سلام
salamMoroccan, casual
The casual way to say "hi" in Morocco is سلام (salam), often with لاباس؟ (labas) right after. Friends also use أهلا (ahlan).
Meaning: casual greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| سلام | salam | Moroccan, casual |
| أهلا | ahlan | neutral |
| لاباس؟ | labas | Moroccan, casual |
Friends say سلام (salam) with a kiss on the cheek or a handshake. Text messages often use Latin letters, so salam and labas appear in chats.
Which one should you use?
أهلا (ahlan) is understood, but locals more often choose سلام (salam) and لاباس (labas) with friends.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Moroccans in the north near Tangier sometimes mix in Spanish and those in the cities mix in French, so بونجور (bonjour) is also heard.
Did you know?
- Many Moroccans write Darija in Latin letters with numbers, such as 3 for the letter ع, in texts and social media.
Examples in context
- أهلا خوياahlan khuyaHi, brother.
- سلام صاحبيsalam sahbiHi, my friend.
Example conversation
Imane meets her friend Ayoub on the way to school in Rabat.
- Imaneسلام أيوبsalam AyoubHi Ayoub.
- Ayoubسلام، لاباس؟salam, labasHi, how are you?
- Imaneلاباس، الحمد للهlabas, alhamdulillahFine, thank God.
