Language/Standard-moroccan-tamazight/Vocabulary/At-the-Restaurant
As a part of the Complete 0 to A1 Standard Moroccan Tamazight Course, this lesson focuses on learning common phrases and vocabulary used in restaurants in Tamazight.
Useful Expressions
Here are some useful expressions that will come in handy when dining out in Tamazight-speaking regions:
- "Asseguas amegaz!" - Good appetite!
- "Arekki ak ussan!" - Bring me water, please!
- "S'cusez-moi, (je voudrais) l'addition, s'il vous plaît." - Excuse me, (I would like) the bill, please.
- "Melkouk !" - Delicious!
- "Ula d win yuɣal ass?" - What is today's special?
- "Tamlilt n tmeɣra" - Cup of tea
- "Aqua" - Water
- "Suq" - Juice
- "Ariyaz" - Wine
- "Aggoni n tmurt" - Beer
Vocabulary
Here are some essential vocabulary words that every visitor to a Tamazight-speaking restaurant should know:
| Standard Moroccan Tamazight | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Berkoukes | berkukəs | pasta dish made with onions and lamb or chicken, mixed with a thick yogurt sauce and flavored with cinnamon and sesame |
| Itchwa | itchwa | a traditional Berber soup made with pasta, dried beans, and sometimes lamb |
| Tagine | taɣin | a traditional Maghrebi stew cooked in a distinctive earthenware pot, with meat and vegetables, flavored with spices |
| Tajine Tfaya | taɣinə tfaja | a sweet and savory Moroccan dish made from chicken or lamb, caramelised onions, and raisins or dates |
| Couscous | kusksi | a Berber dish of small steamed balls of semolina, usually served with a stew spooned over it |
| Bissara | bisæra | dried broad bean soup served with bread and drizzled with olive oil |
Asking for the Menu
When sitting down at a restaurant or asking for the menu, use the following phrases:
- "Ssalamu ɛalaykum, as tfaska la tlufit x yat radya or yat radya n tfamant." - Hello, please can I have the menu for today or the menu of the day?
- "Llxir barcha svp / awal" - More bread, please.
- "Aqbur" - Another or More, can be used to ask for more food or drinks.
Placing an Order
Here are some common phrases that will help you to place your order:
- "N tbiɛt" - As a starter
- "Frittata n tfinaṛ" - Meatballs
- "Pïzza" - Pizza
- "Aẓẓukan" - Soup
- "Tabşṭa" - Salad
- "Ussan n senduq" - Fish of the day
- "Ussan n teguella" - Chicken brochette
- "Ussan n lban" - Lamb with yogurt
- "Ltiyara n teftit" - Roasted lamb with potatoes
Paying the Bill
When it comes to paying the bill, use the following phrases to communicate with the waiter:
- "S'cusez-moi, l'addition, s'il vous plaît." - Excuse me, the bill please.
- "A3tini l fatur, please." - Could you give me the bill please?
- "Lcmi bezzaf " - Keep the change
That's it for this lesson. With these phrases and vocabulary words, you should be able to confidently navigate your way through a restaurant in a Tamazight-speaking country. Don't forget to try the local specialties, like tagine and couscous!