Jobs & Professions in Darija
Asking About Someone's Job
To ask what someone does, say 'ash khdmtek?' (what is your job?) or 'ash katdir?' (what do you do?). To answer, use 'ana' (I am) plus the profession.
The general verb for working is 'khdem', and a worker is 'khddam'. Work itself is 'khedma', a word you will hear constantly in conversation about daily life.
Traditional Trades and Crafts
Morocco is famous for craftsmen, called 'm3allem' (master craftsman). This title applies to a 'najjar' (carpenter), 'haddad' (blacksmith) and 'khyyat' (tailor).
In the medina you will meet a 'jzzar' (butcher), 'ferran' (baker/oven-keeper) and 'dabbagh' (tanner). 'M3allem' is also used informally to address any skilled worker respectfully.
Office and Modern Jobs
Modern professions include 'tbib' (doctor), 'mhandes' (engineer), 'mu7ami' (lawyer) and 'ustad' or 'mu3allim' (teacher). Many educated Moroccans use these alongside French equivalents.
Other common roles are 'mumarrida' (nurse), 'ssaye9' (driver) and 'tajer' (merchant/shopkeeper). The word for employee is 'muwaddaf', often used for office and government work.
Service and Everyday Jobs
Service jobs you meet daily include 'garson' (waiter, from French), 'tobbiss' (bus, so driver is ssaye9 tobbiss) and 'hellaq' (barber). The barber shop, 'hellaq', is a social hub for men.
Other roles are 'fellah' (farmer), 'sayyad' (fisherman) and 'bn'naya' or 'bnnay' (builder/mason). These words anchor conversations about rural and working life.
Tips for Learning Job Words
Learn the question 'ash khdmtek?' first so you can immediately ask and practise with native speakers. Real conversation reinforces the vocabulary fast.
Notice that 'm3allem' is both a job category and a respectful form of address. Using it correctly with a craftsman instantly improves your rapport.
| English | Darija | Arabic |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor | tbib | طبيب |
| Teacher | ustad | أستاذ |
| Engineer | mhandes | مهندس |
| Lawyer | mu7ami | محامي |
| Nurse | mumarrida | ممرضة |
| Craftsman/Boss | m3allem | معلم |
| Carpenter | najjar | نجار |
| Blacksmith | haddad | حداد |
| Tailor | khyyat | خياط |
| Butcher | jzzar | جزار |
| Baker | ferran | فران |
| Barber | hellaq | حلاق |
| Waiter | garson | كارصون |
| Driver | ssaye9 | سايق |
| Farmer | fellah | فلاح |
| Fisherman | sayyad | صياد |
| Merchant | tajer | تاجر |
| Worker | khddam | خدام |
| Employee | muwaddaf | موظف |
| Builder | bennay | بناي |
| Police officer | bolisi | بوليسي |
| Cook | tebbakh | طباخ |
Moroccan Darija jobs and professions vocabulary
FAQ
How do you ask someone's job in Darija?
Say 'ash khdmtek?' (أش خدمتك؟) meaning 'what is your job?', or 'ash katdir?' meaning 'what do you do?'. Answer with 'ana' plus the profession.
What does 'm3allem' mean?
'M3allem' (معلم) means master craftsman or boss. It is used for skilled tradesmen like carpenters and tailors, and also as a respectful way to address them.
What is the general word for 'work' in Darija?
Work is 'khedma' (خدمة) and the verb 'to work' is 'khdem'. A worker is 'khddam'. These root words appear in many job-related phrases.
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