Knowledge hub
Darija & Moroccan Arabic guides
Straight answers from an academy of Moroccan teachers — what Darija is, how to learn it, and how it fits your life in or connected to Morocco.
Darija questions answered
What is Darija (Moroccan Arabic)?
Darija is the everyday spoken Arabic of Morocco. It is a variety of Arabic with vocabulary influenced by Amazigh (Berber) languages, French and Spanish. It is used in conversation, music, TV and daily life, while Modern Standard Arabic is used for formal writing and news.
What is the difference between Darija and MSA?
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the formal, written Arabic shared across the Arab world — used in news, books and official documents. Darija is Morocco's spoken Arabic, used in daily conversation. They share roots, but Darija has different pronunciation, simpler grammar in places and many borrowed words.
Should I learn MSA or Darija?
Choose Darija if you want to speak with people in Morocco — for travel, living there, family or friendships. Choose MSA if you need to read and write Arabic, follow news, study or work with formal texts across the Arab world.
Is Moroccan Darija difficult to learn?
Darija has real challenges — some new sounds, fast speech and vowel-light words — but everyday grammar is manageable and you can start speaking useful phrases quickly. With regular practice and a teacher, foreigners do learn it.
How long does it take to learn Darija?
There is no fixed number — it depends on your starting point, how often you study and how much you practise between lessons. A short programme covers greetings and survival phrases; reaching comfortable conversation takes longer, steady practice.
Can I learn Darija online, and how do lessons work?
Yes. Live online lessons with a Moroccan teacher are an effective way to learn Darija from anywhere: you speak in every lesson, get immediate correction and practise real situations.
What Arabic should I learn before visiting Morocco?
Learn Moroccan Darija. It's what people speak on the street, in taxis and in markets. Focus on greetings, numbers, food, directions and polite expressions.
The most useful Darija phrases for beginners
The most useful Darija phrases cover greeting, thanking, asking prices and asking for help. Here are common ones, written in Latin letters as learners often start.
Common Moroccan Arabic greetings
Moroccans usually greet with 'Salam' or 'Salamu alaykum', followed by several friendly questions about health and family. Replying warmly and taking your time is part of good manners.
How do you pronounce Moroccan Arabic?
Darija uses several sounds not found in English — such as a deep 'ḥ', the throaty 'ʿ' (ain) and 'kh' — and often drops short vowels, which creates consonant clusters. Practising with a native teacher is the fastest way to get them right.
Moroccan culture and communication: what learners should know
Communication in Morocco values warmth, hospitality and taking time for greetings. Expressions referring to God — like 'inshallah' and 'lhamdulillah' — are part of everyday speech for many people, and knowing them makes your Darija sound natural.
Beginner Darija lessons online
Beginner Darija lessons at Lisanova Academy are designed for complete beginners and learners at A1–A2. You start with sounds, greetings, numbers and survival phrases, then build short everyday conversations about yourself, shopping, directions and food.
Intermediate Darija lessons online
Intermediate Darija lessons at Lisanova Academy are designed for learners at B1–B2 who can already handle basic exchanges. You move from set phrases to real conversation: telling stories, giving opinions, understanding faster native speech and handling situations without preparation.
Advanced Darija lessons online
Advanced Darija lessons at Lisanova Academy are designed for learners at C1–C2 aiming for fluent, natural Darija. You refine fluency and nuance: idioms, humour, regional variation, professional topics and following group conversations, media and cultural references.
Darija for you
Darija lessons for foreigners living in Morocco
If you live in Morocco, Darija is the language you hear every day — in shops, taxis, cafés and with neighbours. Learning it online with a Moroccan teacher lets you practise the exact phrases you need, at times that fit around your life.
Learn Darija before moving to Morocco
Yes, you can — and it helps. Starting Darija online before your move means you arrive able to greet people, handle taxis and shops, and understand the basics from day one.
Darija for travellers visiting Morocco
A few hours of Darija before a trip to Morocco gives you greetings, numbers, food, directions and market phrases — enough to be polite, get around and enjoy warmer interactions.
Darija lessons for expats in Morocco
Expats in Morocco often manage with French or English, but Darija opens daily life: friendships, neighbourhood relationships and understanding what is said around you. Online lessons with a Moroccan teacher fit around a busy schedule.
Darija for partners and families connected to Morocco
If you are married to or dating someone Moroccan, Darija is usually the language of the family. Lessons focus on warm, natural conversation so you can talk with relatives and feel included at family gatherings.
Darija for international students in Morocco
International students in Morocco benefit from Darija for daily life and friendships, and sometimes from MSA for their studies. Lessons can combine both depending on your goals.
Darija for professionals working with Moroccans
Business in Morocco often happens in French, but relationships are built in Darija. Learning even conversational Darija helps you connect with colleagues, clients and partners.
Darija for children of Moroccan families abroad
Many people with Moroccan parents understand some Darija but struggle to speak it. Private online lessons with a Moroccan teacher build speaking confidence from whatever you already know.
Darija across Morocco
Language differences across Morocco
Darija is understood across Morocco, but accents and some vocabulary change by region. The north shows more Spanish influence, big cities mix in French, and in many regions Amazigh languages are spoken alongside Darija.
Learning Darija for life in Casablanca
Morocco's largest city and business centre. The Darija heard here is fast, urban and widely understood across the country, with plenty of French mixed into everyday and business speech. Lisanova Academy teaches Darija online, so you can learn before you arrive or while you live in Casablanca.
Learning Darija for life in Marrakech
A major destination for visitors and a growing base for expats. Darija is essential in the medina and souks, where knowing numbers, prices and polite bargaining phrases makes a real difference. Lisanova Academy teaches Darija online, so you can learn before you arrive or while you live in Marrakech.
Learning Darija for life in Rabat
Morocco's capital, home to government institutions, embassies and many international residents. Urban Darija is spoken daily, with French common in administration. Lisanova Academy teaches Darija online, so you can learn before you arrive or while you live in Rabat.
Learning Darija for life in Fez
A historic city known for its old medina and traditional crafts. Fez has a recognisable local accent, but standard urban Darija is understood everywhere. Lisanova Academy teaches Darija online, so you can learn before you arrive or while you live in Fez.
Learning Darija for life in Tangier
A northern port city with a long international history. Northern Darija here includes Spanish loanwords and a distinctive accent. Lisanova Academy teaches Darija online, so you can learn before you arrive or while you live in Tangier.
Learning Darija for life in Agadir
A coastal city in the Souss region, where Tashelhit (an Amazigh language) is widely spoken alongside Darija. Darija remains the common language for daily interactions with most people. Lisanova Academy teaches Darija online, so you can learn before you arrive or while you live in Agadir.
Start your Arabic journey
Tell us your goals and your level, and we will help you choose the private package that fits.