How to say “excuse me / sorry” in Moroccan Darija
In Moroccan Darija one phrase covers both excuse me and sorry: smeh liya when you speak to a man and smhi liya when you speak to a woman. Use it to get someone's attention before a question, or to apologise.
(m) means said to a man, (f) means said to a woman.
To a man
Excuse me / sorry (m)
smeh liya
سمح ليا
Say it: SMEH LEE-ya
To a woman
Excuse me / sorry (f)
smhi liya
سمحي ليا
Say it: sm-HEE LEE-ya
More ways to say it
| English | Darija | Arabic script | Say it |
|---|---|---|---|
| No problem | mashi mushkil | ماشي مشكل | MAA-shee MOOSH-kil |
| Can you show me on the map? | momkin twerrini f-l-kharita? | ممكن توريني فالخريطة؟ | MOM-kin twer-REE-nee f-l-kha-REE-ta |
In a real conversation
Asking directions
- Yousmeh liya, fin kayn bab bujlud?سمح ليا، فين كاين باب بوجلود؟Excuse me, where is Bab Bou Jeloud?
- Localsir nishan, w dur 'la lisser.سير نيشان، ودور على ليسر.Go straight, then turn left.
- Youwash b'id?واش بعيد؟Is it far?
- Localla, qrib. khamsa d-d-qayeq.لا، قريب. خمسة د الدقايق.No, it's close. Five minutes.
- Youshukran!شكرا!Thank you!
Good to know
- A few polite words make bargaining and asking for help much easier.
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This phrase is on the printable Darija Flashcards and in the Darija Pocket Phrasebook.
How to read this page: in the "say it" guide, CAPITALS = stressed syllable. In the Darija spelling, ' = ع (a tight throat sound; just pause if you can't). Arabic script: spelling varies; this is common usage.