How to say “I don't understand” in Moroccan Darija
When you get lost in a conversation, say ma fhemtsh: I don't understand. Then ask for help with hder b-shwiya 'afak (speak slowly, please) or 'awed 'afak (say it again, please). These are the phrases that keep a conversation going.
I don't understand
ma fhemtsh
ما فهمتش
Say it: ma FHEMTSH
More ways to say it
| English | Darija | Arabic script | Say it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speak slowly, please | hder b-shwiya 'afak | هضر بشوية عافاك | HDER b-SHWEE-ya AA-fak |
| Say it again, please | 'awed 'afak | عاود عافاك | AA-wed AA-fak |
| How do you say ... in Darija? | kifash katgulu ... b-d-darija? | كيفاش كتگولو ... بالدارجة؟ | kee-FAASH kat-GOO-loo ... b-DAA-ree-ja |
| What? | shnu? | شنو؟ | SHNOO |
| How? | kifash? | كيفاش؟ | kee-FAASH |
| Really? | bsah? | بصح؟ | BSAH |
Good to know
- Moroccans love to ask where you are from. Expect tea and questions!
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This phrase is 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.