What Language Do They Speak in Kiribati?

Header image for Kiribati

Kiribati

Kiribati is a unique island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is comprised of 33 atolls and reef islands, scattered over 3.5 million square kilometers, intersected by the Equator. With its low-lying geography, Kiribati faces significant challenges due to rising sea levels and climate change, impacting its agriculture and infrastructure.

Languages Spoken

Kiribati, an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, primarily speaks Gilbertese, also known as Kiribati. This language is utilized by approximately 96.9% of the population, reinforcing its role as the cultural and social backbone of the communities across the islands. English, although an official language, is spoken by only 2.7% of the population, primarily in formal settings and for global communication purposes.

Different Languages Spoken in Kiribati

Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Kiribati

LanguageUsage
Gilbertese96.9%
English2.7%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful Gilbertese Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Kiribati

Mauri

Hello

Used as a general greeting.

Ko na mauri ngkoe?

How are you?

A polite way to ask someone how they are.

E abo te kewe ni aki na?

How much does it cost?

Helpful for shopping or transactions.

Ko kona nano?

Do you understand?

Useful to ensure communication is clear.

Kam rabwa te kaboa

Thank you very much

A way to express gratitude.

Learn to speak Gilbertese

Interested in speaking Gilbertese in Kiribati? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

Download for iOS