Language/Standard-moroccan-tamazight/Vocabulary/Common-Phrases

Standard Moroccan Tamazight Vocabulary → Greetings and Polite Expressions → Common Phrases

As a Standard Moroccan Tamazight teacher, I believe that learning common phrases used in greetings and polite expressions is crucial in making an excellent first impression in Tamazight-speaking communities. In this lesson, I will provide you with the essential phrases and their cultural significance.

Greetings

Tamazight speakers are fond of greetings, and they often use them to show respect, warmth, and friendliness. Below are some common Tamazight greetings:

Hello (Salam)

Salam is the most widely used greeting in Tamazight. When locals meet, it is common to say "Salam" with a handshake, two or three kisses on the cheek, or a hug.

Standard Moroccan Tamazight	Pronunciation	English
ســلام (Salam)	sa-laam	Hello

How are you? (Labas 3lik?)

The standard Tamazight way of asking "How are you?" is "labas 3lik?" You can use this phrase to greet acquaintances, colleagues, friends, and family members.

Standard Moroccan Tamazight	Pronunciation	English
لباس عليك؟ (Labas 3lik?)	la-bas 'li-k	How are you?

The most common response to "labas 3lik?" is "labas" or "labas 3lik." Both phrases mean "I am fine."

Standard Moroccan Tamazight	Pronunciation	English
لباس (Labas)	la-bas	I am fine.
لباس عليك؟ (Labas 3lik?)	la-bas 'li-k	How are you?

If you want to respond to the above phrases by saying that you are not fine, you can use the expression "malina" (lit. "we are sick") followed by the reason for your discomfort.

Goodbye (Llekaa)

In Tamazight, "Llekaa" is the usual way to say "goodbye." You can use this phrase to say farewell to friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family members.

Standard Moroccan Tamazight	Pronunciation	English
اللقاء (Llekaa)	l-le-kaa	Goodbye

You can also use the phrase "Bslama" (lit. "in peace") to say goodbye to someone who is leaving, and you remain behind.

Polite Expressions

Tamazight-speaking communities are very polite and appreciate polite expressions. Learn the following phrases and use them whenever needed:

Please (3afak)

"3afak" is a word that Tamazight speakers use to show politeness and respect. It usually comes before a request or a command.

Standard Moroccan Tamazight	Pronunciation	English
عافاك (3afak)	'a-fak	Please

Thank you (Tanjawt)

Tamazight speakers love gratitude and appreciate the gesture of thanking them. Use "Tanjawt" to convey your thanks to people who have helped you or done a favor for you.

Standard Moroccan Tamazight	Pronunciation	English
تنجاوت (Tanjawt)	tan-jawt	Thank you

You can also add the word "Barkelah" (lit. "may god reward you") to show more respect and gratitude.

You are welcome (Irham gma)

"Irham Gma" is the standard Tamazight response to "thank you." It means "you are welcome" or "may god show you mercy." Use this phrase to show appreciation to people who thank you.

Standard Moroccan Tamazight	Pronunciation	English
إرحم غما (Irham Gma)	'ir-ham gma	You are welcome

Excuse me (Ssahha)

"Ssahha" is the Tamazight way to say "excuse me" when you want to apologize or want to pass.

Standard Moroccan Tamazight	Pronunciation	English
صحا (Ssahha)	s-sa-ha	Excuse me

1. 1. 1. Practice ###

Now that you have learned the common Tamazight phrases used in greetings and polite expressions, it's time to practice using them. Take some time to memorize these phrases and ask someone to practice with you. It's best to use these phrases when interacting with Tamazight-speaking people in a Moroccan setting.

1. 1. 1. Conclusion ###

In this lesson, you have learned the common phrases used in greetings and polite expressions in Tamazight. Bear in mind that they are essential in making a good first impression, and Tamazight-speaking communities appreciate their use. By practicing these phrases, you build cultural bridges and create lasting relationships. 

Table of Contents - Standard Moroccan Tamazight Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Tamazight

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure
• Present Tense Verbs
• Possessive Adjectives
• Plural Nouns

  ---

Greetings and Polite Expressions

• Common Phrases
• Numbers
• Days of the Week
• Months of the Year
• Family Members

  ---

Traditional Tamazight Culture

• History and Origins of Tamazight
• Traditional Tamazight Clothing
• Traditional Tamazight Music
• Tamazight Cuisine

  ---

Past Tense Verbs

• Regular Past Tense Verbs
• Irregular Past Tense Verbs

  ---

Travel and Directions

• Asking for Directions
• Transportation
• Places in Town
• Travel Dialogue Practice

  ---

Tamazight Festivals and Holidays

• Eid al-Adha
• Imilchil Marriage Festival
• Ait Lakhder Cherry Festival

  ---

Future Tense Verbs

• Regular Future Tense Verbs
• Irregular Future Tense Verbs

  ---

Food and Drink

• Food Vocabulary
• At the Restaurant
• At the Market

  ---

Amazigh Activism and Language Preservation

• Tamazight Advocacy and Activism
• Tamazight Literature and Media

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives and Agreement
• Adverbs of Time and Frequency

  ---

Weather

• Weather Vocabulary
• Describing Weather Conditions

Related Lessons

• Count from 1 to 10
• Animal
• Colors
• Weather Vocabulary
• Count to 10
• Asking for Directions
• At the Restaurant
• Languages
• Education
• At the Market