So, turns out you really only need eight words to semi-survive in Morocco...

                                                     ( me looking like I know what I am doing)


Greetings are VERY important in Moroccan culture, so much so that you really only need eight words to semi-survive in Morocco while somewhat looking like you know what you are doing, these are:


salam: hello
labas: good
kulshi: everything
bixir: fine
l-Hamdullah: thanks to be God
inshallah: if God wills
mzyan: good
bslama: goodbye


Below is a typical conversation I have everyday:


Moroccan (who is acting like they know me): Salam!
Me (trying to act cool like I know them but secretly have no idea, did I see them at the hammam the other night?): Salam!
Moroccan: Labas?
Me: Labas inshallah! Labas?
Moroccan: Labas inshallah, kulshi bixir?
Me: Kulshi bixir inshallah! Mzien?
Moroccan: Kulshi mzien inshallah!
Me: Mzien, mzien!
Moroccan: (says something I cannot understand because I do not know that much Darija)
Me: inshallah! (I am asking this hoping it is the right answer, but I really have no idea)
Moroccan: Mzian! (yes! I answered correctly!) Bslama!
Me: Bslama! (thinking to myself that I hope I didn't just get invited to dinner because I have no idea who this person is...)


Story of my life, the end.