Traveller’s Glossary to make yourself understood in Kreol

Recently landed in Mauritius for an unforgettable holiday and wish to have more friendly contact with the local population? Mauritians are bilingual, they speak and understand English and French and are eager to make themselves understood by their guests. If you know a few words of Kreol, you will be able to create a real bond!

What a beautiful language indeed! Mauritian Kreol – Creole – is very much like its people: it is a delightful mixture of European, African and Asian influences, old French expressions, marine terms, Bhojpuri, English and Hindi. It is singing, colourful, evocative and above all, a very lively language that continues to be enriched. Knowing a few key Mauritian Kreol expressions will please your interlocutors as you show them your enthusiasm.

Introducing yourself in Kreol

(The translations listed are in phonetic form).

Mauritius: Moris

France : Lafrans

England : Langleter

China: Lasine

(* As you can see, for all countries beginning with a vowel, we add an L)

Hello : Bonzour 

How are you?: Ki manier ? 

How are you?: Ki pozision ? (More connected)

I am doing very well : Tou korek

I have just … : Mo sorti …

It’s the 1st time I have come to Mauritius : Prémyé fwa mo vine Moris

It’s beautiful : Bien zoli

I like it a lot : Mo bien kontan

My name is … : Mo appel …

This is my wife : Ala mo madame

This is my husband : Ala mo missié

These are my children: Ala mo bane zenfan

This is my fiancé/lover: Ala mo boyfriend

Thank you: Mersi

There is : Ena

There is not: Péna

Goodbye: Bye: Bye, salam

Discover Mauritius in Kreol 

While walking or discovering the island, use these expressions to bring a smile to Mauritians’ faces.

Going for a walk : Al promené

Where is … ? : Kot … ?

To go : Al

I am looking for: Mo pé rode

Can you call me a taxi?: Ou kapav rode ène taxi pou mwa?

Can we bathe here: Kapav nazé ici?

Is it deep (can we walk)? Eski li fon ?

The beach : Laplaz

Go straight ahead: Al droite (not to be confused with Al à droite)

How much does it cost?: Kombyen ?

Eating out in Mauritius 

Eat : Manzé

I am looking for a good restaurant : Mo pé rode ène bon restoran

Not too spicy: Pa mett tro pima

Is it hot ? Li for ?

Give me water at room temperature: Donn mwa ene dilo ordiner 

Give me fresh / or iced water: Donn mwa ene dilo frapé

A glass bottle: Ene chopine

A beer: Ene labièr

Side dishes for the aperitif: Gadjack

Coconut water: Dilo coco

Some nice idioms from the historical cultural mix of Mauritius 

– Ene ber: a cot (from ber de marine)

– Mayé : To catch (from the mesh of a net)

– Dibouté : To be up

– Gramatin : The morning

– Bef travay, souval manzé : The ox works and the horse eats (denunciation of exploitation)

– Pa gett figir : Don’t judge by looks

– Dan mo kafé, péna triaz: I’m not picky

With these few basic words and expressions, you are now ready to please the Mauritians you are going to meet and have some priceless souvenirs to bring back home…