Darija Emergency Phrases (Help, Doctor, Police)

Why Emergency Darija Is Worth Memorizing

No one plans for emergencies, but a few memorized Darija phrases can make a frightening moment manageable. In a crisis, locals are usually eager to help, but English may not be available, especially in smaller towns. A clear call for help in Darija gets faster action.

This guide covers the core situations: needing help, finding a doctor or pharmacy, contacting police, reporting theft, and getting lost. Practice saying these out loud now so they come automatically under stress. Pair them with Morocco's emergency phone numbers, which you should save in your phone.

Calling for Immediate Help

The urgent call for help is 3awnni (help me) or simply 3awn! (help!). To draw attention in a crowd, shout 3afak 3awnni (please help me). If there is danger, say khatar (danger) or 7riq (fire). To say it is urgent, use mosta3jal.

If someone is hurt, say kayn shi 3iyan (there is someone sick or injured) or wa7ed mtdrb (someone is hurt). Telephone for help with 3eyet l... (call the...) plus bulis (police), is3af (ambulance) or tbib (doctor). Stay calm and speak slowly so bystanders understand.

Medical Emergencies

To find medical help, say bghit tbib (I want a doctor) or fin kayn sbitar? (where is the hospital?). The pharmacy, easy to find in Moroccan cities, is l farmasian or l agza. For an ambulance, say bghit is3af or call 15.

Describe symptoms simply. Kandar b... (I am in pain in...) plus a body part: rasi (my head), kershi (my stomach), qelbi (my heart). 3andi s5ana means I have a fever, and kanqdef means I am vomiting. 3andi 7asasiya means I have an allergy, important if reactions are involved.

Police, Theft and Safety

To find police, ask fin kayn l bulis? (where are the police?). The police station is l comisaria. To report a theft, say tsre9t (I was robbed) or sre9li... (someone stole my...) plus the item, such as portable (phone), flos (money) or passport.

If you feel threatened, say 3awnni, kayn shi 7ad kayt3 (someone is bothering me) and move toward a busy area or shop. The tourist police, present in major cities, are used to helping visitors. Keep copies of your passport and report any theft to get a police statement for insurance.

Getting Lost and Asking Strangers

If you are lost, say tweddert (I am lost) and show your destination on your phone. Ask kifash nwsel l...? (how do I get to...?) or fin kayn...? (where is...?). To ask someone to guide you, say werrini triq 3afak (show me the way please).

When you do not understand, say mafhemtsh (I did not understand) and ask tkellem b shwiya 3afak (speak slowly please). To find an English speaker, ask kayn shi 7ad kayhder ngliziya? (does anyone speak English?). Most Moroccans will go out of their way to help a lost visitor.

Key Numbers and Practical Tips

Save Morocco's emergency numbers before you travel: 19 for police in cities, 177 for the gendarmerie outside cities, 15 for ambulance and SAMU medical, and 150 for fire. Your embassy number is also essential for serious issues like a lost passport.

Keep digital and paper copies of your passport, travel insurance and important phone numbers. Note the address of your accommodation in Arabic to show a taxi or helper. Learning these emergency phrases is a small investment that delivers huge peace of mind throughout your trip.

Emergency Darija phrases and numbers

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