Seychellois Creole, known locally as “Kreol”, is the French-based creole language of the Seychelles. It shares official language status in the Seychelles along with both English and French.
Most Seychellois speak Creole, French and English fluently (I can hear your sighs of relief!)…. but if you’re like me and fancy trying your hand at the local language, then here are a few handy words, names, numbers and phrases which will help you on your travels.
Eski ou koz Kreol? …. let’s find out…
The Basics:
Yes… “Wi”
No… “Non”
Please… “Silvouple”
Thank you… “Mersi”
Excuse me… “Eskiz mon”
I’m sorry… “Pardon”
Why?… “Akoz?”
What?… “Kwa?”
Who?… “Lekel?”
Where?… “Oli?”
When?… “Kan”
Stop… “Arete”
Go… “Ale”
Today… “Ozordi”
Tomorrow… “Demain”
Greetings & Chit Chat:
Goodmorning… “Bonzour”
Goodnight… “Bonswar”
How are you?… “Komman sava?”
Fine, thank you, and you?… “Byen mersi, oumenm?”
What’s up?… “Ki dir?”
What are you doing?… “Ki ou pefer?”
What is your name?… “Ki mannyer ou apele?”
My name is [name]… “Mon apel [name]”
Goodbye… “Orevwar”
Need help or information?
How much is this?… “Konbyen sa?”
Where is [the toilet]?… “Oli [toilet]?”
Do you speak English?… “Eski ou koz Angle?” FYI.. Angle (English) is pronounced as Anglay
I don’t understand… “Mon pa konpran”
Is there someone here who speaks English?… “Eski i annan en dimounn la ki koz Angle?”
Help!… “Ed mwan!”
I’m sick… “Mon malad”
I’m lost… “Monn perdi.”
Hospital… “Lopital”
Hotel… “Lotel”
Car… “Loto”
Boat… “Bato”
Numbers & Currency:
1 … Enn
2 … De
3 … Trwa
4 … Kat
5 … Senk
6 … Sis
7 … Set
8 … Wit
9 … Nef
10 … Dis
25 … Ven-senk
50 … Senkant
100 … San
200 … Desan
500 … Senksan
1000 … Mil
Days of the Week:
Lendi… “Monday”
Mardi… “Tuesday”
Merkredi… “Wednesday”
Zedi… “Thursday”
Vandredi… “Friday”
Sanmdi… “Saturday”
Dimans… “Sunday”
So there you have it, the basic to start your Seychelles adventure and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Let’s finish off this blog as the locals do by saying… Ale…