Mealtime Expressions

Lesson objective

In this lesson, you will learn expressions used before, during, and after a meal.

Before starting an activity

In the name of God — bismillah. This expression is said when beginning an activity such as eating, drinking, working, studying, or travelling.

After finishing a meal

Thanks to God — l-нamdullah. This expression is said after finishing a meal, or when expressing that everything is well in life.

Saying what you do not eat

The structure is ma-kan-akul-š… — meaning I do not eat…

English	Darija
I do not eat meat	ma-kan-akul-š l-lнm.
I do not eat eggs	ma-kan-akul-š l-biḍ.
I do not eat fish	ma-kan-akul-š l-нut.
I do not eat chicken	ma-kan-akul-š d-djaj.

Drinks

English	Darija
I drink tea without sugar	kan-šrb atay bla skkar.
I drink coffee without sugar	kan-šrb l-qhwa bla skkar.

atay = tea, l-qhwa = coffee, bla skkar = without sugar

Talking about food

English	Darija
I eat everything	kan-akul kulši.
I eat only vegetables	kan-akul ġir l-xoḍra.
I do not feel like eating	ma-fiya ma-y-akul.
I want only…	bġit ġir…
I do not want to have breakfast	ma-bġit-š n-fṭr.
The food is delicious	l-makla bnina.
I am full	šb3t.
I want to learn how to cook	bġit n-t3llm n-ṭiyb.

Expressions after a meal

May God replenish or reward you — lla y-xlf. This expression is used after a meal to thank the host.

To your health — bṣṣннa. This may be said to someone after eating, drinking, leaving the hammam, putting on new clothes, or getting a haircut.

May God grant you health too — lla y-3tik ṣṣннa. This is the response to bṣṣннa.

Thanking expressions

English	Darija
Thank you	šukran.
You are welcome	bla jmil.