A Mini Dictionary for Visitors to Seychelles
Written by Editor on 16th May 2025
A Mini Dictionary for Visitors to Seychelles
Planning your trip to Seychelles? Knowing a few words in Kreol Seselwa—our local Creole language—will go a long way in helping you connect with the friendly Seychellois people. It’s a simple, beautiful language with French roots, and locals will love it when you try!
Here’s your go-to mini-dictionary of everyday words and phrases to help you feel at home in paradise.
Greetings & Common Phrases
| English | Creole (Kreol Seselwa) | |
|---|---|---|
| Good Morning | Bonzour | |
| Good afternoon / Good Evening | Bon Apremidi / Bonswar | |
| How are you? | Konman ou sava? | |
| I’m fine | Mon byen | |
| Goodbye | Orevwar | |
| Yes | Wi | |
| No | Non |
Being Polite – It Goes a Long Way
| English | Creole | |
|---|---|---|
| Please | Silvouple | |
| Thank you | Mersi | |
| You’re welcome | Avek plezir and or Napa problenm | |
| Sorry | Pardon | |
| Excuse me | Eksiz mwan | |
| I don’t understand | Mon pa konpran |
Food & Drinks – Because You’ll Definitely Want to Order Like a Local
| English | Creole | |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Manze | |
| Drink | Bwar | |
| Water | Delo | |
| Beer | Labyer | |
| Fish | Pwason | |
| Chicken | Poul | |
| Delicious | I byen bon | |
| I’m full | Mon plen |
Bonus Phrase:
“Konbyen sa?” = How much is this?
Pronunciation: kon-byen sah
Getting Around – Helpful Words for Exploring
| English | Creole | |
|---|---|---|
| Where is…? | kote? | |
| Beach | Lans | |
| Hotel | Lotel | |
| Airport | Lapor / Erport | |
| Bus | Bis | |
| Left | Gos | |
| Right | Drwat / byen | |
| Straight ahead | dwat devan |
Fun Phrases to Try Out!
| English | Creole | |
|---|---|---|
| It’s beautiful! | I zoli! | |
| I love Seychelles | Mon kontan Sesel | |
| Let’s go to the beach | Annou al Lo Lans | |
| What’s your name? |
Ki manyer ou apele? |
|
| My name is… | Mon apel… | |
| Let’s dance! | Annou danse! |
Bonus: Local Expressions
| Creole Phrase | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dousman | Slowly slowly / Take it easy |
| Pa trakase | Don’t worry / No stress |
| Kamarad | Friend / Mate |
| Annou relax | Let’s chill |
Final Tip:
Creole is a spoken language full of warmth and rhythm. Locals don’t expect you to speak it fluently, but even a “Bonzour” or “Mersi” will earn you a big smile!
So go ahead—try a few phrases, have fun with it, and enjoy your island adventure like a local.
by J.R
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