-nqqt nqqtt
184 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
ršm رشم kan-ršm ršmt
marry (with) tzuwj (b) ( تزوج ب) kan-tzuwj tzuwjt
marry off (daughter, etc.) zuwj زوج kan-zuwj zuwjt
massage (hammam) kssl كسل kan-kssl ksslt
mean naع عنى kan-عni nitعmeasure brع عبر kan-عbr brtعmediate twsst توسط kan-twsst twsstt
meet tlaqa تالقى kan-tlaqa tlaqit
meeting, to have jtamع جتمع kan-jtamع jtamعtmelt dab داب kan-dub dbt
memorize нfd حفض kan-нfd нfdt
menace hdded هدد kan-hdded hddedt
mess up krfs كرفس kan-krfs krfst
migrate hjr هجر kan-hjr hjrt
milk нlb حلب kan-нlb нlbt
mistake, to make a ġlt غلط kan-ġlt ġltt
miss (a bus) 3rd person mša عla على مشى kay-mši عliya mša عliyamix xllt خلط kan-xllt xlltt
monitor (exam) нda حضى kan-нdi нdit
нrs حرس kan-нrs нrst
monopolize нtakr حتكر kan-нtakr нtakrt
motivate нffz حفز kan-нffz нffzt
move sth нrrk حرك kan-нrrk нrrkt
kннz كحز kan-kннz kннzt
move tнrrk تحرك kan-tнrrk tнrrkttkннz تكحز kan-tkннz tkннzt
move away from bعd mn من بعد kan-bعd bعdtmove residence tнuwl تحول kan-tнuwl tнuwlt
rнl رحل kan-rнl rнlt
murder qtl قتل kan-qtl qtlt
name smma سمى kan-smmi smmit
need нtaj حتاج kan-нtaj нtajt
neglect smн f ف سمح kan-smн smнt
frrt فرط kan-frrt frrtt
noise, to make sdع صدع kan-sdع sdعtnominate rššн رشح kan-rššн rššнt
notice laнd الحض kan-laнd laнdt
obey taع طاع kan-tiع tعt
Peace Corps / Morocco • 185
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
object ardع عارض kan-عard ardtعoblige frd عla على فرض kan-frd frdt
bzzez عla على بزز kan-bzzez bzzezt
observe laнd الحض kan-laнd laнdt
occupy нtll حتل kan-нtll нtllt
occur wqع وقع kay wqع wqعjra جرى kay jra jra
offer hda هدى kan-hdi hdit
oil ziyt زيت kan-ziyt ziytt
old, to get šrf شرف kan-šrf šrft
open нll حل kan-нll нllit
ftн فتح kan-ftн ftнt
operate (surgical) ftн فتح kan-ftн ftнt
oppress ddbع عدب kan-عddb ddbtعorder sth tlb طلب kan-tlb tlbt
order sb amr أمر kan-amr amrt
organize nddm نضم kan-nddm nddmt
overcome tġllb عla على تغلب kan-tġllb tġllbt
owe tsal تسال kan-tsal tsalt
owed, to be sal سال kan-sal slt
own mlk ملك kan-mlk mlkt
pacify hddn هدن kan-hddn hddnt
pack jmع جمع kan-jmع jmعtpaint sbġ صبغ kan-sbġ sbġt
park (a car) blasa بالصى kan-blasa blasit
participate šark شارك kan-šark šarkt
party нtafl حتفل kan-нtafl нtaflt
pass daz داز kan-duz dztfat فات kan-fut ftt
pass (exam) njн f ف نجح kan-njн njнt
pass by daz عla على داز kan-duz dzt
paste lssq لصق kan-lssq lssqt
patient, to be sbr صبر kan-sbr sbrt
pay xlls خلص kan-xlls xllst
paid, to be txlls تخلص kan-txlls txllst
pay back rdd l ل رد kan-rdd rddit
peel qššr قشر kan-qššr qššrt
186 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
peel (skin) tqššr تقشر kan-tqššr tqššrt
permit xlla خلى kan-xlli xllit
smн l ل سمح kan-smн smнt
persuade qnع قنع kan-qnع qnعtphotograph suwr صور kan-suwr suwrt
photographed, to be tsuwr تصور kan-tsuwr tsuwrt
pick (light fruit) jna جنى kan-jni jnit
pierce tqb تقب kan-tqb tqbt
pile up rrmع عرم kan-عrrm rrmtعplan xttet خطط kan-xttet xttett
plant zrع زرع kan-zrع zrعtplay lعb لعب kan-lعb lعbtplease jbع عجب kan-عjb jbtعplow нrt حرت kan-нrt нrtt
pluck riyš ريش kan-riyš riyšt
poison smmem سمم kan-smmem smmemt
poisoned, to be tsmmem تسمم kan-tsmmem tsmmemt
pollute luwt لوت kan-luwt luwtt
possess mlk ملك kan-mlk mlkt
postpone ajjl أجل kan-ajjl ajjlt
pour kbb كب kan-kbb kbbit
xwa خوى kan-xwi xwit
practice tbbq طبق kan-tbbq tbbqt
praise mdн مدح kan-mdн mdнt
pray slla صلى kan-slli sllit
precede sbq سبق kan-sbq sbqt
prefer fddl فضل kan-fddl fddlt
prepare wjjd وجد kan-wjjd wjjdtsawb صاوب kan-sawb sawbt
pressure dġt ضغط kan-dġt dġtt
pretend dar bнal بحال دار kan-dir drt
biyn blli بلي بين kan-biyn biynt
prevent mnع منع kan-mnع mnعtprint tbع طبع kan-tbع tbعtproduce ntj نتج kan-ntj ntjt
profit rbн ربح kan-rbн rbнt
Peace Corps / Morocco • 187
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
stafd ستفد kan-stafd stafdt
progress tqddm تقدم kan-tqddm tqddmt
prohibit mnع منع kan-mnع mnعtpromise waعd واعد kan-waعd waعdtpronounce ntq نطق kan-ntq ntqt
propose qtarн قترح kan-qtarн qtarнt
proud, to be ftaxr فتخر kan-ftaxr ftaxrt
prune zbr زبر kan-zbr zbrt
publish nšr نشر kan-nšr nšrt
pull jrr جر kan-jrr jrrit
jbd جبد kan-jbd jbdt
punish aqbع عاقب kan-عaqb aqbtعpush dfع دفع kan-dfع dfعtpush (a button) wrrk عla على ورك kan-wrrk wrrkt
brk عla على برك kan-brk brkt
put нtt حط kan-нtt нttit
put down нtt حط kan-нtt нttit
put out (light) tfa طفى kan-tfi tfit
put together (parts) rkkb ركب kan-rkkb rkkbt
quarrel txasm تخاصم kan-txasm txasmt
quiet, to be skt سكت kan-skt sktt
quiet, to make skkt سكت kan-skkt skktt
quit mša bнalu بحالو مشى kan-mši bнali mšit bнali
rain taн (l-šta) ( طاح الشتا) kat-tiн taнt
raise hzz هز kan-hzz hzzit
raise (children) rbba ربى kan-rbbi rbbit
raised, to be trbba تربى kan-trbba trbbit
rape ġtasb غتصب kan-ġtasb ġtasbt
read qra قرى kan-qra qrit
receive (a letter) šdd شد kan-šdd šddit
recognize tعrrf تعرف kan-tعrrf tعrrftrecord sjjl سجل kan-sjjl sjjlt
reduce nqs نقس kan-nqs nqst
reform slн صلح kan-slн slнt
refuse rfd رفض kan-rfd rfdt
refute nfa نفى kan-nfi nfit
regret ndm ندم kan-ndm ndmt
188 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
reimburse uwdع عوض kan-عuwd uwdtعrejoice frн فرح kan-frн frнt
relax rtaн رتاح kan-rtaн rtaнt
release tlq طلق kan-tlq tlqt
rely on laع uwlع على عول kan-عuwl uwltعremain bqa بقى kan-bqa bqit
remember laع qlع على عقل kan-عql qltعtfkkr تفكر kan-tfkkr tfkkrt
remind fkkr فكر kan-fkkr fkkrt
remove нiyd حيد kan-нiyd нiydt
zuwl زول kan-zuwl zuwlt
renew jdded جدد kan-jdded jddedt
rent kra كرى kan-kri krit
repair sawb صاوب kan-sawb sawbt
slн صلح kan-slн slнt
repeat awdع عاود kan-عawd awdtعrepent tab تاب kan-tub tbt
reply rdd رد kan-rdd rddit
request tlb mn من طلب kan-tlb tlbt
require ttlb تطلب kan-ttlb ttlbt
resemble šbh شبه kan-šbh šbht
resign staql ستقل kan-staql staqlt
resist qawm قاوم kan-qawm qawmt
respect нtarm حترم kan-нtarm нtarmt
respond jawb جاوب kan-jawb jawbt
rest rtaн رتاح kan-rtaн rtaнt
retire tqaعd تقاعد kan-tqaعd tqaعdtreturn (to a place) rjع رجع kan-rjع rjعtreturn sth rdd رد kan-rdd rddit
rjjع رجع kan-rjjع rjjعtreview rajع راجع kan-rajع rajعtride rkb ركب kan-rkb rkbt
ride, to give a dda دى kan-ddi ddit
rkkb ركب kan-rkkb rkkbt
wssl وصل kan-wssl wsslt
rinse šllel شلل kan-šllel šllelt
rise (like the sun) tlع طلع kan-tlع tlعtrise (to wake up) faq فاق kan-fiq fqt
Peace Corps / Morocco • 189
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
rot fsd فسد kan-fsd fsdt
round, to go duwr ضور kan-duwr duwrt
rub нkk حك kan-нkk нkkit
run jra جرى kan-jri jrit
run away hrb هرب kan-hrb hrbt
run out of tqada تقاضى kan-tqada tqadit
rush zrb زرب kan-zrb zrbt
sacrifice dннa ضحى kan-dннi dннit
satisfy qnع قنع kan-qnع qnعtsave xbba خبى kan-xbbi xbbit
xzn خزن kan-xzn xzntxbbع خبع kan-xbbع xbbعt
save (money) jmع l flus الفلوس جمع kan-jmع jmعtwffr وفر kan-wffr wffrt
say gal گال kan-gul glt
scratch нkk حك kan-нkk нkkit
scream ġuwt غوت kan-ġuwt ġuwtt
screw ziyr زير kan-ziyr ziyrt
see šaf شاف kan-šuf šft
see one another tšawf تشاوف kan-tšawf tšawft
sell baع باع kan-biع bعtsend sift صيفط kan-sift siftt
separate frrq فرق kan-frrq frrqt
serve srba سربى kan-srbi srbit
set a bone jbbr جبر kan-jbbr jbbrt
set (the sun) ġrb غرب kan-ġrb ġrbt
set up rkkb ركب kan-rkkb rkkbt
settle staqr ستقر kan-staqr staqrt
sew xiyt خيط kan-xiyt xiytt
shake (palsy) tr ع ع d ترعد kan-tr ع ع d tr ع ع dt
rjf رجف kan-rjf rjft
shake hands with sllm عla على سلم kan-sllm sllmt
shake out нrrk حرك kan-нrrk нrrkt
share qsm قسم kan-qsm qsmt
sharpen njr نجر kan-njr njrt
mdda مضى kan-mddi mddit
shave нssn حسن kan-нssn нssnt
190 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
shepherd srн سرح kan-srн srнt
shine lmع لمع kan-lmع lmعtshiver tr ع ع d ترعد kan-tr ع ع d tr ع ع dt
rjf رجف kan-rjf rjft
shop (weekly market) tsuwq تسوق kan-tsuwq tsuwqt
shop (food) tqdda تقدى kan-tqdda tqddit
shorten qssr قصر kan-qssr qssrt
shout ġuwt غوت kan-ġuwt ġuwtt
shovel hzz b l bala البالة ب هز kan-hzz hzzit
show wrra ورى kan-wrri wrrit
shower duwš دوش kan-duwš duwšt
shut sdd سد kan-sdd sddit
shut eyes ġmmd غمض kan-ġmmd ġmmdt
shut up skt سكت kan-skt sktt
sift ġrbl غربل kan-ġrbl ġrblt
sightsee tsara تسارى kan-tsara tsarit
sign sna سنى kan-sni snitwqqع وقع kan-wqqع wqqعt
silence sb skkt سكت kan-skkt skktt
silent, to be skt سكت kan-skt sktt
simplify shhl سهل kan-shhl shhlt
sing ġnna غنى kan-ġnni ġnnit
sink ġts غطس kan-ġts ġtst
ġrq غرق kan-ġrq ġrqt
sit gls گلس kan-gls glst
skin slx سلخ kan-slx slxt
skip nqqz نقز kan-nqqz nqqzt
slap (in the face) srfq صرفق kan-srfq srfqt
trrš طرش kan-trrš trršt
slaughter dbн دبح kan-dbн dbнt
sleep nعs نعس kan-nعs nعstsleep, to make n ع ع s نعس kan-n ع ع s n ع ع st
slide zlq زلق kan-zlq zlqt
slip zlq زلق kan-zlq zlqt
smear lttx لطخ kan-lttx lttxt
smell šmm شم kan-šmm šmmit
smile btasm بتسم kan-btasm btasmt
Peace Corps / Morocco • 191
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
smoke kma كمى kan-kmi kmit
smuggle hrrb هرب kan-hrrb hrrbt
sneeze tsع عطس kan-عts tstعsolder lннm لحم kan-lннm lннmt
solve нll حل kan-нll нllit
speak tkllm تكلم kan-tkllm tkllmt
hdr هضر kan-hdr hdrtdwa دوى kan-dwi dwit
specialize txsses تخصص kan-txsses txssest
spend money srf صرف kan-srf srft
spend the night bat بات kan-bat btt
spend time duwz دوز kan-duwz duwzt
spin ġzl غزل kan-ġzl ġzlt
spit dfl دفل kan-dfl dflt
splash ršš رش kan-ršš rššit
spoil (a child) fššeš فشش kan-fššeš fššešt
sprain dfع دفع kan-dfع dfعtspray ršš رش kan-ršš rššit
squeeze srع عصر kan-عsr srtعziyr زير kan-ziyr ziyrt
stamp tbع طبع kan-tbع tbعtstand wqf وقف kan-wqf wqft
stare angrily xnzr f ف خنزر kan-xnzr xnzrt
start bda بدى kan-bda bdit
startle xlع خلع kan-xlع xlعtstartled, to be txlع تخلع kan-txlع txlعtstay bqa بقى kan-bqa bqit
gls گلس kan-gls glst
stay up late shr سهر kan-shr shrt
steal srq سرق kan-srq srqt
šffr شفر kan-šffr šffrt
step on ftع عفط kan-عft fttع
fsع عفس kan-عfs fstعsting qrs قرص kan-qrs qrst
stink xnz خنز kan-xnz xnzt
stir нrrk حرك kan-нrrk нrrkt
192 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
stop wqf وقف kan-wqf wqft
нbs حبس kan-нbs нbst
stop speaking with txasm mعa مع تخاصم kan-txasm txasmt
store xzn خزن kan-xzn xznt
strangle qjj قج kan-qjj qjjitxnq خنق kan-xnq xnqt
strike (from work) dar l idrab اإلضراب دار kan-dir drt
stroll tmšša تمشى kan-tmšša tmššit
stretch jbbd جبد kan-jbbd jbbdt
kssl كسل kan-kssl ksslt
study qra قرى kan-qra qrit
drs درس kan-drs drst
succeed at njн f ف نجح kan-njн njнt
suck mss مص kan-mss mssit
sue dعa دعى kan-dعi dعitsuffer tعddb تعدب kan-tعddb tعddbtsuggest qtarн قترح kan-qtarн qtarнt
sunbathe tšmmš تشمش kan-tšmmš tšmmšt
surprise faj'a فاجأ kan-faj'a faj'at
surrender staslm ستسلم kan-staslm staslmt
survive nja نجى kan-nja njitašع عاش kan-عiš tعš
swallow srt صرط kan-srt srtt
swarm (bees) rtع رتع kan-rtع rtعtswear нlf b llah بالله حلف kan-нlf нlft
ahdع عاهد kan-عahd ahdtعswear (oath) qsm قسم kan-qsm qsmt
sweat rgع عرگ kan-عrg rgtعrqع عرق kan-عrq rqtع
sweep šttb شطب kan-šttb šttbt
swell tnffx تنفخ kan-tnffx tnffxt
swim amع عام kan-عum tعmswitch (off) tfa طفى kan-tfi tfit
switch (on) šعl شعل kan-šعl šعltsympathize with tعatf mعa مع تعاطف kan-tعatf tعatfttake xda خدى kan-axud xdit
take away/off нiyd حيد kan-нiyd нiydtzuwl زول kan-zuwl zuwlt
Peace Corps / Morocco • 193
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
take care of thlla f ف تهال kan-thlla thllat
take charge of tkllf b ب تكلف kan-tkllf tkllft
talk tkllm تكلم kan-tkllm tkllmt
hdr هضر kan-hdr hdrt
talk nonsense xrbq خربق kan-xrbq xrbqt
tame ruwd روض kan-ruwd ruwdt
tape (record) sjjl سجل kan-sjjl sjjlt
tape (scotch) lssq لصق kan-lssq lssqt
taste daq داق kan-duq dqt
teach qrra قرى kan-qrri qrritllmع علم kan-عllm llmtع
tear something qttع قطع kan-qttع qttعttear (to be torn) tqttع تقطع kan-tqttع tqttعttease qššb قشب kan-qššb qššbt
tflla تفلى kan-tflla tfllit
telephone iyt fع ف عيط kan-عiyt iyttعdrb t tili-
fun التليفون ضرب kan-drb drbt
tell gal گال kan-gul gltawdع عاود kan-عawd awdtع
thaw dab داب kan-dub dbt
think fkkr فكر kan-fkkr fkkrt
xmmem خمم kan-xmmem xmmemt
think that dnn blli بلي ضن kan-dnn dnnit
threaten hdded هدد kan-hdded hddedt
thresh drs درس kan-drs drst
throw laн الح kan-luн lнt
rma رمى kan-rmi rmit
tickle hrr هر kan-hrr hrrit
tie rbt ربط kan-rbt rbtt
tie (belt) нzm حزم kan-нzm нzmt
tighten ziyr زير kan-ziyr ziyrt
tired, to be yaع عيى kan-عya yitعtired, to make iyaع عيى kan-عiya iyitعtorture ddbع عدب kan-عddb ddbtعtouch qas قاس kan-qis qst
mss مس kan-mss mssit
194 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
trade tajr تاجر kan-tajr tajrt
train drrb درب kan-drrb drrbt
translate trjm ترجم kan-trjm trjmt
travel safr سافر kan-safr safrt
treat (people) tعaml mعa مع تعامل kan-tعaml tعamlttrick šmt شمت kan-šmt šmtt
trip trع عتر kan-عtr trtعtrust taq f ف تاق kan-tiq tqt
try (to attempt to do sth) нawl حاول kan-нawl нawlt
try (to experience sth) jrrb جرب kan-jrrb jrrbt
try on qiys قيس kan-qiys qiyst
turn dar ضار kan-dur drt
turn around duwr ضور kan-duwr duwrt
turn down (volume) nqs mn من نقص kan-nqs nqst
turn off tfa طفى kan-tfi tfit
turn on šعl شعل kan-šعl šعltturn over sth qlb قلب kan-qlb qlbt
glb گلب kan-glb glbt
twist lwa لوى kan-lwi lwit
understand fhm فهم kan-fhm fhmt
understand, to make fhhm فهم kan-fhhm fhhmt
unite wннd وحد kan-wннd wннdt
upset qllq قلق kan-qllq qllqt
upset, to be tqllq تقلق kan-tqllq tqllqt
use staعml ستعمل kan-staعml staعmltuse (land) staġl ستغل kan-staġl staġlt
use to, to be of slн l ل صلح kan-slн slнt
used to, to become wllf ولف kan-wllf wllft
useful, to be nfع نفع kan-nfع nfعtvaccinate lqqн لقح kan-lqqн lqqнt
visit zar زار kan-zur zrt
vomit tqiya تقيى kan-tqiya tqiyit
rdd رد kan-rdd rddit
wait tsnna تسنى kan-tsnna tsnnit
aynع عاين kan-عayn ayntعwake someone fiyq فيق kan-fiyq fiyqt
wake up faq فاق kan-fiq fqt
Peace Corps / Morocco • 195
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
walk tmšša تمشى kan-tmšša tmššit
walk around tsara تسارى kan-tsara tsarit
tmšša تمشى kan-tmšša tmššit
want bġa بغى kan-bġi bġit
warm / heat sxxn سخن kan-sxxn sxxnt
warm, to be sxn سخن kan-sxn sxnt
warn нddr حدر kan-нddr нddrt
water sqa سقى kan-sqi sqit
sga سگى kan-sgi sgit
wash ġsl غسل kan-ġsl ġslt
wash (clothes) sbbn صبن kan-sbbn sbbnt
wash (floor) siyq سيق kan-siyq siyqt
waste diyع ضيع kan-diyع diyعtwatch (TV) tfrrj تفرج kan-tfrrj tfrrjt
wave šiyr l ل شير kan-šiyr šiyrt
wear lbs لبس kan-lbs lbst
weave nsj نسج kan-nsj nsjt
weep bka بكى kan-bki bkit
weigh brع عبر kan-عbr brtعwzn وزن kan-wzn wznt
welcome rннb رحب kan-rннb rннbt
staqbl ستقبل kan-staqbl staqblt
weld suda سودى kan-sudi sudit
well, to be bra برى kan-bra brit
wet, to make fzzg فزگ kan-fzzg fzzgt
wet, to be fzg فزگ kan-fzg fzgt
whistle sffr صفر kan-sffr sffrt
widen wssع وسع kan-wssع wssعtwin rbн ربح kan-rbн rbнt
wipe dry (floor) jffef جفف kan-jffef jffeft
wipe off msн مسح kan-msн msнtmнa محى kan-mнi mнit
wiped out, to be sxf سخف kan-sxf sxft
wish tmnna تمنى kan-tmnna tmnnit
wither ybs يبس kan-ybs ybstlwa لوى kan-lwa lwit
witness šhd شهد kan-šhd šhdt
wonder at tعjjb تعجب kan-tعjjb tعjjbt
196 • Moroccan Arabic
English Transcription Arabic First Person Present Tense
First Person Past Tense
xmmem f ف خمم kan-xmmem xmmemt
work xdm خدم kan-xdm xdmt
worry tštn تشطن kan-tštn tštnt
wormy, to get duwd دود kan-duwd duwdt
worth, to be swa سوى kan-swa swit
wound jrн جرح kan-jrн jrнt
write ktb كتب kan-ktb ktbt
Grammar IndexActive Participles, 151Adjectives
Comparative, 81Masculine and Feminine, 78Singular and Plural, 78Superlative, 82
Comparative Adjectives, 81Comparing Like Objects, 81Conditional, 111Conjunctions, 154Definite Article, 147Demonstrative Adjectives, 16Demonstrative Pronouns, 14Duration, 17Dyal, 13Future Tense, 102
Negation, 103ġadi, 104Have you ever..., 54I’ve never..., 54Imperative, 69In order to, 68Independent Pronouns, 7Infinitive, 46Intransitive Verbs
Making into Transitive Verbs, 148With Only One Participle, 153
Kayn, 37Moon Letters, 147Negation, 52Nouns
Masculine and Feminine, 9Numbers
1 thru 10, 22100, 200, 300 ... 999, 261000, 2000, 3000 ..., 2711 thru 19, 2420, 30, 40 ... 99, 25Fractions, 30Ordinal, 29
Object Pronouns, 55
Participles, 151Active, 151ġadi, 104Kayn, 37Passive, 153
Passive Participles, 153Passive Verbs, 149Past Progressive, 150Past Tense
Irregular Verbs, 48Regular Verbs, 46
PossessionDyal, 13Pronouns, 8Questions, 17
Possessive Pronouns, 8Prepositions, 42
With Pronoun Endings, 115With Verbs, 115
Present TenseIrregular Verbs with Final ‘a’, 64Irregular Verbs with Middle ‘a’, 60Regular Verbs, 58
PronounsIndependent, 7Object, 55Possessive, 8
Question Words, 56Sun Letters, 147Superlative Adjectives, 82There is, 37Time, 30Using One Verb after Another, 68Verbs
Participles, 151to have, 40to need/have to/should, 95to please, 92to remain, 151to want, 36to want/like, 96Using One after Another, 68
Vocabulary IndexAdjectives, 78Bargaining, 72Body Parts, 97Bus, 108Butagas, 135Butcher, 88Buying Produce, 86Café, 89Cities, 10City bus, 108Clothing, 73Colors, 75Communication, 21Congratulations, 21Days of the Week, 45Directions, 43Doors and Windows, 139Drinks, 89Environment Sector, 122Family, 38Finding a House, 125Food, 34, 84, 85, 88, 89Fruit, 85Furniture, 127God Phrases, 157Greetings, 5Hanoot Items, 34Health, 98Health Sector, 123Help, 20Hotel, 110Household Items, 127Hygiene, 20Islamic Calendar, 159Kitchenware, 127Marital Status, 10Mealtime, 19
Meat, 88Money, 33Months, 45Nationalities, 10Nighttime, 20Peace Corps, 120Places in Town, 43Police Station, 137Political Harassment, 141Post Office, 113Prepositions, 42Question Words, 56Restaurant, 90Seasons, 45Sexual Harassment, 129Shopping, 34Sick, 21, 98Site Visit, 100Sleeping, 20Small Business Development, 124Spices, 88Taxi, 107, 131Thanking, 19Theft, 137Time Expressions
Future, 105Past, 46Present, 59
Toiletries, 34Train, 109Transportation, 21Travel, 107Units of Measurement, 86Vegetables, 84Verbs, 47, 49, 50, 51, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66,
67Youth Development, 121