Money & Bargaining Words in Darija
Understanding Moroccan Money
The official currency is the dirham, 'derhem', but in daily speech Moroccans often count in 'ryal', an old unit where 20 ryal equals 1 dirham. This can confuse newcomers, so always confirm the unit.
The general word for money is 'flus'. Coins are 'sard' or 'qatae3', and notes are 'wra9'. Knowing these helps you understand prices quoted quickly in the market.
Asking and Understanding Prices
The key question is 'be-cḥal?' or 'sḥal hada?' meaning 'how much is this?'. The answer comes in dirhams or ryal, so you may need to ask 'b-derhem wlla b-ryal?' (in dirham or ryal?).
To say something is free, use 'fabor' (from French 'faveur'). To ask for the total, say 'sḥal kollchi?' meaning 'how much for everything?'
Core Bargaining Phrases
Bargaining is expected in souks. Start with 'ghali bzzaf' (too expensive) and counter with 'na9ess chwiya' (lower it a little). Naming your price uses 'ana n3tik...' (I'll give you...).
If the seller refuses, you can say 'safi, bslama' (okay, goodbye) and walk away. Walking away often brings a better price, a classic and effective tactic in Moroccan markets.
Paying and Change
To pay use 'khelles' (to pay), as in 'bghit nkhelles' (I want to pay). Change is 'serf', so 'wach 3andek serf?' asks 'do you have change?'.
Useful related words are 'rkhis' (cheap), 'ghali' (expensive) and 'taman' (price). Pairing these with numbers lets you negotiate and confirm any transaction confidently.
Tips for Bargaining Success
Stay friendly and smile while bargaining; it is a social ritual, not a fight. A relaxed 'ghali bzzaf, a sahbi' (too expensive, my friend) keeps the mood light.
Learn your numbers alongside these phrases. Being able to say your counter-offer clearly in Darija earns respect and usually a better price than haggling in French or English.
| English | Darija | Arabic |
|---|---|---|
| Money | flus | فلوس |
| Dirham | derhem | درهم |
| Ryal (old unit) | ryal | ريال |
| Coin | sard | صرد |
| Banknote | wra9 | وراق |
| Price | taman | تمن |
| How much? | be-cḥal | بشحال |
| Too expensive | ghali bzzaf | غالي بزاف |
| Cheap | rkhis | رخيص |
| Lower it a bit | na9ess chwiya | نقص شوية |
| I'll give you | ana n3tik | أنا نعطيك |
| To pay | khelles | خلص |
| Change (money) | serf | صرف |
| Free | fabor | فابور |
| Last price | akher taman | آخر تمن |
| Discount | tkhfid | تخفيض |
| Expensive | ghali | غالي |
| Total | kollchi | كلشي |
| Cash | kash | كاش |
| Bank | banka | بانكة |
| Rich | 3ani | غني |
| Poor | meskin | مسكين |
Moroccan Darija money and bargaining vocabulary
FAQ
How do you ask the price in a Moroccan souk?
Say 'be-cḥal?' or 'sḥal hada?' (بشحال هذا؟) meaning 'how much is this?'. Be ready to confirm 'b-derhem wlla b-ryal?' since prices are sometimes quoted in ryal.
What is the best phrase to start bargaining?
Say 'ghali bzzaf' (غالي بزاف) meaning 'too expensive', then counter with 'na9ess chwiya' (lower it a bit). Walking away with 'safi, bslama' often gets a better price.
What is the difference between dirham and ryal?
The dirham ('derhem') is the official currency, but Moroccans often count in 'ryal', where 20 ryal equal 1 dirham. Always confirm which unit the seller means.
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