Language/Moroccan-arabic/Vocabulary/At-the-Market
◀️ Shopping for Clothes — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Bargaining and Haggling ▶️ |
Hello and welcome to the shopping and bargaining lesson! Today, we will be learning vocabulary and phrases related to shopping at the market. Shopping at the market is an important part of Moroccan culture, and it is a great way to get to know the city and its people. Whether you are looking for fresh produce, a new outfit, or souvenirs to take back home, the market is the place to be. So, let's get started!
Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: Bargaining and Haggling & Seasons and Climate.
Vocabulary
Here are some of the most common words and phrases you might hear at the market:
Moroccan Arabic | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
السلام عليكم | As-salamu alaykum | Hello (Peace be upon you) |
وعليكم السلام | Wa'alaikum as-salam | And peace be upon you (response to hello) |
كم ثمنها؟ | Kam thamanha? | How much is it? (feminine) |
كم ثمنه؟ | Kam thamanhu? | How much is it? (masculine) |
غالي | Ghali | Expensive |
رخيص | Rakhis | Cheap |
لاباس | La bas | It's okay (in response to how are you) |
برك الله | Bark Allah | God bless you (in response to thank you) |
شحالك؟ | Sh-hal-ik? | How are you? |
المحل ديالكم في وين؟ | Lmghar dyal-kom f wain? | Where is your store/shop? |
ما عندكمش أجاي؟ | Ma 3andkumsh ajay? | Don't you have...? |
Phrases
Here are some useful phrases to use when you are at the market:
- أنا كنحاول نخفض الثمن. Ana kanhaawel nkheffadth-thiman. (I'm trying to lower the price).
- كمثمنها شوية؟ Kam thamanha shwaya? (Can you lower the price a little bit?).
- نمشي الثمن في النص. Nmchi th-thiman f n-nas. (Let's split the price 50/50).
- أنا ماشي باغي نشريها. Ana mashin bghit neshteriha. (I'm just looking, not buying).
- كيفاش نوصل لـ...؟ Kifash nwasal l...? (How do I get to...?)
Conversation Dialogue
Here is an example conversation you might hear at the market:
- أنا: السلام عليكم.
- التاجر: وعليكم السلام. كيف عملتي؟
- أنا: لاباس الحمد لله. شحال هادا؟
- التاجر: هادا بـ ١٠ دراهم
- أنا: غالي شوية. كمثمنها شوية؟
- التاجر: ما بقاش، كنبيعها بي ٨ دراهم.
- أنا: حاول تخفض الثمن؟
- التاجر: جبتوني في مقابل.
- أنا: كيفاش نوصل للمدينة القديمة؟
- التاجر: طيب، تمشي الزنقة الكبيرة باش نبينكم. شكراً لكم!
Culture and Tips
Here are some cultural information and tips to keep in mind when shopping at the market:
- Bargaining is a common practice in Moroccan markets. Don't be afraid to negotiate the price.
- When entering the market, be prepared to haggle and to walk away from a deal if the price is too high.
- Dress modestly when visiting the market, especially if you are a woman. Avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothes.
- Shop early in the day to avoid crowds, and bring small bills or coins to make transactions easier.
- Avoid buying items from children who might be selling counterfeit or stolen goods.
Quiz
Here are a few questions to test your knowledge of the Moroccan Arabic vocabulary related to shopping at the market:
- What is the Arabic phrase for "How much is it? (masculine)?"
- What is the Arabic phrase for "Can you lower the price a little bit?"
- Dressing modestly is important when visiting the market, especially for whom?
- What is a common practice when shopping at the market in Morocco?
- What should you avoid buying at the market?
Sources
Other Lessons
- Beverages
- Transportation Expressions
- Communication
- City
- Renting an Apartment
- Fruits
- Time in Moroccan Arabic
- Describing Food
- Sports and Activities
- Useful Sentenses
◀️ Shopping for Clothes — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Bargaining and Haggling ▶️ |