Darija at the Doctor: Health Phrases
Booking and Arriving
To make an appointment say 'Bghit nakhod rendez-vous' (I want an appointment). On arrival, 'Andi rendez-vous m3a d-doctor' (I have an appointment with the doctor) and 'Ana mrid, bghit nchouf tbib' (I am sick, I want to see a doctor).
If it is urgent, 'Hadi 7ala mosta3jala' (this is an emergency) signals priority. The receptionist may ask for ID: 'Afak l-carte dyalek' (your card please).
Describing Pain and Symptoms
Pinpoint the pain: 'Kayderni rasi' (my head hurts), 'Kayderni batni' (my stomach hurts), 'Kayderni dhri' (my back hurts), or 'Kayderni hna' (it hurts here) while pointing.
Describe the feeling: 'Kanhes b dwakha' (I feel dizzy), 'Kanteyye7' (I am vomiting), 'Andi so3al' (I have a cough) and 'Ma 9dertch nn3es' (I could not sleep). Add intensity with 'bezzaf' (a lot) or 'chwiya' (a little).
Medical History and Allergies
Sharing history matters. Say 'Andi tension' (I have high blood pressure), 'Andi sokkar' (I have diabetes), or 'Ma 3andi 7ta marad' (I have no illnesses).
Crucially, mention allergies: 'Andi 7assasiya mn l-penicilline' (I am allergic to penicillin). List current medicine with 'Kanakhod had dwa' (I take this medicine) and show the box for clarity and safety.
Understanding the Diagnosis
Ask what is wrong with 'Ash 3andi?' (What do I have?) and 'Wach khatir?' (Is it serious?). If you do not follow, 'Ma fhemtch, awed afak' (I did not understand, repeat please) is perfectly polite.
The doctor may say 'Andek chi infection' (you have an infection) or 'Ghir t3eyya' (it is just fatigue). Ask 'Sh7al ghadi nbra?' (How long until I recover?) to plan your trip.
A Full Doctor Dialogue
Doctor: 'Salam, ash kat7es?' (Hello, how do you feel?)
You: 'Kayderni batni w kanteyye7.' (My stomach hurts and I am vomiting.)
Doctor: 'B7al dela imta?' (Since when?)
You: 'Mn lbare7.' (Since last night.)
Doctor: 'Wach klitti chi 7aja barra?' (Did you eat something outside?)
You: 'Iyeh, klit f chi restaurant.' (Yes, I ate at a restaurant.)
Doctor: 'Wax, ghadi n3tik dwa w khassek tchrob l-ma bezzaf.' (Okay, I will give you medicine and you must drink lots of water.)
You: 'Chokran a doctor.' (Thank you, doctor.)
Prescriptions and Follow-up
Take the prescription (ordonnance) and ask 'Fin nl9a had dwa?' (Where do I find this medicine?). Confirm dosage with 'Kifash nakhdo?' (How do I take it?).
If you may need to return, ask 'Wach khassni nrje3?' (Do I need to come back?). Request a receipt for insurance with 'Bghit chi facture afak' (I want an invoice please), then close with 'Chokran bezzaf' (thank you very much).
| English | Darija | Arabic |
|---|---|---|
| I am sick | Ana mrid | أنا مريض |
| It hurts here | Kayderni hna | كايضرني هنا |
| I feel dizzy | Kanhes b dwakha | كانحس بالدوخة |
| I am allergic to penicillin | Andi 7assasiya mn l-penicilline | عندي حساسية من البنسيلين |
| What do I have? | Ash 3andi? | أش عندي؟ |
| Is it serious? | Wach khatir? | واش خطير؟ |
| How long until I recover? | Sh7al ghadi nbra? | شحال غادي نبرا؟ |
| I want an appointment | Bghit nakhod rendez-vous | بغيت ناخد رانديفو |
Doctor and health phrases in English, Darija (Arabizi) and Arabic
FAQ
Do Moroccan doctors speak English?
Many do, and nearly all speak French. A few Darija phrases like 'Kayderni hna' help you describe pain precisely even if the rest of the consultation is in French or English.
How do I explain an allergy in Darija?
Say 'Andi 7assasiya mn...' followed by the trigger, for example 'Andi 7assasiya mn l-penicilline.' Showing any medicine boxes you take also helps the doctor stay safe.
What number do I call for a medical emergency in Morocco?
Dial 15 for medical emergencies (SAMU) or 19 for police. You can also tell anyone nearby 'Hadi 7ala mosta3jala' (this is an emergency) to get quick help.
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