Creole expressions you need to know when moving to Mauritius
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
