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A few creole expressions you need to know when moving to Mauritius

group of Mauritians
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Published on 30 June 2024

Learning Creole is more difficult than understanding it, but it is part of your integration into the country. Mauritians might laugh a little at your accent, but it is all in good faith, and they will appreciate your efforts more than anything. 

The Creole language is also evolving; the legendary "Bonzour" used by most tourist guides is hardly used anymore. Here are some words and expressions you will hear frequently:

Ayo

The most popular word, the simplest and most effective because, depending on the tone, it can take on all possible meanings.

Mari

Very frequently used as a superlative, it emphasizes the word it precedes.

Bonzur, ki pozision? / Ki manier?

Hello, how are you?

Mo byin / Korek

I'm doing well

Kot to sorti?

Where are you from?

Kot to pe ale?

Where are you going?

Kifer?

Why?

Ki to pe fer zordi? Ki rol zordi?

What are you doing today?

Kouma to apele? / Kouma ou apele?

What is your name?

Ou marye? Ou ena zanfan?

Are you married? Do you have children?

Kan to vinn lakaz? Taler mo vini

When will you come home? I will come later

Kot to reste?

Where do you live?

Zordi pena lapli, mo al lamer

It's not raining today, I'm going to the beach

Ou kontan Moris?

Do you like Mauritius?

Ki ler la?

What time is it?

Mari zoli sa!

It's so beautiful!

Mo kontan twa!

I love you!

To byin zoli

You are very pretty / You are very beautiful

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Anne-Lise studied Psychology for 4 years in the UK before finding her way back to Mauritius and being a journalist for 3 years and heading Expat.com's editorial department for 5. She loves politics, books, tea, running, swimming, hiking...

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