moulay مولاي

Moroccan Darija · noun

“moulay” (مولاي) is a noun in Moroccan Darija meaning sir (respectful address).

Meanings

1. sir (respectful address)
2. title of sharifs and sultans
3. my lord, my master

Usage

Moulay has two uses. The first is a title placed before the first name of the descendants of the Prophet (chorfa), and in particular of sovereigns, as in Moulay Idriss or Moulay Hassan. It is also found in many place names and names of saints. The second is a respectful or affectionate form of address to a man: "a moulay" is equivalent to "sir" or "my dear". It is heard in service settings, but also ironically. The corresponding feminine is lalla. Note: when it is part of a name, moulay is not translated.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “moulay” but also “mulay”, “molay”, “moulai” and “mowlay”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “moulay” on the Arabic keyboard