I love you in Darija

How to Say “I Love You” in Moroccan Arabic

In Moroccan Darija, “I love you” varies depending on the gender of the person you’re speaking to. Like many Arabic dialects, Darija uses different verb forms based on gender.

Kanbghik is the most common way to say “I love you” in Darija. The verb bgha means “to love” or “to want,” and in this conjugation, kanbghik literally translates to “I love you.” The form is the same whether you’re addressing a man or a woman, which is a helpful feature for learners.

To intensify the expression, you can add “bzzaf”, meaning “a lot” or “so much.” So, Kanbghik bzzaf expresses a deeper level of affection.

Variations and Romantic Expressions

In Moroccan culture, love is often expressed poetically. Here are a few other phrases you might hear or want to use:

These expressions show the richness of Darija’s emotional vocabulary. Using such phrases can help you connect deeply with native speakers and better understand Moroccan romantic traditions.

For more poetic expressions, explore 5 love poems in Moroccan Darija, which highlight how affection is communicated in Moroccan Arabic literature.

Pronunciation Tips for Non-Native Speakers

Learning to say “I love you” in Moroccan Arabic accurately requires attention to certain sounds that may not exist in English. For instance:

• The letter ḥ (as in Hbibi) is pronounced as a voiceless pharyngeal fricative. It’s deeper than the English “h.”

• The gh sound in Kanbghik is a guttural sound, produced in the throat, similar to the French “r” in rue.

While these may seem challenging at first, practicing out loud and listening to native speakers will help you improve. Our online courses provide guided audio exercises that focus on pronunciation and everyday conversation skills.

You can also use our English–Moroccan Arabic translation dictionary to check meanings, pronunciation hints, and context-based examples.

Using “I Love You” in Context

Darija is not only a spoken language—it is deeply tied to Moroccan customs and values. Saying “I love you” carries weight and is often reserved for meaningful relationships. Depending on the context, you might express love to:

• A romantic partner

• A close family member

• A dear friend

Here are a few sample conversations:

Example 1: Between Partners

A: Kanbghik bzzaf.
B: W ana tanbghik ktar.
(Translation: A: I love you so much.
B: And I love you more.)

Example 2: Parent to Child

Hbibi, nta f qalbi dayman.
(My dear, you’re always in my heart.)

Understanding the cultural context is essential. In Moroccan society, public displays of affection may be more subdued than in some Western cultures, but the verbal expressions of love in private are often deep and poetic.

For more colorful and culturally rich sayings, consider reading our article on 5 proverbs in Moroccan Darija, where love and relationships are often recurring themes.

Expressions Derived from “Kanbghik”

As you continue to learn Moroccan Arabic, you’ll discover how verbs like bgha (to love/want) combine with other words to create idiomatic expressions. For instance:

• Kanbghi nkoun mʿak – I love being with you.

• Ma nqdrsh nʿish bla bik – I can’t live without you.

• ʿandi ḥnin ʿlik – I have tenderness for you.

These phrases can enrich your conversations and help you sound more natural and emotionally expressive in Darija. If you want to explore more daily-life phrases, check out our guide on 5 expressions in Moroccan Darija.