Learn Common Kiribati Words for Everyday Conversations

Learning common Kiribati words is a great first step in starting your Kiribati language journey. Building simple, everyday vocabulary helps you gain confidence and strengthens your connection to Kiribati culture and identity.

At Pacific Learners, we are passionate about revitalising Pacific languages. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the first video in our Kiribati language series, designed to help beginners learn essential words and phrases in a practical and engaging way. We have also created a dedicated Kiribati Language Resource Page, where you can easily access all our Kiribati video content in one place.

In this lesson, you will learn these Words and Count to Ten:

Words

• Eang  –  Yes
• Tiaki  –  No
• Taiaoka  –  Please
• Kabwara te bure  –  Sorry
• Matauninga  –  Excuse me
• Ko rabwa  –  Thank you
• Matu raoi  –  Good night
• Mauri n te ingabong  –  Good Morning
• Mauri  –  Hello
• Amarake  –  Eat
• Matu  –  Sleep
• Nakomai  –  Come
• Naako  –  Go
• Moana  –  Start
• Bane  –  Finish
• Mooi  –  Drink
• Baki  –  Hungry

Count to Ten

• Teuana  –  One
• Uoua  –  Two
• Tenua  –  Three
• Aua  –  Four
• Nimaua  –  Five
• Onoua  –  Six
• Itua  –  Seven
• Wanua  –  Eight
• Ruaiua  –  Nine
• Tebwina  –  Ten

Practising these simple words and counting to 10 regularly will improve your fluency and confidence while supporting the preservation of the Kiribati language.