What Language Is Spoken in Morocco and Marrakech? A Traveller’s Guide
Walk through Marrakech for an hour and you may hear Arabic, Berber, French, Spanish and English, sometimes all in the same sentence. So what language is spoken in Morocco, and what will you need as a traveller? As a Berber family from the Sahara who speak several of these languages every day, here is our simple guide.
Quick Answer
Morocco has two official languages: Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). In daily life, most Moroccans speak Darija, the Moroccan dialect of Arabic. French is widely used in business, administration and education. In tourist areas like Marrakech and Merzouga, many people also speak English and Spanish.
| Language | Where you hear it |
|---|---|
| Darija (Moroccan Arabic) | Everyday language almost everywhere |
| Standard Arabic | Official documents, news, religion, schools |
| Amazigh (Berber) | Official language; spoken widely in the Atlas, the south and the Rif |
| French | Business, signs, menus, administration, cities |
| Spanish | Especially in the north, and in tourist areas |
| English | Growing quickly, common in tourism and among young people |
Darija: The Language of Everyday Life
Darija is Moroccan Arabic. It is based on Arabic but has many words from Amazigh, French and Spanish, and it sounds quite different from the Arabic spoken in the Middle East. It is the language you will hear in markets, taxis, cafés and homes.
Amazigh: The Berber Languages
The Amazigh (Berber) people are the original inhabitants of North Africa, and their language became an official language of Morocco in 2011. You will see its alphabet, Tifinagh, on many public signs. There are three main Amazigh language groups in Morocco: Tarifit in the Rif, Tamazight in the Middle and High Atlas and the southeast, and Tachelhit in the south and Anti-Atlas.
What Language Is Spoken in Marrakech?
In Marrakech, people mainly speak Darija, and many also speak Amazigh, as the city is surrounded by Berber villages of the Atlas. French is very common in shops, restaurants and hotels, and in the medina and around Jemaa el-Fna you will find plenty of people who speak English and Spanish. As a visitor, you can get around Marrakech comfortably with English or French.
What Language Is Spoken in Merzouga and the Sahara?
In Merzouga, local families speak Darija and Amazigh. Because the village lives from tourism, guides, camel handlers and camp staff often speak several languages. Just ask us which languages our guides speak when you book, so you can communicate easily during your camel ride and night in a desert camp, a 4×4 tour or a quad adventure.
Can You Travel in Morocco Speaking Only English?
Yes. In tourist areas such as Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira and Merzouga, English is widely understood, especially by younger people and those working in tourism. In small villages and rural areas it is less common, and a few words of French or Darija will help a lot. A translation app is useful for menus and signs.
Useful Words and Phrases for Your Trip
| English | Darija | Amazigh (Tamazight) |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Salam (alaykum) | Azul |
| Thank you | Shukran | Tanmmirt |
| Yes / No | Iyyeh / La | Iyyeh / Uhu |
| Please | Afak | — |
| How much? | Bshhal? | — |
| Water | Lma | Aman |
| Goodbye | Bslama | Ar tufat |
| No, thank you | La, shukran | Uhu, tanmmirt |
Spellings vary, since both languages are often written in Latin letters in different ways, and pronunciation changes from region to region. Moroccans really appreciate any effort: a simple “salam” or “azul” with a smile goes a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is French spoken in Morocco?
Yes, widely. It is not an official language, but it is common in business, administration, signs and menus, especially in cities.
Do people speak Spanish in Morocco?
Yes, especially in the north, which was under Spanish influence, and among people working in tourism across the country, including Merzouga.
Is Moroccan Arabic the same as other Arabic?
Not exactly. Darija has its own vocabulary and pronunciation, influenced by Amazigh, French and Spanish, and can be hard to understand for speakers of other Arabic dialects.
What language do desert guides speak?
Many guides in Merzouga speak several languages, often including English, French or Spanish as well as Arabic and Amazigh. Ask us about your preferred language when you book.
Visit the Sahara With a Berber Family
In Merzouga, you will hear Amazigh and Darija around the fire, and our guides will happily teach you a few words between the dunes. Discover things to do in the Moroccan desert, read our guide to travelling to Morocco from the USA, or contact us to plan your desert trip.