Beyond the Numbers
The number system covers four letters. But Darija has more sounds that do not exist in English. Moroccans use combinations of letters to represent them.
The Letter Combinations
Kh = خ
The letter kh represents the kh sound, similar to the Spanish j or German ch.
Examples:
- khteR (dangerous)
- khbar (news)
- khw (brother)
Gh = غ
The letter combination gh represents the gh sound, a vibrating throat sound.
Examples:
- ghadi (going)
- ghalat (mistake)
- ghar (cave)
Ch = ش
The letter combination ch represents the sh sound.
Examples:
- chhal (how much)
- chwiya (a little)
- chhar (month)
Dh = ذ
The letter combination dh represents the dh sound.
Examples:
- dhab (gold)
- dhar (to appear)
Exceptions and Regional Variations
Some Moroccans use the French spelling:
- Ch becomes sh
- Ou becomes w
Example: chwiya or shwiya (a little) - both are correct.
Reading Practice
Try reading this sentence:
Khoya ghadi l souk chwiya d l’khobz.
Translation: Brother is going to the market for some bread.
Observing Patterns
The best way to learn these substitutions is to read Instagram comments and TikTok captions. Notice how Moroccans write. The patterns will become natural over time.
Part Three Coming
The next lesson covers punctuation and emphasis in written Darija.