O O, Si ou ta di m "bonjou", petèt mwen ta reponn ou "bonjou" tou :)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Mandlay, what is the expression for a "ballsy"person?
ballsy →odasye, mètdam, je chèch, rizyèz, gen kran
Man, she got balls!
Mezanmi, ala li odasye!
PlayFor "the Council of the Five", which is better Creole -- "konsèy senk la" or "konsèy senk yo"? Or maybe "konsèy senk yo a"? "Konsèy senk la a"? Amwè!
Anmwe vre mezanmi :)
"Konsèy Senk la" would be the best one since the article "la" specifies "konsèy".
For "gratitude", which is better Creole -- "gratitid" or "rekonèsans"?
Rekonesans (without the accent on the "e" :)
So far im listening to haitian radio station, i surround myself with haitians, and i check frequently your website.
That's a good start.
Along with your daily conversations with your Haitian friends, you may also want to check if they offer any Haitian Creole language or conversation classes in your area.
You will also find some great reading books / story books written in basic Creole at the online bookstore Educavision.com
Then, if you keep at it, you'll see great results.
How do you say "I don't want to be with you?"
I don't want to be with you.
Mwen pa vle ret avè w.
Very sad thing to say. Remember to be gentle :)
Must I use "fèk" and "sòt" together? Can I say "Nou fèk wè yo" and "Nou sòt wè yo", or does it need to be "Nou fèk sòt wè yo"?
Fèk and fèk sòt indicates a more immediate past.
Yes, you may use fèk all by itself.
Nou fèk wè yo (We just saw them) is accurate.
And yes, you will hear Creole speakers use "sòt" by itself.
sòt (sòti) → to come from
Nou sòt wè yo (We come from seeing them)
And, Nou fèk sòt wè yo (We just come from seeing them) is also accurate.
So, you're good with all three :)
Prayed to receive Christ = Prié pou resevwa JeziPrayer requests = lapriyè demandesWants to learn more = Vle pou aprann plisDo these sound right - for a card to use during spiritual counseling for a medical mission to Haiti
Sounds right. Just a couple of spelling mishap :)
Prayed to receive Christ.
Priye pou resevwa Jezi Kri.
No need to have accents on the "e".
Prayer request
No need to have accents on the "e".
Prayer request
Demann pou lapriyè
or
Rekèt priyè
Wants to learn more
Vle pou aprann plis
God bless your work :)
can you translate this phrase? Jezi renmen tou timoun yo nan mond lan.
Jezi renmen tout timoun yo nan monn nan.
Jesus loves all the children in the world.
Monday, January 30, 2012
spell Jose in creole
Jose (pronounced jo-zay, in Creole. The "j" is pronounced like the "g" in the word "genre")
li konnin sa ki bien se pa yon ti moun li ye (English)
Li konnen sa ki byen. Se pa yon timoun li ye.
He/she knows what's right. He/she's not a kid.
how do you say We're finish im cerole
We're finished (we're done)
Nou fini.
We are over (we're through, it's over)
Sa fini.
It's over between us.
Sa fini nan mitan nou.
Sa fini avèk nou.
how do you say "to act like". He acts like my friend.
to act like → pran pòz, fè kòm si, or pretann
He acts like he's my friend.
Li pran pòz li se zanmi m.
Li fè kòm si li se zanmi m.
or
Li pretann li se zanmi m.
She acts like she's sick.
Li pran pòz li malad.
Li fè kòm si li malad.
or
Li pretann li malad.
Why are you acting as if you didn't see me?
Poukisa ou pran pòz ou pa wè m?
Poukisa ou fè kòm si ou pa wè m?
I am traveling with my church group to Montrouis this Staruday to St. Pauls clinic and school and we will be visiting several churches. I am supposed to sing and would love to do a chorus or song that means a lot to our church hosts, Suggestions?
If this is a Christian church, then you may use any of the traditional hymns; whether you sing it in a traditional or contemporary genre, Haitians love to hear foreigners sing in their own Creole language! They will certainly sing along with you if you choose a song they all know very well. Bring your guitar and tanbourins.
Also they love medley of short hymns too.
Also they love medley of short hymns too.
Christian churches in Haiti continues to use a songbook called Chants D'Esperance which carries their favorites Christian songs. It has a French and Creole part. Choose from the Kreyòl side.
You may browse some of the hymns from this online Haitian hymn book.
That is Why .... - Se Sa'k Fè
Dowloadable link for this audio clip: http://limanecasimi.audioacrobat.com/download/b70683bd-bf50-842d-c09c-418fd0443864.mp3
To listen to this audio, click on the play button and follow along.
Bonjou :)
Hello :)
M'ap fè yon bèl kout chapo pou tout moun k'ap koute!
Hats off to everyone listening!
THAT IS WHY
Se sa'k fè - that's why
Se pousa - it's for that, it's the reason why
Se poutèt sa - it's because of that
Se pou rezon sa - it is for that reason
Se sa ki lakoz - it is because of which
We're looking at: Se sa'k fè, Se pou sa, Se poutèt sa.
Se sa'k fè (contracted)
Se sa ki fè (un-contracted)
1. Ti bebe a te grangou, se sa'k fè li t'ap kriye.
Ti bebe a te grangou, se pou sa li t'ap kriye
Ti bebe a te grangou, se poutèt sa li t'ap kriye
The baby was hungry, that's why she was crying.
2. Lavi a kout, se sa'k fè ou pa janm dwe pèdi tan w.
Lavi a kout, se pou sa ou pa janm dwe pèdi tan w.
Lavi a kout, se poutèt sa ou pa janm dwe pèdi tan w.
Life is short, that's why you should never waste your time.
3. Mwen fèk sot peye bòdwo m, se sa'k fè m razè.
Mwen fèk sot peye bòdwo m, se pou sa m razè.
Mwen fèk sot peye bòdwo m, se poutèt sa m razè.
I just paid my bills, that's why I'm broke.
4. Ou fè m ri anpil, se sa'k fè m renmen w konsa.
Ou fè m ri anpil, se pou sa m renmen w konsa.
Ou fè m ri anpil, se poutèt sa m renmen w konsa.
You make me laugh a lot, that's why I love you so much.
5. Mwen te anvi wè w, se sa'k fè mwen la.
Mwen te anvi wè w, se pou sa mwen la.
Mwen te anvi wè w, se poutèt sa mwen la.
I wanted to see you, that's why I'm here.
6. Tout moun al nan vakans, se sa'k fè nanpwen pèsonn nan fèt la.
Everyone went on vacation, that's why there's no one at the party.
7. Papa m kite n depi m piti, se sa'k fè mwen pa rekonèt li.
My dad left us since I was small, that's why I don't know him.
8. Medikaman sa fè m kagou, se sa'k fè mwen sispann pran l.
This medicine makes me drowsy, that's why I stopped taking it.
9. Tansyon ou twò wo, se sa'k fè ou dwe pran remèd sa chak jou.
Your blood pressure is too high, that's why you must take this medication everyday.
10. Li met lajwa nan kè m, se sa'k fè m'ap fè lwanj Li.
He puts joy in my heart, that's why I'm praising Him.
Se tout. Mèsi e orevwa.
That's all. Thanks and goodbye.
Track: Pa fè mwen lapenn by Eric virgal
It is good to be in God's house today.
It is good to be in God's house today.
Se yon bon bagay pou nou/mwen lakay Bondye jodi a.
Mwen santi yon lajwa deske m lakay Bondye jodi a.
Amen! ☺
To be drowsy
drowsy (adj.) → soule*, kagou, gen anvi dòmi
*Soule can also be used a a verb.
He's drowsy.
Li kagou.
Li soule.
She ate so much that she became drowsy.
Li tèlman manje li vin soule
Some medicines can make you drowsy.
Gen de medikaman ki ka soule w.
After he had the drink, he became extremely drowsy.
Apre l fin bwè bweson an, li vin kagou nèt.
*Soule can also be used a a verb.
He's drowsy.
Li kagou.
Li soule.
She ate so much that she became drowsy.
Li tèlman manje li vin soule
Some medicines can make you drowsy.
Gen de medikaman ki ka soule w.
After he had the drink, he became extremely drowsy.
Apre l fin bwè bweson an, li vin kagou nèt.
To court a woman (in Creole)
To court a woman (to pursue her?)
file (pronounced fee-lay), mande renmen
Li gen lontan depi l'ap file pitit fi pastè a.
He's been pursuing the pastor's daughter for a long time.
file (pronounced fee-lay), mande renmen
Li gen lontan depi l'ap file pitit fi pastè a.
He's been pursuing the pastor's daughter for a long time.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
lets go to the beach this weekend.
Let's go to the beach this weekend.
An nou ale nan plaj wikenn sa non!
wap ?
W'ap (or wap) → contracted form of OU AP, where "ou" is the subject pronoun "you" and "ap" may indicate a progressive form or the future tense.
Ou ap manje.
W'ap manje.
You're eating.
Ou ap chante pou nou jodi a?
W'ap chante jodi a?
You're singing for us today?
Fò m'ale kounye a . Ou ap salye papa w pou mwen.
Fò m'ale kounye a. W'ap salye papa w pou mwen.
I must leave now. You will greet you father for me.
"ap" in Haitian Creole progressive forms
"ap" in the Haitian Creole Future tense
Ou ap manje.
W'ap manje.
You're eating.
Ou ap chante pou nou jodi a?
W'ap chante jodi a?
You're singing for us today?
Fò m'ale kounye a . Ou ap salye papa w pou mwen.
Fò m'ale kounye a. W'ap salye papa w pou mwen.
I must leave now. You will greet you father for me.
"ap" in Haitian Creole progressive forms
"ap" in the Haitian Creole Future tense
genyen (gen) as THERE IS/THERE ARE SOME
Genyen moun ki kontan, genyen ki tris.
There are people that are happy, there are some that are sad.
it is not necessary to repeat MOUN with the second GENYEN
Genyen timoun ki wo, genyen ki kout, e genyen ki mèg.
There are some kids that are tall, there are some that are short and some are skinny.
Genyen moun ki t'a kouri, genyen ki t'ap mache, enpi rès you te chita atè a.
There were some people who were running, some were walking, and the rest were sitting on the ground.
And regarding your other question:)
You probably heard:
There are people that are happy, there are some that are sad.
it is not necessary to repeat MOUN with the second GENYEN
Genyen timoun ki wo, genyen ki kout, e genyen ki mèg.
There are some kids that are tall, there are some that are short and some are skinny.
Genyen moun ki t'a kouri, genyen ki t'ap mache, enpi rès you te chita atè a.
There were some people who were running, some were walking, and the rest were sitting on the ground.
And regarding your other question:)
You probably heard:
Pa gen anyen k' rete (contracted)
Pa gen anyen ki rete (non-contracted)
There's nothing left.
how do you say chorus
Chorus (of a song) → kè
Stanza (verse of a song) → refren
song → chan, chante, chanson
choir → koral
Short hymns (like the B-I-B-L-E) are also called kè
musical band → gwoup, benn
paske mwen anba san anyo ali effacer tout pechem yo......yo pa pre isitpaske m anba san anyo ado you have the complete lyrics to this song?
I wish I had a better audio for this popouri (medley). But, here it is.
The song you're looking for is the third one from the popouri.
You may fast foward to find it.
Also the lyrics are included here.
*Note: In Haitian worship songs, you will find a lot of "ad libs". It is not uncommon for Haitians to add the names of people they wish to pray for in their worship songs, since the song is a prayer to them.
So you'll find that the worship leader adds people's names in the song (his family, acquaintances from the church, etc...)
Lyrics:
An nou ale lakay yaweh
An nou ale lakay Yaweh (3 fwa)
Let's go to Yaweh's house
Pou n’al rakonte L pwoblèm nou yo
To go tell Him our problems
Men nou rive lakay yaweh (3 fwa)
Here we are at Yaweh's house
N’ pral jwenn solisyon pou pwoblèm nou yo
We're going to find a solution to our problems
Ad lib:
Nou pral jwenn solisyon pou pwoblèm nou yo.
We're going to find a solution to our problems.
O wi! sa pral mache
O wi! sa pral mache
Oh yes! it is going to be ok
Paske Kris o kouran
Because Christ is aware
L’ap aji pou mwen,
He will act on my behalf
Pwoblèm mwen yo nan men L.
My problems are now in his hands
Mwen kache m anba san anyo a
Mwen kache m anba san anyo a
I'm hidden (sheltered or covered) under the blood of the Lamb
Mwen jwenn sekirite kont tout plan mechan yo
I have found security (or shelter) against the plans of the wicked
Konplo sou do m yo, yo p’ap reyisi
The plots made on my back will not suceed
Mwen kache m anba san anyo a
I'm covered under the blood of the Lamb.
(3 fwa)
Ad lib
Konplo sou do m yo, yo p’ap reyisi
The plots agaisnt me will not succeed
Mwen kache anba san anyo a
I'm sheltered under the blood of the Lamb
Baka dèyè m yo, yo pa ka jwenn mwen
The evil who's after me won't get me
Mwen kache anba san anyo a
I'm sheltered under the blood of the Lamb
Ad lib
Pitit mwen kache, anba san anyo a!
My children are covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Legliz la kache, anba san anyo a!
The church is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Dam misyonè yo kache, anba san anyo a!
The missionary women's group is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Lajenès, kote w kache? Anba san anyo a!
The youth, where are you sheltered? Under the blood of the Lamb!
Sèvant Bondye, kote w kache? Anba san anyo a!
Servants of God, where are you sheltered? Under the blood of the Lamb!
Dyab la pa ka manje m, anba san anyo a!
The devil can't get me under the blood of the Lamb!
Mwen di, Pastè Phillip kache, anba san anyo a!
I say, pastor Phillip is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Pastè Lochard kache, anba san anyo a!
Pastor Lochard is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Pastè Jonatas kache, anba san anyo a!
Pastor Jonatas is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Ou ba bezwen kriye, anba san anyo a!
You don't need to cry under the blood of the Lamb!
Ou pa bezwen plenyen, anba san anyo a!
You don't need to complain under the blood of the Lamb!
Pastè Mireille kache, anba san anyo a!
Pastor Mireille is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Pastè Jonatas kache, anba san anyo a!
Pastor Jonatas is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Evangelis Toussaint, anba san anyo a!
Evangelist Toussaint is under the blood of the Lamb!
Frè michèl kache, anba san anyo a!
Brother Michel is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
O wi! legliz la kache, anba san anyo a!
Oh yes, the church is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Dam Misyonè kache, anba san anyo a!
The women's missionary group is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Sè Carine, kote w kache? Anba san anyo a!
Sister Carine, where are you sheltered? Under the blood of the Lamb!
Dyab pa ka manje m, anba san anyo a!
The devil can't get me from under the blood of the Lamb!
Ènmi pa ka atenn mwen, anba san anyo a!
The enemy won't reach me under the blood of the Lamb!
Nou pa ka gen anyen, anba san anyo a!
Nothing will happen to us under the blood of the Lamb!
Pastè Ben kache, anba san anyo a!
Pastor Ben is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Sony kache, anba san anyo a!
Sony is sheltered under the blood of the Lamb!
Konplo sou do m yo, yo p’ap reyisi
The plots against me will not succeed
Mwen kache anba san anyo a!
I'm sheltered under the blood of the Lamb!
The song you're looking for is the third one from the popouri.
You may fast foward to find it.
Also the lyrics are included here.
*Note: In Haitian worship songs, you will find a lot of "ad libs". It is not uncommon for Haitians to add the names of people they wish to pray for in their worship songs, since the song is a prayer to them.
So you'll find that the worship leader adds people's names in the song (his family, acquaintances from the church, etc...)
Lyrics:
An nou ale lakay yaweh
An nou ale lakay Yaweh (3 fwa)
Let's go to Yaweh's house
Pou n’al rakonte L pwoblèm nou yo
To go tell Him our problems
Men nou rive lakay yaweh (3 fwa)
Here we are at Yaweh's house
N’ pral jwenn solisyon pou pwoblèm nou yo
We're going to find a solution to our problems
Ad lib:
Nou pral jwenn solisyon pou pwoblèm nou yo.
We're going to find a solution to our problems.
O wi! sa pral mache
O wi! sa pral mache
Oh yes! it is going to be ok
Paske Kris o kouran
Because Christ is aware
L’ap aji pou mwen,
He will act on my behalf
Pwoblèm mwen yo nan men L.
My problems are now in his hands
Mwen kache m anba san anyo a
Mwen kache m anba san anyo a
I'm hidden (sheltered or covered) under the blood of the Lamb
Mwen jwenn sekirite kont tout plan mechan yo
I have found security (or shelter) against the plans of the wicked
Konplo sou do m yo, yo p’ap reyisi
The plots made on my back will not suceed
Mwen kache m anba san anyo a
I'm covered under the blood of the Lamb.
(3 fwa)
Ad lib
Konplo sou do m yo, yo p’ap reyisi
The plots agaisnt me will not succeed
Mwen kache anba san anyo a
I'm sheltered under the blood of the Lamb
Baka dèyè m yo, yo pa ka jwenn mwen
The evil who's after me won't get me
Mwen kache anba san anyo a
I'm sheltered under the blood of the Lamb
Ad lib
Pitit mwen kache, anba san anyo a!
My children are covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Legliz la kache, anba san anyo a!
The church is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Dam misyonè yo kache, anba san anyo a!
The missionary women's group is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Lajenès, kote w kache? Anba san anyo a!
The youth, where are you sheltered? Under the blood of the Lamb!
Sèvant Bondye, kote w kache? Anba san anyo a!
Servants of God, where are you sheltered? Under the blood of the Lamb!
Dyab la pa ka manje m, anba san anyo a!
The devil can't get me under the blood of the Lamb!
Mwen di, Pastè Phillip kache, anba san anyo a!
I say, pastor Phillip is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Pastè Lochard kache, anba san anyo a!
Pastor Lochard is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Pastè Jonatas kache, anba san anyo a!
Pastor Jonatas is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Ou ba bezwen kriye, anba san anyo a!
You don't need to cry under the blood of the Lamb!
Ou pa bezwen plenyen, anba san anyo a!
You don't need to complain under the blood of the Lamb!
Pastè Mireille kache, anba san anyo a!
Pastor Mireille is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Pastè Jonatas kache, anba san anyo a!
Pastor Jonatas is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Evangelis Toussaint, anba san anyo a!
Evangelist Toussaint is under the blood of the Lamb!
Frè michèl kache, anba san anyo a!
Brother Michel is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
O wi! legliz la kache, anba san anyo a!
Oh yes, the church is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Dam Misyonè kache, anba san anyo a!
The women's missionary group is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Sè Carine, kote w kache? Anba san anyo a!
Sister Carine, where are you sheltered? Under the blood of the Lamb!
Dyab pa ka manje m, anba san anyo a!
The devil can't get me from under the blood of the Lamb!
Ènmi pa ka atenn mwen, anba san anyo a!
The enemy won't reach me under the blood of the Lamb!
Nou pa ka gen anyen, anba san anyo a!
Nothing will happen to us under the blood of the Lamb!
Pastè Ben kache, anba san anyo a!
Pastor Ben is covered under the blood of the Lamb!
Sony kache, anba san anyo a!
Sony is sheltered under the blood of the Lamb!
Konplo sou do m yo, yo p’ap reyisi
The plots against me will not succeed
Mwen kache anba san anyo a!
I'm sheltered under the blood of the Lamb!
'wrong' as in "I asked her what's wrong." "I knew something was wrong."
I asked her what's wrong."
Mwen mande li sa li genyen.
I asked her, "What's wrong?"
Mwen mande li, "Sa ou genyen?"
I knew something was wrong.
I knew something was wrong with him/her.
Mwen konnen li te gen yon bagay.
I knew something was wrong.
I knew something had happened.
Mwen konnen gen yon bagay ki te rive.
I knew that something wasn't right.
Mwen konnen gen yon bagay ki pa't dwat.
Mwen konnen gen yon bagay ki pa't kòrèk.
Mwen konnen gen yon bagay ki pa't mache.
Mwen mande li sa li genyen.
I asked her, "What's wrong?"
Mwen mande li, "Sa ou genyen?"
I knew something was wrong.
I knew something was wrong with him/her.
Mwen konnen li te gen yon bagay.
I knew something was wrong.
I knew something had happened.
Mwen konnen gen yon bagay ki te rive.
I knew that something wasn't right.
Mwen konnen gen yon bagay ki pa't dwat.
Mwen konnen gen yon bagay ki pa't kòrèk.
Mwen konnen gen yon bagay ki pa't mache.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Do you have lessons on how to conjugate verbs and verb endings?
http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2010/02/lesson-14-verbs-present-tense.html
http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2010/02/lesson-17-negatives-present-tense.html
http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2010/03/lesson-22-past-tense.html
http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2010/03/lessons-24-future-tense-and-other-verbs.html
"pito" means "rather"?
Pito (v.), also Pi pito → to prefer
Mwen pito mache pase pou m kondwi.
I rather walk than to drive.
Nou pito mouri pase pou n viv kou esklav.
We rather die than to live as slaves.
Nou pi pito ale nan lekòl sa.
We prefer to go to this school.
Pito at the end of a sentence could mean instead.
Li pa't anvi fè manje. Li mennen nou nan yon restoran pito.
He did not want to cook. He took us to a restaurant instead.
Nou te ale Nou Yòk pito.
We went to New York instead.
Mwen te manje yon ponm pito.
I ate an apple instead.
When pito begins a sentence, it means it's better that.
Pito mwen ale kounye a.
It's better that I go now.
Pito w retounen lajan an tande!
It's better that you give the money back.
Pito ou pale ak pitit gason ou la sou koze a.
It's better that you talk to your son on the subject.
When pa pito begins a sentence, it means why don't...
Pa pito nou kòmanse travay la.
Why don't we start the job.
Pa pito n'al nan magazen an anvan yo fèmen.
Why don't we go to the store before they close.
Pa pito nou tann apre vwayaj la pou nou ta marye.
Why don't we wait after the trip to get married.
Li gentan fè nwa. Pa pito nou retounen lakay.
It's already dark. Why don't we get back home.
Mwen pito mache pase pou m kondwi.
I rather walk than to drive.
Nou pito mouri pase pou n viv kou esklav.
We rather die than to live as slaves.
Nou pi pito ale nan lekòl sa.
We prefer to go to this school.
Pito at the end of a sentence could mean instead.
Li pa't anvi fè manje. Li mennen nou nan yon restoran pito.
He did not want to cook. He took us to a restaurant instead.
Nou te ale Nou Yòk pito.
We went to New York instead.
Mwen te manje yon ponm pito.
I ate an apple instead.
When pito begins a sentence, it means it's better that.
Pito mwen ale kounye a.
It's better that I go now.
Pito w retounen lajan an tande!
It's better that you give the money back.
Pito ou pale ak pitit gason ou la sou koze a.
It's better that you talk to your son on the subject.
When pa pito begins a sentence, it means why don't...
Pa pito nou kòmanse travay la.
Why don't we start the job.
Pa pito n'al nan magazen an anvan yo fèmen.
Why don't we go to the store before they close.
Pa pito nou tann apre vwayaj la pou nou ta marye.
Why don't we wait after the trip to get married.
Li gentan fè nwa. Pa pito nou retounen lakay.
It's already dark. Why don't we get back home.
bann kalite?
bann kalite →a diverse group, a diversified assortment, a bunch of different
Li te gen yon bann kalite fwi nan men l.
She had an assortment of fruits.
Lè m rive nan magazen an, mwen wè yon bann kalite bèl rad.
When I got to the store, I saw different types of beautiful clothes.
Li te gen yon bann kalite fwi nan men l.
She had an assortment of fruits.
Lè m rive nan magazen an, mwen wè yon bann kalite bèl rad.
When I got to the store, I saw different types of beautiful clothes.
antan (in English)?
antan, etan, pandan→ while
Antan l'ap lapriyè, li tonbe kriye.
While she was praying, she started crying.
Antan y'ap pale konsa, polis la parèt sou yo.
While they were talking, the police came to them.
Antan ou tou deyò a, pa pito ou pase achte yon galon lèt pou mwen.
While you're out, why don't you buy me a gallon of milk.
Antan nou la a, pa pito nou koumanse travay.
While we here, why don't we start working.
Antan l'ap lapriyè, li tonbe kriye.
While she was praying, she started crying.
Antan y'ap pale konsa, polis la parèt sou yo.
While they were talking, the police came to them.
Antan ou tou deyò a, pa pito ou pase achte yon galon lèt pou mwen.
While you're out, why don't you buy me a gallon of milk.
Antan nou la a, pa pito nou koumanse travay.
While we here, why don't we start working.
Kisa yon 'Kè sere' ye?
Kè sere → heavy heart, sadness, melancholia
Menaj li kite l. Li pa ka manje, li pa ka bwè. Kè l sere.
His girlfriend left him. He can't eat, he can't drink. He's sad.
Kè m sere. Tristès anpare m.
My heart hurts. I'm overcome with sadness.
anpare - to plunder, to pillage, to storm
Examples:
Lajwa anpare m – I was overcome with joy
Tristès anpare m – I was overcome with sadness
Pa kite dezespwa anpare w – Do not be depressed
Grangou anpare l – He was very hungry
Lapè anpare nou – We were overcome by fear
Lè li di m l'ap kite'm nan, mwen gen yon sèl kè sere ki pran m.
When she said she was leaving me, I was taken by grief.
Menaj li kite l. Li pa ka manje, li pa ka bwè. Kè l sere.
His girlfriend left him. He can't eat, he can't drink. He's sad.
Kè m sere. Tristès anpare m.
My heart hurts. I'm overcome with sadness.
anpare - to plunder, to pillage, to storm
Lajwa anpare m – I was overcome with joy
Tristès anpare m – I was overcome with sadness
Pa kite dezespwa anpare w – Do not be depressed
Grangou anpare l – He was very hungry
Lapè anpare nou – We were overcome by fear
Lè li di m l'ap kite'm nan, mwen gen yon sèl kè sere ki pran m.
When she said she was leaving me, I was taken by grief.
each other, one and the other
each other → youn lòt
one and the other → youn ak lòt
1. They held each other's hand.
Youn kenbe men lòt.
2. They're criticising each other.
Youn ap kritike lòt.
3. They don't respect each other.
Youn pa respekte lòt.
4. We love each other. We respect each other.
Nou youn renmen lòt. Nou youn respekte lòt.
5. De fim sa yo se menm bagay la. Si ou gade youn, ou pa bezwen gade lòt la.
These two movies are one in the same. If you watch one, you don't need to watch the other.
6. They were walking together. Then one said to the other, "Let us rest here for the night."
Yo t'ap mache ansanm. Epi youn di lòt la, "An nou repoze la a aswè a."
one and the other → youn ak lòt
1. They held each other's hand.
Youn kenbe men lòt.
2. They're criticising each other.
Youn ap kritike lòt.
3. They don't respect each other.
Youn pa respekte lòt.
4. We love each other. We respect each other.
Nou youn renmen lòt. Nou youn respekte lòt.
5. De fim sa yo se menm bagay la. Si ou gade youn, ou pa bezwen gade lòt la.
These two movies are one in the same. If you watch one, you don't need to watch the other.
6. They were walking together. Then one said to the other, "Let us rest here for the night."
Yo t'ap mache ansanm. Epi youn di lòt la, "An nou repoze la a aswè a."
If the haitian Creole "fè" means "to do", what is 'refè'? to redo?
Refè has two different meanings.
1st: Refè → to redo or to do again, to redesign, to remake, to start over
1. Mwen refè manje a ankò.
I cooked the food over again.
2. Bòs la mande m peye si (6) mil dola pou refè kwizin mwen an.
The foreman asked me to pay $6,000 in order to redesign my kitchen.
3. Pwofesè a mande m refè devwa a.
The teacher asked me to redo the homework.
4. Lè m reyalize mwen te pèdi, mwen refè wout la ankò.
When I realized I was lost, I took the path over again.
5. Si ou vle nou refè travay la, fòk ou peye nou doub.
If you want us to do the work over again, you must pay us double.
2nd: Refè → to recover, to be restored to health, to be healthy again
1. Mwen te fèb anpil. Men apre m bwè soup la, mwen te refè.
I was very weak. But after I drank the soup, I felt better.
2. Celia te malad. Men apre de (2) jou lopital, li te refè.
Celia was ill. But after two days in the hospital, she recovered.
3. Ou pa ka al travay paske ou poko refè.
You can't go to work because you haven't recovered yet.
4. Si ou pa pran remèd la ou p'ap refè non!
If you don't take the medicine you will not get better!
5. Loulou te malad prèt pou mouri lè menaj li a te kite l. Men kou menaj li a retounen vin jwenn ni, li refè nèt! Genlè se maladi damou li te genyen.
Loulou was close to dying when his girlfriend left him. But when his girlfriend came back to him he completely recovered! I seems that he was lovesick.
1st: Refè → to redo or to do again, to redesign, to remake, to start over
1. Mwen refè manje a ankò.
I cooked the food over again.
2. Bòs la mande m peye si (6) mil dola pou refè kwizin mwen an.
The foreman asked me to pay $6,000 in order to redesign my kitchen.
3. Pwofesè a mande m refè devwa a.
The teacher asked me to redo the homework.
4. Lè m reyalize mwen te pèdi, mwen refè wout la ankò.
When I realized I was lost, I took the path over again.
5. Si ou vle nou refè travay la, fòk ou peye nou doub.
If you want us to do the work over again, you must pay us double.
2nd: Refè → to recover, to be restored to health, to be healthy again
1. Mwen te fèb anpil. Men apre m bwè soup la, mwen te refè.
I was very weak. But after I drank the soup, I felt better.
2. Celia te malad. Men apre de (2) jou lopital, li te refè.
Celia was ill. But after two days in the hospital, she recovered.
3. Ou pa ka al travay paske ou poko refè.
You can't go to work because you haven't recovered yet.
4. Si ou pa pran remèd la ou p'ap refè non!
If you don't take the medicine you will not get better!
5. Loulou te malad prèt pou mouri lè menaj li a te kite l. Men kou menaj li a retounen vin jwenn ni, li refè nèt! Genlè se maladi damou li te genyen.
Loulou was close to dying when his girlfriend left him. But when his girlfriend came back to him he completely recovered! I seems that he was lovesick.
Friday, January 27, 2012
how do you say little in haitian creole?
small / little→ ti (goes before the noun), piti
1.
a small car
a small car
yon ti machin
2.
a small orange
a small orange
yon ti zoranj
3.
They have a small house.
They have a small house.
Yo gen yon ti kay.
4.
She chose the little car.
She chose the little car.
Li chwazi ti machin nan.
5.
Don't worry. It's just a little rain.
Don't worry. It's just a little rain.
Pa ennkyete w. Se sèlman yon ti lapli.
6.
A little love is all I need.
A little love is all I need.
Yon ti lanmou, se tout sa m bezwen.
Small → Piti
7.
That car is small.
Machin sa piti.
8.
That orange is small.
Zoranj sa piti.
9.
What I have is little.
Sa mwen genyen an piti.
10.
That room is too small.
Chanm sa twò piti.
11.
All my kids were small at birth.
Tout timoun mwen yo te piti lè yo te fèt.
A small piece → yon ti kal, yon ti kras, yon ti moso, yon ti kraze
12.
Let me have a small piece of bread.
Ban'm yon ti kal pen.
13.
He only gave me a small piece.
Li te sèlman ban mwen yon ti moso.
a few → enpe
a small amount → enpe, yon ti kraze, yon ti ke
14.
Only a few people showed up last night.
Sèlman enpe moun ki te vin yèswa.
15
I need a few plates for the table.
Mwen bezwen enpe asyèt pou tab la.
16.
I gave her a little bit of money.
Mwen te ba li enpe lajan.
17.
Give me some water, please.
Ban m enpe dlo tanpri.
What is "bondye fè"?
Bondye fè → luckily, fortunately
Reyinyon an anile. Bondye fè mwen patko deplase.
The meeting is cancelled. Luckily I had not left yet.
Machin mwen manke pran pàn gaz. Bondye fè te gen yon estasyon gazolin tou pre a.
My car almost ran out of gas. Fortunately there was a gas station nearby.
Other Haitian Creole words for FORTUNATELY are: erezman, bon chans pou
Reyinyon an anile. Bondye fè mwen patko deplase.
The meeting is cancelled. Luckily I had not left yet.
Machin mwen manke pran pàn gaz. Bondye fè te gen yon estasyon gazolin tou pre a.
My car almost ran out of gas. Fortunately there was a gas station nearby.
Other Haitian Creole words for FORTUNATELY are: erezman, bon chans pou
Tout tan, toutan, toutotan, tout bon?
Tout tan → all the time, regularly, constantly, continually
Nou manje nan restoran sa tout tan.
We eat at this restaurant all the time.
Se tout tan l'ap fè sa wi!
He/ She does that all the time.
Mwen wè ou gen yon tous tout tan. Fòk ou wè yon doktè pou sa.
I see you have a constant cough. You must see a doctor about it.
Tout bon → really, truly, honestly, without a doubt
Mwen renmen w tout bon wi.
I truly love you.
Se tout bon?
Is it true?
Wi, se tout bon.
Yes, it's true.
Li malad tout bon.
She's really sick.
Toutan, toutotan (also Hatian Creole depi)→ as long as
Toutotan ou toujou marye ak nèg sa, ou p'ap pwogrese.
As long as you're still married to this man, you won't make any progress.
Toutan ou pa peye m, mwen pa prale.
As long as you don't pay me I will not leave.
I will not leave until you pay me.
Nou manje nan restoran sa tout tan.
We eat at this restaurant all the time.
Se tout tan l'ap fè sa wi!
He/ She does that all the time.
Mwen wè ou gen yon tous tout tan. Fòk ou wè yon doktè pou sa.
I see you have a constant cough. You must see a doctor about it.
Tout bon → really, truly, honestly, without a doubt
Mwen renmen w tout bon wi.
I truly love you.
Se tout bon?
Is it true?
Wi, se tout bon.
Yes, it's true.
Li malad tout bon.
She's really sick.
Toutan, toutotan (also Hatian Creole depi)→ as long as
Toutotan ou toujou marye ak nèg sa, ou p'ap pwogrese.
As long as you're still married to this man, you won't make any progress.
Toutan ou pa peye m, mwen pa prale.
As long as you don't pay me I will not leave.
I will not leave until you pay me.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Ale Ayiti Vandredi. Twa Jou
Ou prale Ayiti vandredi. W'ap fè twa jou?
You going to Haiti on Friday. You'll spend three days?
Ou prale Ayiti nan twa jou?
You're leaving for Haiti in three days?
les ou we li di li mwen voye salye li
Lè ou wè li, di li mwen voye salye li.
Lè w wè li, di l m voye salye l.
When you see him/her, tell him/her I said hello.
You said sarcastic is moke or fawouche. If a father says, "nou ka pa pale paske nou se papa ak pitit ki renmen ampil .pa vre?" to his daughter would he be fawouche towards her?
Nou ka pa pale paske nou se papa ak pitit ki renmen anpil, pa vre?
We may not talk because we are a father and child who love each other very much, right?
That does not sound sarcastic.... unless they really don't love each other. Then he's making fun of the situation. But then yes, one could say:
L'ap moke pitit li a. → He's being sarcastic towards his child.
L'ap pase pitit li a nan rizib → He's being sarcastic towards his child.
L'ap pase l nan tenten. → He's being sarcastic towards him/her.
See BEING SARCASTIC
L'ap pase pitit li a nan rizib → He's being sarcastic towards his child.
L'ap pase l nan tenten. → He's being sarcastic towards him/her.
See BEING SARCASTIC
Period (idiom in Creole) as in "end of story!", "End of discussion!"
That would be period - pwen final
Don't call me again! End of story -- Period.
Pa rele m ankò! Istwa a fini -- pwen final.
Don't call me again! End of story -- Period.
Pa rele m ankò! Istwa a fini -- pwen final.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Maladi pa tonbe sou pyebwa non!
Maladi pa tonbe sou pyebwa non!
Of course not. People are fragile and they get sick. Period.
Of course not. People are fragile and they get sick. Period.
"pitimi" & "grado"
pitimi → millet grits (abundant in the Haitian countryside farms like corn and rice)
grado? → could you, by any chance, mean gadò?
gadò → caretaker, teacher, guide
There's this saying 'Mwen pa pitimi san gadò' which means 'I'm not a sheep without a shepherd', 'I'm not a human being without family', 'I'm not without connection'
How are you feeling today?
How are you feeling today?
Kouman ou santi w jodi a?
Are you better today?
Eske ou fè mye jodi a?
Did you recover from that bout of sickness?
Eske ou refè?
Do you remember how sick Nancy was? Well I saw her at the market today. She's all better now.
Ou sonje kalite malad Nancy te malad? Enben mwen te wè li nan mache a jodi a. Li refè nèt kounye a.
Oh! I'm not a hundred percent better yet.
Ah! mwen poko fin bon nèt non.
menaj mwen mete twòp piman nan manje mwen. Anmwe!!!
Sanble ou pa renmen piman...
Ou kapab fè twa (3) bagay:
Premyèman (1st) - Lè w'ap manje, toujou gen yon galon dlo ak Tums bò kote w.
Dezyèman (2nd) - Di menaj ou pa mete twòp piman nan manje a.
Twazyèman (3rd) Fè yon lòt menaj! (just kidding :)
Bòn chans zanmi m.
To set the table (in creole please)
To set the table
Ranje kouvè
My daughter helps me to set the table before dinner.
Pitit fi mwen ede m ranje kouvè a anvan dine.
Creole for 'When will I finally meet you?'
When Will I finally meet you?
Kilè ma va resi rankontre w?
"Ou pa nago, ou pa kita." What are nago and kita?
Yon pa kita, yon pa nago
also known as:
Yon pa niga, yon pa nago
Yon pa kina'w, yon pa nago
nago is a type of Haitian folkloric dance
kita or niga mirrors "nago" or it may implies some type of shuffling.
Yon pa niga, yon pa nago
One step here, another step there
One step forward, two steps backwards
Not progressing.
Anyen pa janm ale byen nan peyi sa. L'ap fè yon pa kita yon pa nago. Ala koze!
Nothing ever goes well in this country. It's not progressing. What a situation!
Si yo bezwen m, se pou yo vin jwenn mwen. Mwen p'ap fè ni yon pa niga, ni yon pa nago!
If they need me, they must come to me. I will not move!
M'ap suiv mari w la byen. Se yon pa kita yon pa nago l'ap fè wi. Li p'ap regle anyen non!
how do you say did you take a shower
take a shower
benyen, douche, pran yon beny, or pran yon douch
I took a shower.
Mwen te benyen.
He/She already took a shower.
Li benyen deja.
Did you take a shower.
Eske ou te benyen?
Go take a shower.
Ale benyen.
I'm taking a shower.
M'ap benyen
He/She's taking a shower.
L'ap benyen.
Bath → Twalèt
Take a bath → fè twalèt
She's taking a bath.
L'ap fèt twalèt li.
Did you bathe the patient?
Eske ou te fè twalèt pasyan an?
benyen, douche, pran yon beny, or pran yon douch
I took a shower.
Mwen te benyen.
He/She already took a shower.
Li benyen deja.
Did you take a shower.
Eske ou te benyen?
Go take a shower.
Ale benyen.
I'm taking a shower.
M'ap benyen
He/She's taking a shower.
L'ap benyen.
Bath → Twalèt
Take a bath → fè twalèt
She's taking a bath.
L'ap fèt twalèt li.
Did you bathe the patient?
Eske ou te fè twalèt pasyan an?
Toto, mwen te bliye ou te pale kreyol wi :*)
Toto, mwen te bliye ou te pale Kreyòl wi.
Toto, I forgot you spoke Creole.
Good for Toto :)
Trying to say: He left in the morning before dawn.
He left in the morning before dawn.
Li te pati byen bonè anvan douvanjou.
or
Depi anvan kòk chante, li met deyò.
Li te pati byen bonè anvan douvanjou.
or
Depi anvan kòk chante, li met deyò.
Can I help you?
How can I help you?
Kòman mwen kapab ede w?
How can I help you today?
Kòman mwen kapab ede w jodi a?
Can I help you?
Eske mwen kapab ede ou? (non-contracted)
Eske m ka ede w? (contracted)
Help me please.
Ede m tanpri.
'Se moun kay.' Can you tell me the meaning?
moun kay - acquaintance, friend, native, not a stranger
Se moun kay.
It's an acquaintance.
Fritz won't mind sleeping on the floor. He's an old acquaintance.
Fritz p'ap gen pwoblèm pou dòmi atè a. Se moun kay li ye.
Se moun kay.
It's an acquaintance.
Fritz won't mind sleeping on the floor. He's an old acquaintance.
Fritz p'ap gen pwoblèm pou dòmi atè a. Se moun kay li ye.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Se pa ti sezi mwen sezi non! (English please)
Se pa ti sezi mwen sezi non!
I was shocked/surprised/amazed!
I was shocked/surprised/amazed!
Moun debyen, nèg debyen
moun debyen - honest and decent people.
nèg debyen - a man that is honest and decent.
nèg debyen - a man that is honest and decent.
can you touch base on perfect tense verb.
The present perfect tense resembles the simple present tense in Haitian Creole. You may use the past tense indicator “te” to indicate this past action which has conssequences in the present. But you’ll notice that often times Haitians omit “te” altogether.
Examples:
Examples:
1.I have seen his glory.
Mwen te wè glwa li.
You will also hear: Mwen wè glwa li.
2. You have played a good game.
Ou te jwe yon bon jwèt.
You will also hear: Ou jwe yon bon jwèt.
3. I have found what I was looking for.
Mwen te jwenn sa m t’ap chache a.
You will also hear: Mwen jwenn sa m t’ap chache a.
4. We’ve come here to talk to you.
Nou te vini la pou pale ak ou.
You will also hear: Nou vini la pou pale ak ou.
5. I have not slept yet.
Mwen poko dòmi.
Poko (pa ankò) – present tense for “not yet"
Patko (pa te ankò) – past tense for “not yet"
In Haitian Creole there’s no difference between the simple past and the past perfect tenses. We continue to use the past tense indicator “te” for both simple past and past perfect tenses.
Examples:
(simple past tense)
1. I thought you saw her.
Mwen te panse ou te wè li.
(Past perfect)
Mwen te panse ou te wè li.
(Past perfect)
2. I had seen it with my own eyes.
Mwen te wè li ak pwòp je m.
(simple past and past perfect tenses)
3. This morning, in class, we spoke about the book we had read.
Maten an, nan klas la, nou te pale sou liv nou te li a.
(past perfect)
4. I hadn’t spoken to my brother since that day.
Mwen pa te pale ak frè mwen an depi jou sa.
(simple past and past perfect tenses)
5. When I arrived this morning, the rain hadn’t fallen yet.
Lè mwen te rive maten an, lapli a patko* tonbe.
*Patko being the past tense of poko. Which means “not yet"
The simple future perfect tense also resembles the simple future tense in Haitian Creole.
Mwen te wè li ak pwòp je m.
(simple past and past perfect tenses)
3. This morning, in class, we spoke about the book we had read.
Maten an, nan klas la, nou te pale sou liv nou te li a.
(past perfect)
4. I hadn’t spoken to my brother since that day.
Mwen pa te pale ak frè mwen an depi jou sa.
(simple past and past perfect tenses)
5. When I arrived this morning, the rain hadn’t fallen yet.
Lè mwen te rive maten an, lapli a patko* tonbe.
*Patko being the past tense of poko. Which means “not yet"
The simple future perfect tense also resembles the simple future tense in Haitian Creole.
1. By next year, I will have completed all my classes.
Ane pwochen, m’ap konplete tout klas mwen yo.
2. By the time you turn 30, you will have had one million friends on facebook.
Distans pou ou gen trant tan, w’ap gen yon milyon zanmi sou Facebook.
3. I bet that, by December, she will have already forgotten me.
Mwen parye, distans pou Desanm rive, l’ap gentan bliye m.
4. Come and see me at noon. I will have already been home before 11:30.
Vini wè mwen a midi. M’ap gentan lakay anvan onzè edmi.
Do you know of any online college education degrees available for Haitians? Maybe the lack of electricity and access to internet and computers makes Haiti seem like it's not worth offering this but there are many who do have this access and would benefit
I'm pretty sure it'll be helpful. But I do not know of any colleges in Haiti that are offering distance education (complete or partial). Keep your "ears" open. Let me know when you find one. Pase bon jounen :)
what are you going to do?
What are you going to do?
Kisa ou pral fè? (non-contracted)
Sa w pral fè? (contracted)
What are you going to do now?
Kisa ou pral fè la?
Kisa ou pral fè kounye a?
Sa w pral fè la?
as long
use that in a sentence.
Did you mean: depi - since, once, as long as; after, as soon as?
As long as you stay quiet they won't hear you.
Depi ou rete trankil yo p'ap tande w.
Your blood pressure won't come down as long as you continue to add salt to your food.
Tansyon ou p'ap desann depi w'ap kontinye ajoute sèl nan manje w.
Monday, January 23, 2012
I fell asleep. (creole) I have heard different ways to say this.
Haitians will say "fall asleep" many different ways yes :)
Fall asleep → dòmi pati avè (subject), dòmi ale avè (subject), dòmi pran (subject)
I fell asleep.
Dòmi pati avè m.
Dòmi ale avè m.
Dòmi pran m.
We fell asleep.
Dòmi pati avè n
Dòmi ale avè n.
Dòmi pran n.
Don't you fall asleep!
Pa kite dòmi pati avè w!
Pa kite dòmi ale avè w!
Pa kite dòmi pran w!
_______________________
To be sleepy - gen dòmi, gen somèy, or dòmi nan je (subject)
I am sleepy.
Mwen gen dòmi.
Mwen gen somèy.
or
Dòmi nan je m.
Are you sleepy?
Eske ou gen dòmi?
Eske ou gen somèy?
or
Eske dòmi nan je w?
She seems to be sleepy.
Genlè li gen dòmi.
Genlè li gen somèy.
or
Genlè dòmi nan je l.
I'm going to sleep.
Mwen pral dòmi.
I'm going to lie down.
Mwen pral kouche.
I'm going to rest.
Mwen pral repoze.
______________
I was so tired I went to bed early last night.
Mwen te tèlman fatige m t'al kouche bonè yèswa.
He was so tired he fell asleep in the car.
Li te tèlman fatige dòmi pran l nan machin nan.
They were so tired they fell asleep before supper.
Yo te tèlman fatige dòmi pran yo anvan soupe.
Fall asleep → dòmi pati avè (subject), dòmi ale avè (subject), dòmi pran (subject)
I fell asleep.
Dòmi pati avè m.
Dòmi ale avè m.
Dòmi pran m.
We fell asleep.
Dòmi pati avè n
Dòmi ale avè n.
Dòmi pran n.
Don't you fall asleep!
Pa kite dòmi pati avè w!
Pa kite dòmi ale avè w!
Pa kite dòmi pran w!
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To be sleepy - gen dòmi, gen somèy, or dòmi nan je (subject)
I am sleepy.
Mwen gen dòmi.
Mwen gen somèy.
or
Dòmi nan je m.
Are you sleepy?
Eske ou gen dòmi?
Eske ou gen somèy?
or
Eske dòmi nan je w?
She seems to be sleepy.
Genlè li gen dòmi.
Genlè li gen somèy.
or
Genlè dòmi nan je l.
I'm going to sleep.
Mwen pral dòmi.
I'm going to lie down.
Mwen pral kouche.
I'm going to rest.
Mwen pral repoze.
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I was so tired I went to bed early last night.
Mwen te tèlman fatige m t'al kouche bonè yèswa.
He was so tired he fell asleep in the car.
Li te tèlman fatige dòmi pran l nan machin nan.
They were so tired they fell asleep before supper.
Yo te tèlman fatige dòmi pran yo anvan soupe.
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