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.
Try it yourself
Read each Darija example aloud, then recall its meaning before opening the answer. Repeat without looking at the table above.
1. a / aa
ا
Show meaning and usage
a as in father
Often marks a long a sound.
2. b
ب
Show meaning and usage
b as in book
3. t
ت
Show meaning and usage
t as in tea
Continue with related Darija guides
Use the next guides to connect this topic with vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and real conversation.
Sources and editorial note
These references offer further reading on Moroccan Arabic. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement or individual review of this guide. Spelling and pronunciation vary by region and speaker.