Darija at the Pharmacy
Starting the Conversation
Pharmacies (sayidaliya) in Morocco are everywhere and pharmacists speak excellent French, often some English. Open with 'Salam, bghit chi dwa afak' (Hello, I want some medicine please).
If you are unsure what you need, say 'Ma 3raftch ash khassni' (I do not know what I need) and let them guide you. 'Wach t9adro t3awnouni?' means 'Can you help me?' and invites their expertise.
Describing Common Symptoms
Be specific about how you feel. Useful lines: 'Andi soda3' (I have a headache), 'Andi sokhana' (I have a fever), 'Kayderni batni' (my stomach hurts) and 'Andi rwa7' (I have a cold).
For pain location point and say 'Kayderni hna' (it hurts here). Duration helps too: 'Hadi joj yyam' (it has been two days). The clearer you are, the better the pharmacist's recommendation.
Asking for Specific Products
You can request items directly: 'Bghit doliprane' (I want paracetamol), 'chi 7aja l-3atfa' (something for diarrhea is 'l-jariya'), or 'creme l-chems' (sunscreen). For minor cuts ask 'Bghit pansma w désinfectant' (bandages and antiseptic).
If you take regular medication, show the box and say 'Bghit had dwa, wach 3andkom?' (I want this medicine, do you have it?). Some drugs need a prescription: 'Wach khass ordonnance?' (Is a prescription required?).
Dosage and Instructions
Always confirm how to take medicine. Ask 'Kifash nakhdo?' (How do I take it?) and 'Sh7al f nhar?' (How many per day?). The pharmacist may answer 'Wa7da kol 8 swaye3' (one every 8 hours).
Check timing with 'Qbel walla mor l-makla?' (before or after food?) and warnings with 'Wach kayn chi mochkil m3a l-conduite?' (any problem with driving?). Note it on your phone if needed.
A Full Pharmacy Dialogue
You: 'Salam, andi soda3 w chwiya dyal sokhana.' (Hello, I have a headache and a slight fever.)
Pharmacist: 'B7al dela imta?' (Since when?)
You: 'Hadi nhar.' (Since yesterday.)
Pharmacist: 'Waxxa, khod doliprane, wa7da kol 6 swaye3.' (Okay, take paracetamol, one every 6 hours.)
You: 'Qbel walla mor l-makla?' (Before or after food?)
Pharmacist: 'Mor l-makla a7san.' (After food is better.)
You: 'Sh7al hada afak?' (How much is this please?)
Pharmacist: 'Tlatin dirham.' (Thirty dirhams.)
When to See a Doctor
Pharmacists handle minor issues, but for anything serious they will say 'Khassek tchouf tbib' (you need to see a doctor). Ask 'Fin kayn chi tbib qrib?' (Where is a nearby doctor?).
For emergencies, 'Fin l-mostachfa?' (Where is the hospital?) and the number 15 reaches medical emergency services. Keep your hotel's contact handy and do not hesitate to ask the pharmacist for directions.
| English | Darija | Arabic |
|---|---|---|
| I want medicine for... | Bghit chi dwa l... | بغيت شي دوا ل... |
| I have a headache | Andi soda3 | عندي صداع |
| I have a fever | Andi sokhana | عندي سخانة |
| My stomach hurts | Kayderni batni | كايضرني بطني |
| How do I take it? | Kifash nakhdo? | كيفاش ناخدو؟ |
| Is a prescription required? | Wach khass ordonnance? | واش خاص أوردونانس؟ |
| How much is this? | Sh7al hada? | شحال هادا؟ |
| I need to see a doctor | Khassni nchouf tbib | خاصني نشوف طبيب |
Pharmacy phrases in English, Darija (Arabizi) and Arabic
FAQ
Can pharmacists in Morocco give advice without a doctor?
Yes, Moroccan pharmacists are well trained and routinely advise on minor issues. Describe your symptoms with phrases like 'Andi soda3' and they will recommend suitable over-the-counter medicine.
Are pharmacies open at night in Morocco?
Cities have rotating night pharmacies called 'pharmacie de garde.' Ask 'Fin pharmacie de garde lyoum?' or check the list posted on most pharmacy doors.
Do I need a prescription for common medicine?
Many basics like paracetamol are available without one. For others, ask 'Wach khass ordonnance?' to confirm whether a prescription is needed.
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