The most useful sound correspondences
The table is a pronunciation guide, not a rigid spelling standard. You will see alternatives such as sh/ch and 9/q because writers choose different conventions.
| Darija Latin | Arabic script | Meaning | Usage note |
|---|---|---|---|
| a / aa | ا | a as in father | Often marks a long a sound. |
| b | ب | b as in book | — |
| t | ت | t as in tea | — |
| j | ج | French j / s in vision | A common Moroccan pronunciation. |
| 7 | ح | Strong breathy h | Produced deeper in the throat than English h. |
| kh | خ | ch in Scottish loch | — |
| d | د | d as in door | — |
| r | ر | Tapped or rolled r | — |
| z | ز | z as in zoo | — |
| s | س | s as in sun | — |
| sh / ch | ش | sh as in shop | Both spellings occur in Moroccan Latin writing. |
| 3 | ع | Voiced throat sound | There is no direct English equivalent. |
| gh | غ | Gargled French-style r | — |
| f | ف | f as in food | — |
| 9 / q | ق | Deep k-like sound | It may be pronounced g in some regions and words. |
| k | ك | k as in kitchen | — |
| l | ل | l as in lamp | — |
| m | م | m as in Morocco | — |
| n | ن | n as in name | — |
| h | ه | h as in home | — |
| w / ou | و | w or long oo | — |
| y / i | ي | y or long ee | — |
How to study the script
- Learn sounds through complete words, not isolated symbols.
- Keep both Latin and Arabic versions visible while listening.
- Expect short vowels to be omitted in ordinary Arabic writing.
- Copy phrases you already understand before trying unfamiliar text.
Continue with related Darija guides
Use the next guides to connect this topic with vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and real conversation.
Sources and editorial note
This guide was prepared from established Moroccan Arabic learning references and checked for practical beginner use. Darija is a living spoken language, so spelling, vocabulary, and pronunciation can vary by region and speaker.