Lexicon for Travelers in Mauritius: Speak Kréol

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Lexicon for travelers in Mauritius

Parler Kréol

You've just arrived in Mauritius for an unforgettable holiday and want to connect more deeply with the locals? Mauritians are bilingual—they speak and understand both English and French—and always go out of their way to make themselves understood by visitors. But learning a few words of kreol is a great way to build an instant connection!

Ah, what a beautiful language! Mauritian kreol is much like its people—a joyful blend of European, African, and Asian influences, featuring expressions from Old French, nautical terms, Bhojpuri, English, and Hindi. It's musical, colourful, full of imagery—and above all, it’s a living language that’s constantly evolving.

Introducing Yourself in Kreol

(All translations are given in phonetic Kreol)

Mauritius: Moris
France: Lafrans
England: Langleter
China: Lasine
(→ Note: for any country starting with a vowel, add “La” or “L”)
Hello: Bonzour
How are you?: Ki manier ?
How are you? (modern slang): Ki pozision ?
I'm very well: Tou korek
I come from...: Mo sorti ...
It's my first time in Mauritius: Prémyé fwa mo vine Moris
It’s very beautiful: Bien zoli
I really like it: 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 / boyfriend: Ala mo boyfriend
Thank you: Mersi
There is...: Ena
There isn't...: Péna
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‍Goodbye: Bye, salam

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Exploring Mauritius in Kreol

When you're out and about discovering the island, these simple phrases can bring a smile to the faces of locals:

To go for a walk: Al promené
Where is...?: Kot ... ?
Go / to go: Al
I’m looking for...: Mo pé rode ...
Can you call a taxi for me?: Ou kapav rode ène taxi pou mwa ?
Can we swim here?: Kapav nazé ici ?
Is it deep (can you stand)?: Eski li fon ?
The beach: Laplaz
Go straight: Al droite (→ Not to be confused with “Al à droite” = Turn right)
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‍How much does it cost?: Kombyen ?

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Eating Out in Mauritius

To eat: Manzé
I’m looking for a good restaurant: Mo pé rode ène bon restoran
Not too spicy: Pa mett tro pima
Is it spicy?: Li for ?
Room-temperature water: Donn mwa ene dilo ordiner
Cold / iced water: Donn mwa ene dilo frapé
A glass bottle: Ene chopine
A beer: Ene labièr
Snacks with drinks (appetisers): Gadjack
Coconut water: Dilo coco

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A Few Charming Expressions from Mauritius' Cultural Blend

Ene ber: a crib (from the nautical ber, cradle)
Mayé: to catch or grab (from maille, a mesh or net)
Dibouté: to stand up
Gramatin: the morning
Bef travay, souval manzé: "The ox works, but the horse eats" — a local way to describe unfairness or exploitation
Pa gett figir: "Don’t judge by appearances"
Dan mo kafé, péna triaz: "In my coffee, there's no sorting" — meaning: I’m not picky!

With just a few words and expressions under your belt, you’re ready to surprise and delight the Mauritians you meet—and create unforgettable memories that you’ll take home with you.

Bon vwayaz ! (Have a great trip!)