Krio is the official language and de facto national language spoken throughout West Africa in Sierra Leone. Krio is spoken by 97% of Sierra Leoneans and includes a wide variety of ethnic groups throughout the country, especially in their trade and social interaction. It is the main language of communication between the people of Sierra Leone at home and abroad.
The language Krio is a variant of the English language and diversity brought by the Nova Scotian Settlers from North America, the Maroons from Jamaica, and the vast majority of liberated African slaves settled in Sierra Leone.
Kiro Words and Phrases for Beginners
Few Krio words translated in English as follows:
| Krio Words | English Meaning |
| Salone | Sierra Leone |
| Kusheh | Hello |
| Pady | Friend |
| Titi | Girl |
| Borboh | Boy |
| Pickin | Child |
| Wowoh | Ugly |
| Plabah | Conflict |
| bohku | Many |
| Uman | Woman |
| Leff | Stop |
| Wetin | What |
| Usay | Where |
| Wetin Meck | Why |
| Ustem | When |
| Vex | Angry |
| Dia | Expensive |
| Wakka | Walk |
| Cham | Chew |
| Motocar | Car |
| Sabi | Know |
| Fett | Fight |
| Wef | Wife |
| Lef | Stop |
| Mama | Mother |
| Papa | Father |
| Granny | Grandmother |
| Grandpa | Grandfather |
| tif | Steal |
| Jomp | Jump |
Following are commonly used Krio phrases for tourists:
| Krio | Meaning in English |
| Aw di go de go? | How are you? |
| tɛnki | thank you |
| Wetin yu nem? | What is your name? |
| Ah gladi fɔ mit yu. , | Nice to meet you. |
| Mi nem na ______ . | My name is ______ . |
| Duya | Please |
| O | You’re welcome |
| Yes | Yes |
| Nor | No |
| A bayg (o) pahr-din | I’m Sorry |
| A de go | Goodbye |
| U sabi tok inglish? | Do you speak English? |
| Ep mee! | Help! |
| Gud – muhning | Good Morning |
| Ar nor sabi | I don’t understand |
| Lef mi saful | Leave me alone |
| Leggo mi! | Don’t touch me! |
| Ep me | I need your help |
| Ah loss me watch | I lost my watch |
| Ah now well | I’m sick |
Following is way we write numbers and figures in Krio:
| Wan | 1 |
| Too | 2 |
| Tree | 3 |
| Foh | 4 |
| Fife | 5 |
| Sees | 6 |
| Seven | 7 |
| Ayt | 8 |
| Nine | 9 |
| Ten | 10 |
| Wan undred | 100 |
| Wan tousin | 1000 |
| Wan million | 1000000 |
| Wan billion | 1000000000 |
| Af | Half |
| Moh | More |