Darija with a Taxi Driver: Full Dialogue
Petit Taxi vs Grand Taxi
Morocco has two taxi types. The petit taxi is a small colored city cab (max three passengers) that should use a meter (compteur). The grand taxi is a larger shared car for longer routes, usually fixed-price per seat.
Know which you need: 'Bghit petit taxi l wast l-medina' (I want a small taxi to the city center) or 'Fin grand taxi l Essaouira?' (Where is the grand taxi to Essaouira?). This avoids confusion at the stand.
Agreeing on the Fare
In a petit taxi, insist politely on the meter: 'Khdem l-compteur afak' (use the meter please). If they refuse, agree a price first: 'B sh7al l...?' (How much to...?) and negotiate 'Naqes chwiya' (lower it a little).
For a grand taxi, ask the per-seat price: 'B sh7al l-place?' (How much per seat?). If you want the whole car, say 'Bghit l-taxi kamel' (I want the whole taxi) and confirm 'B sh7al kamel?'.
Giving Directions
Guide the driver with simple commands: 'Sir nichan' (go straight), 'Dor 3la limen' (turn right), 'Dor 3la lisar' (turn left), and 'W9ef hna' (stop here).
Add nuance with 'Chwiya l-quddam' (a bit further), 'Hna mzyan' (here is fine), and 'Mn b3d d-dou' (after the traffic light). To reach a landmark, 'Wddini l...' (take me to...) is clear and direct.
Small Talk on the Ride
Moroccans love a friendly chat. Start with 'Labas?' (Are you well?) and 'Kif l-7al?' (How are you?). Drivers often ask 'Mnin nta?' (Where are you from?) โ answer 'Ana mn Amerika' or your country.
Compliment the country with 'L-Maghrib zwin bezzaf' (Morocco is very beautiful). If you want quiet, a gentle 'Bghit nrta7 chwiya' (I want to rest a little) is understood without offense.
A Full Taxi Dialogue
You: 'Salam, bghit nemchi l Jamaa el Fna.' (Hello, I want to go to Jamaa el Fna.)
Driver: 'Wax, tla3.' (Okay, get in.)
You: 'Khdem l-compteur afak.' (Use the meter please.)
Driver: 'Maxi, l-compteur khdam.' (Fine, the meter is on.)
You: 'Sir nichan, mn b3d dor 3la limen.' (Go straight, then turn right.)
Driver: 'Mnin nta?' (Where are you from?)
You: 'Mn Canada. L-Maghrib zwin bezzaf!' (From Canada. Morocco is very beautiful!)
Driver: 'Marhba bik. Wsslna, w9ef hna?' (Welcome. We arrived, stop here?)
You: 'Iyeh, sh7al?' (Yes, how much?)
Driver: 'Tnaach dirham.' (Twelve dirhams.)
Paying and Tipping
Carry small bills; drivers rarely have change for large notes. Ask 'Andek sarf?' (Do you have change?) before handing over a big bill to avoid disputes.
Tipping is optional but appreciated; rounding up with 'Khellih lik' (keep it) is a kind gesture. Finish with 'Chokran, bslama' (thank you, goodbye) and you leave on great terms.
| English | Darija | Arabic |
|---|---|---|
| How much to...? | B sh7al l...? | ุจุดุญุงู ู...ุ |
| Use the meter please | Khdem l-compteur afak | ุฎุฏู ุงููููุชูุฑ ุนุงูุงู |
| Go straight | Sir nichan | ุณูุฑ ููุดุงู |
| Turn right | Dor 3la limen | ุฏูุฑ ุนูู ููู ู |
| Turn left | Dor 3la lisar | ุฏูุฑ ุนูู ููุณุงุฑ |
| Stop here please | W9ef hna afak | ููู ููุง ุนุงูุงู |
| Do you have change? | Andek sarf? | ุนูุฏู ุตุฑูุ |
| Keep the change | Khellih lik | ุฎููู ููู |
Taxi phrases in English, Darija (Arabizi) and Arabic
FAQ
What is the difference between petit and grand taxi?
A petit taxi is a small metered city cab for up to three people, while a grand taxi is a larger shared car for longer or intercity routes, usually priced per seat. Choose based on distance and group size.
How do I make sure the taxi uses the meter?
Say 'Khdem l-compteur afak' when you get in. If the driver refuses, agree a fixed price first with 'B sh7al?' or choose another taxi.
Do I need to tip taxi drivers in Morocco?
Tipping is not required but rounding up the fare with 'Khellih lik' (keep it) is appreciated, especially for helpful drivers or with luggage.
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