The three symbols beginners see most
| Darija Latin | Arabic script | Meaning | Usage note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3afak | عافاك | Please | 3 = ع, a voiced throat sound. |
| 7alib | حليب | Milk | 7 = ح, a strong breathy h. |
| 9hwa | قهوة | Coffee | 9 = ق, often a deep k-like sound. |
Other spellings you may encounter
| Darija Latin | Arabic script | Meaning | Usage note |
|---|---|---|---|
| kh / 5 | خ | kh sound | kh is clearer for most learners. |
| gh | غ | gh sound | — |
| sh / ch | ش | sh sound | French-influenced spelling often uses ch. |
- Do not worry about choosing the one perfect Latin spelling.
- Match spelling to audio and meaning.
- Use Arabic script when two Latin spellings become ambiguous.
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.