Love Phrases in Moroccan Arabic (Darija)
Whether you have met someone special in Morocco or you want to surprise a Moroccan partner, here is how to express your feelings in Darija, the Arabic spoken in Morocco. The essential one first: I love you in Moroccan Arabic is "Kanbghik" (kan-b-gheek).
Saying I Love You
| In English | In Moroccan Arabic | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| I love you | Kanbghik | The word Moroccans actually use - "bgha" means both to want and to love |
| I love you so much | Kanbghik bezzaf | "Bezzaf" means a lot / very much |
| I miss you | Twahachtek | Said after an absence, very affectionate |
| I am crazy about you | Kanmout 3lik | Literally "I am dying for you" - the 3 is the deep Arabic 'ayn sound |
| I like you | 3jebtini | Softer than kanbghik, "you please me" |
| I am thinking of you | Kanfekker fik | |
| Will you marry me? | Wach tzewjini? | The big question |
Terms of Endearment
Moroccans sprinkle conversation with affectionate names - you will hear these between couples, but also from parents to children:
| In English | In Moroccan Arabic | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| My love (to a man) | Hbibi | From "habib", beloved |
| My love (to a woman) | Hbiba or Lhbiba | |
| My heart | Qalbi | |
| My life | 3omri | Very common between couples |
| My eyes | 3ayniya | Something precious as your own eyes |
| You are beautiful (to a woman) | Nti zwina | "Zwin/zwina" also means nice, good in general |
| You are handsome (to a man) | Nta zwin |
A Word About Culture
Public displays of affection are discreet in Morocco: couples hold hands in the big cities, but kissing in public is frowned upon. Words, on the other hand, are generous - a well-placed "kanbghik" or "3omri" will always land beautifully. Poetry and love songs are everywhere in Moroccan culture, from chaabi lyrics to proverbs about love and the classics of Moroccan music.
Keep learning: useful everyday phrases (with audio), numbers, family members and colors in Darija.
Related articles : Language
This e-book will be permanently updated, after each update you will receive for free the latest version.
Advertisement
Advertisement