How to say "excuse me" in Moroccan Darija
سْمَحْ لِي
sme7 li
- Without tashkeel
- سمح لي
- Franco / chat alphabet
- sme7 lia
- Literally
- forgive to-me
When to use it
This is the standard way to say 'excuse me' or 'sorry' in Moroccan Darija. It is used to get someone's attention, ask to pass by in a crowded place, or offer a mild apology. The verb must agree with the gender and number of the person you are speaking to.
Other ways to say it
to a man
سْمَحْ لِي
sme7 li
excuse me
The default form, used when addressing a single male.
to a woman
سْمْحِي لِي
sm7i li
excuse me
Used when addressing a single female.
to a group
سْمْحُوا لِي
sm7u li
excuse me
Used when addressing two or more people.
getting attention
عَافَاك
3afak
please / excuse me
Literally 'please', but frequently used to flag down a waiter or get a stranger's attention.
How people reply
مَاشِي مُشْكِيل
mashi mushkil
no problem
مَا كَايْنْ بَاس
ma kayn bas
no harm done / it's okay
اللّه يْسَامَح
allah ysame7
may God forgive (it's fine)
In a sentence
سْمَحْ لِي، فِينْ كَايْن لْفْرْمَاصْيَان؟
sme7 li, fin kayn l-frmasyan?
Excuse me, where is the pharmacy?
سْمْحِي لِي، بْغِيتْ نْدُوز.
sm7i li, bghit nduz.
Excuse me, I want to pass. (said to a woman)
سْمَحْ لِي، بْشْحَالْ هَادَا؟
sme7 li, bsh7al hada?
Excuse me, how much is this?