Greetings

1. Bonzour

   Hello / Good morning

   Usage

   Daytime greeting, used from morning into the afternoon

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary spells it "bonzur"; this is the official spelling

2. Mersi boukou

   Thank you very much

   Usage

   Saying thanks warmly

   Grammar Note

   "Boukou" means "a lot"; placed after "mersi" it strengthens the thanks

3. Orevwar

   Goodbye

   Usage

   Saying goodbye

   Grammar Note

   From French, spelled phonemically as "orevwar"

4. Wi / Non

   Yes / No

   Usage

   The basic yes and no

   Grammar Note

   Both words are invariable

5. Koman ou apele?

   What is your name?

   Usage

   Asking someone's name

   Grammar Note

   "Ou" is the polite "you"; adapted from the dictionary verb "apele"; questions keep statement word order

6. Bonswar

   Good evening / Good night

   Usage

   Evening greeting

   Grammar Note

   "Bonswar" ends in "r"; it is also used as a night farewell

7. Silvouple

   Please

   Usage

   The word that softens a request

   Grammar Note

   Found in the dictionary and a learner book; add it to a request

8. Pardon

   Excuse me. / Sorry.

   Usage

   To get attention or apologize

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary lists both "excuse me" and "sorry"

9. Ki manier?

   How are you?

   Usage

   Casual "how are you?"

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary lists "ki manyer" as "how are you"; official spelling "manier"

10. Bienveni Moris!

    Welcome to Mauritius!

    Usage

    Welcoming a visitor

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary has "byinveni"; the country name in Kreol is "Moris"

11. Kot twalet ete?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Asking where the toilet is

    Grammar Note

    "Kot ... ete" is the fixed pattern for "where is ...?"

12. Mo pa koz Kreol Morisien.

    I do not speak Mauritian Creole.

    Usage

    Saying you do not speak Mauritian Creole

    Grammar Note

    Short form "koz" before an object; language names are capitalised. Sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

13. Mo pou vini ankor.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Saying you will come again

    Grammar Note

    "Pou" marks the future; long form "vini" with no complement. Sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

14. Mo finn amiz mwa boukou.

    I had a great time.

    Usage

    Saying you had a good time

    Grammar Note

    "Amiz" can mean "enjoy oneself"; perfect marker "finn" precedes the verb. Sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

15. Mersi, aplitar!

    Thanks, see you later!

    Usage

    Thanks and see you later in one go

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary lists "aplitar" as "see you later"

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