In Mauritius, proverbs and sirandanes (riddles) full of cheek and charm are part of everyday life. You’ll hear them at the market between two negotiations, in a taxi, or during a family dinner. You’ll even find them on the walls of Zilwa Attitude’s rooms. These short phrases, sometimes wise, sometimes sharp, make you smile, think… and occasionally wince.

Why do we love Mauritian Creole proverbs so much? Because they share a truth, a good piece of advice — and sometimes, a well-placed jab. More than just wordplay, they reflect a way of looking at the world, of saying things as they are, with humour and common sense.

How about a selection of Creole proverbs, translated and decoded? A fun way to dive into Mauritian culture… and maybe tuck one or two into your travel bag to pull out at just the right moment.

Philosophical Creole Proverbs,

made in Mauritius

« Dilo trankil ena so profonder. »

Even still water has its depth.

A gentle reminder not to judge by appearances. A quiet, reserved person may hold deep knowledge, experience, or strength. In Mauritius, this proverb is a tribute to humility: it’s not about making noise, but about having substance.

« Tou lannwit ena so gramatin. »

Every night has its morning.

Or, as we say: “Every cloud has a silver lining.” A simple message of hope, often passed from the older generations to the younger in difficult times. In a tropical country like Mauritius, this saying makes perfect sense: neither storms nor sorrow last forever.

« Dilo lor bred sonz »

Water on taro leaves..

In other words: “It rolls right off.” This proverb means that negative remarks or criticism don’t affect you — like water sliding off a leaf. The Creole version of “In one ear and out the other.” A gentle nudge to stay unbothered by things that don’t matter.

Funny (and Insightful) Creole Proverbs

« Priye bondie, kaka diab. »

He prays to God, but does the devil’s business.

A biting but hilarious expression to call out hypocrisy. Someone who seems holy or perfect on the outside, but whose actions say otherwise..

« Lalang kabri. »

Goat’s tongue.

CSurprisingly, this isn’t an insult — it’s actually a compliment! It means that what someone says tends to come true, or carries weight. A colourful way of giving credit to someone’s words.

Creole Proverbs about Heart and Justice

« Zordi mwa, dime twa. »

Today me, tomorrow you

Possibly the best-known of all. It’s about balance and fairness: what goes around comes around. A poetic way to say, “You reap what you sow.” Whether good or bad, everyone gets their turn. A true Mauritian take on karma.

« Leker dimun kass ros »

With your heart, you can break stones.

A powerful image of love conquering all. It’s also sometimes used to describe someone with a heart as hard as stone. Up to you to choose the interpretation that speaks to you!

Wise and Optimistic Creole Proverbs

« Soley briye pou tou dimounn. »

The sun shines for everyone.

No need to explain — in Mauritius, we love to remind each other that joy, luck, and little pleasures are for everyone. This proverb also means that life’s ups and downs are shared by all, no matter who you are.

Sirandanes: The Famous Creole Riddles

No article on Creole wisdom would be complete without sirandanes ! These clever riddles, shared among friends and family, are like little mind games. They mix poetry, humour and everyday observation.

« Mo plore avan mo ne ? »

I cry before I’m born?

It’s the onion (zwayon). It makes us cry before it even ends up in a dish. A poetic way to describe its effect — one that amuses kids and grown-ups alike.

« Mo marse me mo pena lipie ? »

I walk, but I have no feet?

That’s the moon (lalinn). It “moves” through the sky without feet. An example of how the elders turned everyday wonders into playful riddles for children.

« « Kas serkey, manz dimoun mor ? » »

Break a coffin, eat a dead person?

A classic example of Mauritian dark humour. The answer is peanuts (pistas in Mauritian Creole — which doesn’t mean pistachios!). The “coffin” is the shell, and the “dead person” is the peanut inside.

« Mo zet li blan, li tomb zonn ? »

I throw the white, the yellow drops?

It’s the egg (dizef), of course. Crack an egg, discard the white, and what’s left is the yellow — or zonn.
 
 
Ces petites énigmes font autant rire que réfléchir et restent profondément ancrées dans la culture mauricienne.

In Mauritius, we tease, laugh, and share life lessons through Creole proverbs and sirandanes. That’s the magic of these expressions: wrapping everyday truths in wit and poetry.

So next time you’re chatting with a Mauritian, listen closely. Behind a joke or a light remark might be a proverb that sticks with you — long after the conversation ends.