Bonjou! Learn to Speak Haitian Creole

Bonjou! ...Mèsi! ...E Orevwa! Search for English or Haitian Creole words translation. Also search the whole site for expressions, idioms and grammar rules. And ask questions about the language in the ASK QUESTIONS HERE section.

Most requested translations added here for your convenience: I love you → Mwen renmen w. I miss you → Mwen sonje w. My love!Lanmou mwen!

Friday, September 30, 2011

what does map toujour renmen ou pou la vi means?

Map toujou renmen ou pou lavi.
I'll always love you for life.

Ask me anything

Mwen se yon nèg ki pa dekouraje

Mwen se yon nèg ki pa dekouraje.
I am a man who doesn't give up easily.

You sent a similar sentence yesterday.
If you scroll down the screen, and check the posts on the date you sent it,
you will find it.  Thanks :)

DEKABEST

Correct spelling: Dekabès or 2kbès

Dekabès → jackpòt, a winning hand when playing dominnos, great find, great winnings!

Ou fè dekabès! → you have the winning hand! You rule! You're on top!

i just wanted to say thanks for your blog! seriously thanks! (i'm not looking for a translation now - but maybe some other time)!

Great!
I'm glad you took the time to say thanks :)

Ask me anything

How do you pronounce the names, Islene and Valcin?

Islène(pronunciation ee-ss-le-n)
The underline letter "e" is pronounced as the "e" in the english word "get".

Valcin(pronounciation v-ahl-sen)
Do not vocalize the letter "n" at the end.

HOE

Hoe → pikwa

Ask me anything

nou la piti piti nèg ap swiv bagay yo

general meaning: We're taking it day by day.

Ask me anything

where is the plunger

plunger (for blocked sink) - debouchwa

Where is the plunger? → kote debouchwa a?

Ask me anything

what does kanpe mean

Kanpe  (pronounced kuh-pay) → to stand

SE PA KOUNEY..

Se pa kounye...
Se pa kounye a...
It's been a long time since...
It's been some time...

Se pa kounye a m'ap rele w non!
I've been calling you for some time!

Is there a difference between paske, piske and akoz de?

paske → because
Example:
I am going to lie down because I'm tired.
Mwen pral kouche paske mwen fatige.

piske → since, because of, in view of, on account of
Example:
I'm going home since you don't want to talk to me.
Mwen pral lakay mwen piske ou pa vle pale avè m.

akoz de → because of, as a result of, as a consequence
Example:
I'm able to see better because of the surgery.
Mwen kapab wè miyò akoz de operasyon an.

Going on a first date. Dating. Going out to dinner. Going to a restaurant. Boyfriend/girlfriend.

Boyfriend → menaj
Girlfriend → menaj

Going to a restaurant.
Ale nan yon restoran.

Let's go eat out.
An ale manje nan yon restoran.
An ale manje deyò.

Let's go out to dinner.
An al dine deyò.
An al dine nan yon restoran.

We're dating.
Nou renmen.
Nou ansanm.
Nou fè menaj.

What's the difference between kijan and koman?

Kijan, kouman, and kòman, all means "how".You may use them interchangeably.

How are you?
Kouman ou ye?  or
kijan ou ye?  or
kòman ou ye?

How did you do on your exam?
Kouman ou te kompoze?  or
kijan ou te konpoze?   or
Kòman ou te konpoze?

How's the food?
Kouman manje a ye? or
Kijan manje a ye?   or
Kòman manje a ye?

How do I say "See you, God willing"

God willing → sidyevle, si dye vle, si Bondye vle

See you tomorrow God willing
Na wè demen si Bondye vle.

how you say enjoy yourself and god bless you love you

Enjoy yourself.
Pran plezi ou.
Anmize tèt ou byen.

God bless you.
Bondye beni ou.

We love you.
Nou renmen ou.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Can you tell me what 'diplo sa a setifye' means in Creole. Or do I need a "m" after the diplo? I want to say "this award certifies that" I'm hoping if it's french it will be OK as is because I'm using a PDF template and can't change it.

It's "Diplòm" with an "m" attach at the end. (Yes, you need the "m")

Diplòm certificate, diploma, award, official document

"Diplòm Sa a Sètifye" is Creole for "This diploma certifies" or "This certificate attests" or "This award certifies"

Don't forget the accents on the letters.

eske si ou fèk ansent, ou bwè asosi, eske li ka touye pitit la?

(This question is asking whether the herbs "asosi" will endanger a fetus)

Si ou fèk ansent, te asosi kapab fasilite yon avòtman.
Nan peyi Brezil, kèk moun ki bezwen fè avòtman sèvi ak asosi.

Men nan peyi Ayiti, yon fwa gwosès la trè avanse, gen moun ki konn bwè te asosi pou bay timoun nan po klè.
Yo konn sèvi ak te asosi pou ede yon fanm ansent akouche pi vit, ak pou fè fanm ki fèt akouche fè anpil lèt pou bebe a.

Si ou ansent, toujou tyeke ak doktè ou anvan ou pran yon remèd ou byen yon te.

How do you say: Joy to the world ?

Joy to the world!
Lajwa pou monn nan!
Bonè pou monn nan!

MWEN MENN SE YO NEG KI PA JAMN DECOURAGE.

I am a man who never gives up.

Ask me anything

SE PASE MWEN TAP PASE MWEN TANDE RELE.. YON ZANMI KI TAP BAT MENNAGE LI.

I was passing by, I heard a scream... A friend was beating up on his girlfriend.

Ask me anything

I am planning a memeorial service for a haitian friend. Don't have time to get the Chants D'Esperance. Where can i get the words for "My Hope..."; "Take my life..."; All hail..."; and "What a friend we have in Jesus". Many thanks!

Try Chants d'Esperance Online.
Look in the Creole section.
I've include the numbers where you would find the sings you're looking for.

http://chantsdesperanceonline.com/chantsdesperance/kreyol

My hope is built... #7
Take my life... #50
All hail... #70
What a friend... #74

under

anba

Ask me anything

often when I ask people how they are. They say "Byen" and then something that sounds like "gras a diou" What would that mean.

Gras a Dye.
Thanks to God.
By the grace of God.

Mwen byen gras a Dye.
I'm well by the grace of God.

les ognons

French for "the onions"

Ask me anything

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

How do you say "unbraid" the hair.

chair → cheve, chive

braid → trese

unbraid → detrese

cornrows → tikouri, kòdonèt

comb the hair into one ponytail → penyen chou

comb the hair into individual little braids (which are not cornrows) → penyen lage

Unbraid your hair.
Detrese cheve ou.

Comb your hair.
Penyen tèt ou.
Penyen cheve ou.

Comb my hair into a ponytail.
Penyen m chou.

Sunrise, sunset

Sunrise
Solèy leve

Sunset
solèy kouche

When the sun dies down a bit.
solèy bese

We'll start the meeting at sundown.
N'a koumanse reyinyon lè solèy kouche.

I like you / I dont like you

I like you. → Mwen renmen w.

I don't like you. → Mwen pa renmen w.

This friend is you.

This friend is you. → Zanmi sa se ou.

mwen pa komen

Mwen pa konnen.
I don't know.

Mwen pa't konnen.
I didn't know.

Eske ou pa't konnen?
Didn't you know?

Creole translation please: Do you know who this friend is? and Will you help me?

Do you know who this friend is?
Eske ou konnen kilès zanmi sa a ye?

Do you who she/he is?
Eske ou konnen kilès li ye?

Do you know him/her well?
How well do you know him/her?
Eske ou konnen li trè byen?

Will you help me?
Eske ou ka ede mwen?

In your opinion, if I go to Haiti, what are some places/things I absolutely must see?

Best time to go to Haiti:
Carnival / Mardi-gras time in February. The cities of Port-Au-Prince and Jacmel are bursting with colors, music, dances, food and fun around that time.

Best places to visit:
Haiti's countrysides
Bassin Bleu waterfall near Jacmel
Etang Saumatre (a large lake) near the capital (only if you want to fish and see nature)
La Citadelle in Cap-Haitian (some hiking involved, offers great views of the city)
Musée National in Port-Au-Prince (If it's still standing after the earthquake)

Best things to do:
Sightseeing (enjoy watching colonial-style homes, watching caribbean life) in Petionville, outskirts of Aux Cayes, Jacmel, Arcahaie, Jeremie.
Head for the beaches of Aux Cayes (South), Jacmel (North), or Arcahaie (West)
Hiking in the southern hills of Comble Fort, Terre Rouge, St Jean du Sud, and others
Fishing
Diving
Surfing
Boating

I am not sure in what condition Haiti's forest (Forêt des Pins) is at this time.  You might want to check it out too. 
Once you leave the capital, Haiti's countryside is just miles after miles of beautiful landscape, beautiful beaches, mostly tropical weather, and lots of smiley faces

It's best to have a native tag along with you, preferably a strong man who can talk his way out of a "jam" if necessary.

se yon ti gason

it's a boy.

Ask me anything

hello my friends

Bonjou zanmi mwen yo.

Ask me anything

i can't left myself go

Mwen pa ka lage tèt mwen.
or
Mwen pa kite tèt mwen ale.
or
Mwen pa ka abandone tèt mwen.

I knew it.

I knew it.
Mwen te konnen sa.
or
M te konn sa.

Prann e-mail la.

Pran e-mail la.
Take the e-mail (literally)
Open the e-mail. (overall meaning)

I forget the papers in the car.

Mwen bliye papye yo nan machin nan.

Ask me anything

I want to remember you vs. I want you to remember vs. I want your memories (i.e. I am envious of your experiences)

I want to remember you.
Mwen vle sonje ou.

I want you to remember.
Mwen vle ou sonje.
or
Pa blye.

I am envious of your experiences.
Pito mwen te nan plas ou.
or
Mwen swete m te nan plas ou.
or
Mwen swete se mwen ki te fè esperyans ou yo.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

love life

Love life
Vi sosyal
Vi santimantal

How's your love life?
Kouman vi sosyal ou ye?
Kouman vi santimantal ou ye?

what is the difference between, mwen sonje ou and mwen manke ou? Which would a native speaker say? I am trying to say "I miss you" to someone who has passed away.

A native would say: Mwen sonje w.

"Ou manke m" comes from the French "Tu me manques" meaning something like: "You are missing from my life".

Someone who uses "Ou manke m" is speaking the Frenched or Frenchised Creole.

cup of water

(Thanks Bloodline.  I've added more info :-)

a cup of coffee.
yon tas kafe.
a haitian cup = tas
In Haiti, the word "cup" is translated differently when saying "a cup of coffee" and "a cup of water"

cup of water.
yon gode dlo.
An american cup = gode

a glass of water
yon vè dlo.
Ask me anything

older lady

older lady or older man → granmoun, pèsonaj

A courteous name for an older person is "pèsonaj" rather than "granmoun".

What is "lobo"?

lobo heated argument, heated discussion, altercationn, disturbance of the peace.

Other Creole words used for the above descriptions are:
Briganday
lòbèy
zen
deblozay
eskandal

The best place to watch a "deblozay" in Haiti is at the flea market.  But if a fight breaks, make yourself invisible as soon as you can:-)

Mete zorèy ou al lekout! (Translate )

Mete zòrèy a lekout!
Be vigilant!
Be watchful!

Do you know the Tourist in Haiti Joke?

In Haiti, not only do you we get to hear tales nightly from our grownups,
we used to listen to nightly "blag" (jokes) on the radio.  It was a nice radio program, complete with applause, as I remember it.  It is a great pastime when you have no electricity.

This one I've heard a long time ago, when I was still small, on the Haitian radio.  I'm not sure of its origin.

A tourist came to visit Haiti for the first time.
He went sightseeing along with a tour guide.
The tourist wasn't impressed at all with Haiti. He found that everything was just too small.

The tourist saw a little house.  He asked the tour guide, "What is that?"
The tour guide said, "That's a house."
"That's a house!" cried the tourist all in shock.  "Oh no no no! Where I come from the houses are big big big!"

Both men were walking the busy streets of Haiti.
The tourist saw a little car. He asked the tour guide, "What is that?"
The tour guide said, "That's a car."
"That's a car!" cried the tourist unable to believe his eyes. "Oh no no no! Where I come from cars are big big big!"

Both men went into a bookstore.
The tourist saw the little bookstore. He asked the tour guide, "What is this?"
The tour guide said, "This is a bookstore."
"That's a bookstore!" cried the tourist very surprised. "Oh no no no! Where I come from the bookstores are big big big!"

Both men were walking pass Haiti's White House.
The tourist saw Haiti's little White House. He asked the tour guide, "What is that?"
The tour guide said, "That's Haiti's White House."
"That's the White House!" cried the tourist indignant. "Oh no no no! Where I come from the White House is big big big!"

The tour guide had it up to his neck with the tourist.  He said to himself, "I'm going to get even with him."

When night came, both men went to sleep in a little hotel.  The tour guide waited until the tourist was asleep, he fetched the biggest turtle there was in Haiti and placed it under the tourist belly.
The turtle bit the tourist and took out a big piece of his flesh.
The tourist woke up screaming and scared when he saw the big turtle.
"What the heck is that?!" said the tourist.
The tour guide smiled and said, "That's a bed bug."
"That's a bedbug!" cried the tourist all scared.  "Where I come from bedbugs are small small small!"

Needless to say that the tourist took the very next flight out of Haiti.

"Lasisin" as in "Fè lasisin ak manje a"

Oh dear, I haven't heard that expression in a long time.

Fè lasisin → especially with food, is to eat very slowly.  It is to take your time to relish the food that you're eating.

Fè lasisin ak manje a → to take time to savor the food.

It is a funny thing when you live in a country where food is scarce.  When you finally get your hands on that only meal of the day, you take your time to savor every bite.  But, beware, if you are not eating alone (especially among kids), people who are already done with their own food might want to steal yours.  So, in Haiti, I was taught to never "fè lasisin".  I was told, "Eat you food in one gulp.  Once it's in your stomach, it's yours!  No one else can get their hands on it :)  I call that survival.

I miss you (Creole)

I miss youmwen sonje w, ou manke m, m anvi wè w.

anytime, whenever

Nenpòt lè
Nenpòt kilè
Nenpòt moman or
Nenpòt ki jou

what is a sweet affectionate name I could call my husband in Creole?

cheri, chouchou, papi...
If your husband is Haitian, I'm sure he'll tell you his preference if you asked him.
Meanwhile here's a link to find more names for your hubby.
http://sweetcoconutstootsiz.blogspot.com/2011/09/endearing-names-to-call-your-male.html
http://sweetcoconutstootsiz.blogspot.com/

Pa gen mal

Pa gen mal.
There's no problem.
That's no problem.

What are some Complimentary and Derogatory expressions in Creole?

What's the occasion?

se

Se → to be

Once upon a time there was a girl in Texas who needed a daddy who would love her. Then one day God looked down from heaven and had great compassion on this girl so he took her heart and connected it with the heart of a man in Haiti...(to be continued)

Once upon a time there was a girl in Texas who needed a daddy who would love her.
Vwala, te gen yon fwa, yon ti fi ki te rete Texas te bezwen yon papa ki ta renmen li.

Then one day God looked down from heaven and had great compassion on this girl,
Yon jou, Bondye nan syèl la te pran konpasyon pou ti fi sa a.

so he took her heart and connected it with the heart of a man in Haiti...
Li te pran kè ti fi a e li te mare l ansanm ak kè yon nonm ki rete Ayiti...

...who would love her exactly like his very own daughter. This is the story about us. Nothing can separate what God joins together so in good times and bad times you will forever be my daddy and I will forever be your daughter. (to be continued)

Who would love her exactly like his very own daughter.
ki te vin renmen ti fi a menm jan ak pwòp pitit fi li.

This is the story about us.
Sa se istwa nou.

Nothing can separate what God joins together,
Pa gen anyen ki ka separe sa Bondye mete ansanm.

So in good time and bad times,
Se pousa nan bon tan kou nan move tan,

You will forever be my daddy and I will forever be your daughter.
W'ap toujou papa m, e m'ap toujou piti fi ou.

I love you daddy and I pray Jesus fills your heart with the deepest love, joy, and peace. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday daddy.

I love you daddy.
Mwen renmen ou papa.

And I pray Jesus fills your heart with the deepest love, joy, and peace.
E mwen priye pou Jezi ranpli kè ou ak pi gran lanmou, jwa, e lapè.

Wishing you a Happy Brithday daddy.
Mwen swete ou yon bònn fèt papa cheri m nan!

what does soti or sot mean? for example: "soti deyo" what are some common ways to use it?

soti → go out, come out of, come from, exit
sot → (contracted form of soti) it also means just came from

Would you go out with me?
Eske ou ta vle soti avè m?
Eske ou ta vle fè yon ti soti avè m?


He came out of the room.
Li soti nan chanm nan.

I am from (come from) Haiti.
Mwen soti Ayiti.

I came from new York.
Mwen sot New York.

I just came from seeing her.
Mwen sot wè li.

We should get out more often.
Nou ta dwe soti pli souvan.

Let's go out! (for entertainment)
An nou fè yon ti soti non!

I'm out.  Don't wait up for me.
Mwen sòti.  Pa tann mwen.

People who come from Port-de-Paix have a good heart.
Moun ki sot Port-de-Paix gen bon kè.

Get out!
Go outside!
Soti deyò!

Get out of the house!
Soti nan kay la!
Mete w deyò!

Get out of the car!
Soti nan machin nan!

Get out of my head!
Sot nan tèt mwen!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Efezyen 1:17 Bondye Jezikri, Senye nou an, fe nou konnen an, se yon papa ki gen anpil pouvwa. Mwen mande l pou li ban nou...

Bondye Jezikri,
Lord Jesus,

Senye nou an,
our Lord,

Fè nou konnen an ("an" is not necessary here)
Make us to know

Ou se yon papa ki gen anpil pouvwa.
You are a Father with great power.

Mwen mande l pou li ban nou...
I ask him to give us...


Sentespri l ki bay bon konprann ki moutre nou sa Bondye ap devwale nou an pou nou ka rive konnen l byen. (Thank you!!)

Sentespri l ki bay bon konprann.
His holy Spirit that gives good (higher) understanding.

Ki moutre nou sa Bondye ap devwale nou an.
Who shows us what God is revealing to us.

Pou nou ka rive konnen l byen.
So that we may know Him well.

"Pale met la" as in "Tout se pale met la!

pale met la (expression)
all talks and no action

Tout se pale met la!
It's all talks and no action!

Jack se pale met la ase!
Jack is all talk and no action!

Let me hear from you please (Creole translation)

Kite m tande ou tanpri.

"from". The candy is from the store.

Use "sòti nan, sot nan -come from" or "nan - in"

example:
The candy is from the store.
Sirèt la sot nan magazen an.

The candy is comes from the store.
Sirèt la sòti nan magazen an.

I bought the candy from the store.
Mwen achte sirèt la nan magazen an.

Some Creole Contractions

m contraction for mwen (i, me, my)
w contraction for ou (you, your)
l contraction for li (he/her, him, his)
n contraction for nou (we, our, us)
y contraction for yo (they, their, them) (Contraction only used with subject pronoun "they")


Rule 1:  When placing contractions after a word, place them only after words that end with a vowel.
Example:
Koute m. → Listen to me
Mwen konprann ou. (Instead of: Mwen konprann w) I understand you.
Sa se manman m. (the word "manman" ends with nasal vowel "an") → This is my mother.
Sa se liv nou. (instead of: Sa se liv n) This is our book.
Chyen an te mòde l. → The dog bit him.


Rule 2:  Do not place contractions after the prepositions: sou (on), nan (in,at), and pou (for).
Example:
The coffee spilled on me.
Kafe a tonbe sou mwen.
(instead of: kafe a tonbe sou m.)

This gift is for her.
Kado sa se pou li.
(instead of: Kado sa se pou l.)

Believe in me.
Kwè nan mwen.
(instead of: Kwè nan m.)


Have ever seen these contractions in a sentence?
k contraction for ki (who, that)
p contraction for pa (negative marker)
t contraction for te (past tense marker)

Example:
1. Sa'k pase?
(instead of: Sa ki pase?)
What's happenning?

2. Mwen p'ap chante.
(instead of: Mwen pa ap chante.)
I will not sing.

3. Mwen t'ale wè yo.
(instead of: Mwen te ale wè yo.)
I went to see them.


Some contractions for a few Creole words:
al contraction for ale (to go)
vin contraction for vini (to come)
fin contraction for fini (to complete)
konn contraction for konnen (to know)
ka, kab contraction for kapab (to be able)

Examples of some sentences in which contractions are used.  See if you can translate them.  Scroll down for answers.
1. Mwen t'al wè w.  Ou pa't la.
2. Ede m pote malèt la. Mwen p'ap ka pote l pou kont mwen.
3. Poukisa w'ap meprize m konsa?
4. Papa n rete Ayiti.
5. Y'ap pale avè n lè yo pare.











1. I went to see you.  You weren't there.
2. Help me to carry the suitcase.  I won't be able to carry it on my own.
3. Why are you ignoring me?
4. Our dad lives in Haiti.
5. They will talk to us when they're ready.

How would a daughter show her love to her father on his birthday? Any special traditions in Haiti? Any special words she could say to make him feel extra special?

Birthdays are always special in Haiti. Haitians are mostly grateful for another year in their life. They usually wish for health and prosperity.
Most Haitians celebrate their birthdays, just like here in the US, by having a party with lots of traditional foods and drinks. They accept gifts too.

They usually sing two types of birthday songs:

(French)
Bonne anniversaire
Nos voeux les plus sincères
Que ces quelques fleurs vous apportent le bonheur
Que l'année entière vous soit douce et legère
Et que l'an fini, nou soyons tous réunis
Pour chanter en choeur, "Bonne anniversaire!"


Or

(French)
Bonne fète à toi
Bonne fète à toi
Bonne fète, bonne fète
Bonne fète à toi


This second song is sung to the English Happy Birthday tune. And you may sing it in Creole by adding the person's name at the end as follows:

Bònn fèt (name of person)
Bonne fète (name of person)
Bònn fèt, bònn fèt
Bònn fèt (name of person)

Finally, you may wish him:
Bònn fèt!
Happy birthday!

Mwen swete ou long vi, sante, e kè kontan.
I wish you a long life, health, and hapiness.

That's special enough.

you are so far away from me

You are far from me. → Ou lwen mwen.

You are so far away from me. → Ou trè lwen mwen.

You are too far away from me. → Ou twò lwen mwen.

Say chocolate

Chocolate → chokola

Ask me anything

Sunday, September 25, 2011

GODS CHILD

God's child → pitit Bondye

I am god's child. → Mwen se pitit Bondye.

You are God's child. → Ou se pitit Bondye.

We are God's children. → Nou se pitit Bondye.

How do you say "buddy"? Which word is more intimate than "kanmarad"?

Buddy (as in: favorite friend, bosom buddy, pal, chum)
Moun pa

Moun pa, in Haitian Creole, is a very good friend for whom you have a soft spot.

Example:
Frank's my buddy.  I'll never turn him away.
Frank se moun pa m*.  Mwen pa janm refize l*.

I know Mamoun is your bosom buddy
Mwen konnen Mamoun se moun pa w*.

Jack shared his sandwich with Jill because Jill's his pal.
Jack separe sandwitch li a avèk Jill paske Jill se moun pa l*.

"m, w, l " are respectively contracted forms of "mwen, ou, li"

how do you say my love in creole

I will remember who I am. (in creole)

I will remember who i am.
Ma sonje kilès mwen ye.

Do you know who I am?

Do you know who I am?
Eske ou konnen kilès mwen ye?

What is one of your favorite poems in Creole?

Well, I have a great time reading the works of Paul Laraque, Johnny Bélizaire and Félix Morisseau-Leroy.
I recently read and memorized “rekòlt” and “Se yon rèv” from Johnny Belizaire.
But my all-time favorite Creole “literary works” are from the following talented people:
Paul Laraque - He is the grandpa that sits by the fire to tell a tale in prose.
Manno Charlemagne - His lyrics can be controversial, but they are a dose of truth.
Maurice Sixto - He tells it as he sees it. But he sees what no one else sees.
Edwige Danticat – She is the girl next door in Haiti, whom you meet years later in a foreign country, and she takes you back to that time of “lontan lontan”.
Jacques Roumain – I will always be grateful for his work “Gouverneurs de La Rosée”. I very recently read Maude Hertelou’s Creole adaptation.

The Creole books I'm reading now are Agasya by Emile Celestin-Mégie, and M ap Viv Toujou by Evelyne Nacier
Here’s a link where you’ll find many Creole poems.
http://www.potomitan.info/poemes/index.php

Saturday, September 24, 2011

What do you want to do next? (Creole)

What do you want to do next?
Kisa ou vle fè apre sa?

Sit still. or Sit quietly.

Sit still.
Chita trankil.
Chita an silans.
Rete trankil.

I love you. I give you my heart with all my might and my soul. I give you my love with every breath. I give you my heart with every fear, every tear, and every word of an argument whether we meant it or not.

Note* The word repetition did not work in Creole. It would have changed the meaning.
I love you. → Mwen renmen ou.

I give you my heart with all my might and with all my soul.
Ak fòs kouraj mwen e ak nanm mwen, m ba ou kè m.

I give you all my love with every breath.
Ak tout souf mwen, m ba ou lanmou mwen.

I give you my heart with ever fear, every tear, and every word.
M ba ou kè m ak tout lapè, tout kriye, tout pawòl ki ladan l.

How do your like it?

How do you like it?
Kijan ou ta renmen li?
Eske li bon konsa?
Eske ou renmen li konsa?

this feels good

This feels good.
Sa bon.

This feel very good.
Sa bon anpil.

how do I ask How is your family?how is you wife?How is you mother?How is your work?

You could use either kouman, kòman, or kijan to ask these questions:

How is your family? → Kouman fanmi ou ye?

How's the family? → Kouman fanmi an ye?

How's your wife? → Kouman madanm ou ye?

How's your husband? → Kouman mari ou ye?

How are the kids? → Kijan timoun yo ye?

How are your kids? → Kouman timoun ou yo ye?

How's your mom doing? → Kijan manman ou ye?

How's work? → Kijan travay la ye?

How's your work? → Kijan travay ou a ye?

How's your business doing? →Kijan biznis la ap mache?

How are you doing with your studies? → Kijan etid la ap mache?

How are things working out? → Kijan bagay yo ap mache?

stay calm

Stay Calm.
Rete an silans.
Rete trankil.
Rete dousman.
You may use either one of the above three for "Stay calm."

how do you say thank the Lord?

Thank the Lord! (as in Praise the Lord!)
Mèsi Letènèl!
Mèsi Senyè!

Thank the Lord. (as in Give thanks to the Lord.)
Di Senyè a mèsi.
Di Bondye mèsi.
Di Letènèl mèsi

how do you say family?

family → fanmi

Ask me anything

There, you are.There, you go.

There/here you are.
Apa ou.

There/here he is.
Men li.

There/here i am.
Men mwen.

There/here we are.
Men nou.

There/here they are.
Men yo

Friday, September 23, 2011

do Haitian kids know how to play Rock, Paper, Scissors? Would you translate instructions for this simple game...

No they wouldn't know.  It's not a popularly known game in Haiti.
Here are the rules of the game in Haitian Creole.

Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Wòch Papye Sizo
Anpil timoun jwe jwèt sa a pou detèmine kilès kap gen priyorite.  Ou gen dwa jwe li pou konnen kilès kap kanpe devan nan yon lin, kilès kap chita devan machin nan, kilès ki premye ap jwenn yon bagay.


Goal of the game
Bi Jwèt la
Jwèt Wòch Papye Sizo a gen twa eleman.
Bi jwèt la se pou yon jwè chwazi yon eleman (wòch, papye, oswa sizo) ki ka koule eleman lòt jwè a.

To play the game:
Pou Jwe Jwèt la:
Pou jwe jwèt la, de jwè dwe kanpe fasafas. De jwè yo dwe chwazi ak ki men y’ap jwe, men goch oswa men dwat. Epi de jwè yo dwe fè yon pwen avèk men sa a.

Gameplay
Jwèt la
Jwè yo dwe kòmanse ansanm. Yo kapab konte sou twa pou yo kòmanse ansanm.
Jwèt la kòmanse ak: en, de, twa.
Jwè yo kenbe pwen yo youn anfas lòt. Epi yo fè yon monte desann pwen yo tankou se kafe yap pile pandan y’ap di ansanm, “Wòch, Papye, Sizo! … ale!”
Menm kote yo di “ale” a, chak jwè yo fè yon fòm eleman an ak pwen yo.

Fòm wòch la se yon pwen.
Fòm Sizo a se yon pwen ak dwèt indèks la e dwèt majè a pwente tankou yon sizo.
Fòm Papye a se yon men plat, tankou si ou tap bay lanmen.

Who wins
Ki moun ki genyen
Wòch ka kraze Sizo. Sa vle di Wòch bat Sizo
Sizo ka koupe Papye. Sa vle di Sizo bat Papye
Papye ka kouvri Wòch. Sa vle di Papye bat Wòch


Example:
Pa egzanp:
Lè de jwè yo di “ale!” a, si yon jwè fè fòm Papye e yon jwè fè fòm Wòch, se jwè ki fè fòm Papye a ki genyen.
E si yon jwè fè fòm Papye e lòt la fè fòm Sizo, se jwè ki fè fòm Sizo a ki genyen.

If both players choose the same item
Si tou de jwè yo chwazi menm eleman
Si tou de jwè yo chwazi menm eleman an nan yon jwèt, rekòmanse ankò jiskaske gen yon jwè ki genyen.

Bònn Chans!

when someone texts you, and you don't know who it is, how do you say "Who is it?" or Who are you? Meci

Who is it?
Kilès sa a?

Who are you?
Kilès ou ye?

I don't know who you are.
Mwen pa konn kilès ou ye

feuille lenni in english

Fèy lanni → aromatic herb used for tea. Used in Haiti mainly for its aroma.  It is a grassy looking and very thin green leaf.

Other uses in Haiti
People have used the leaf or tiny grain of fèy lanni for:
stomachache
bloating
kidney flush
breastfeeding mothers

This leaf should not be digested by pregnant women.

Scientific name:  Anethum graveolens
From the family of: Apiaceae (Ombelliferae)
Name : Dill

See these links in Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dill

Mem la petit ke jwen ye

Did you mean:

Menm la pitit, kijan jounen an ye?
I'm here child, how was the day?

Reading is an important tool that'll help children learn about how many things in life work (Creole)

Reading is an important tool that'll help children learn about how many things in life work.
Lekti se yon zouti enpòtan k'ap ede timoun yo aprann kouman anpil bagay nan lavi a fonksyone.

how to you spell two in creole

let me go

Let me go.
Kite m ale.

Boss major

Boss major (Major boss, Lead supervisor)
Bòs alatèt, Bòs jeneral, Anplwayè, Patwon

It's working.

It's working.
Sa mache.
Li mache.

It's working well.
Li mache byen.
Sa mache byen.

li menn

li menm → him or himself

How do you say I'm a proud Haitian

I'm a proud Haitian.
Mwen kontan m se Ayisyen.

I'm proud of my Haitian nationality.
Mwen fyè de nasyonalite Aysyen mwen.

I'm proud of my country.
Mwen fyè de peyi m.
Mwen gen fyète pou peyi m.

I love my country.
Mwen renmen peyi m.

I'm a true Haitian.
Mwen se yon Ayisyen natifnatal.

Are you sure?

Are you sure?
Eske ou sèten?

I love you for life

Mwen renmen ou a vi.
or
Mwen renmen ou pou lavi

Derier a ki pou ou'w.

Dènye a ki pou ou.
The last one is yours.
or
It's the last one that's yours

you plus me equals love

Ou menm plis mwen menm egal lanmou

Ask me anything

Thursday, September 22, 2011

how do you say bear

Bear (as in: grizzly bear) → lous, ous
Bear (to put up with) → sipòte
Bear (to carry) → pote

Ti katkat

Ti kakat
little baby, youngster, kid, half-pint

I knew her since she was a little kid.
Mwen rekonèt li depi li te yon ti kakat.

Ou pa bò isi a ankò, se pa vre?

Ou pa bò isi a ankò?
You're in this area anymore?

Se pa vre? (as a question)
Isn't this true?

Se pa vre. (as a statement)
It's not true.

isn't that so? ot isn't that right?

Isn't that so?
Eske se pa sa?

Isn't that true?
Eske se pa vre?

Translate:Draw a picture" here or "My Artwork (I want to have the children draw a picture with crayons on the page)

Draw a picture here.
Trase yon desen la.

My artwork
Pyès travay mwen
Pyès travay atis mwen

My drawing
Desen mwen

Draw a picture with the crayon.
Trase yon desen avèk kreyon desen an.

Draw a picture on this page.
Trase yon desen sou paj sa.

Color your picture.
Kolore desen an.

This is a beautiful drawing.
Sa se yon bèl desen.

How's everything with you these days?And how are you also Mandaly? sa fe lontan, wi..I hope everything is fine, or everything cushty, as Britons would like to say

Mwen anfòm!
Mwen la!
Map kenbe ak gras Bondye!
Mèsi, e ou menm?!

How's everything with you these days?
Kijan tout bagay ap mache pou ou sèjousi?

Can it be?Can that be?

Can it be? / Can that be? (as in: Is that possible?)
Ou kwè?
Ou kwè sa?

Can it be that I'm in love?
Ou kwè m ta tonbe damou?

Can it be that life is so simple?
Ou kwè lavi ta senp konsa?

Can it be that he forgot about me?
Ou kwè li ta bliye mwen?
_____________________

How can it/that be
Kijan sa fè fèt?
or
Kijan sa fè posib?

I can't go on like this. (Creole)

I can't go on like this.
Mwen pa ka kontinye konsa.

I'm having trouble pronouncing the creole letter 'R', do you have any tips?

I think the easiest way to learn to pronounce the Creole/French letter "R" is to:

1. Practice with repeating the English words "err" and "air"

2. Concentrate on the ending of these words: "err" and "air"

3. Constrict your throat more as you say the ending of these words: "err" or "air"

4. Open up your mouth a little bit more laterally as if you're trying to crack a fake smile when you say the ending of these words. Keep practicing that sound and try repeating the following Creole words:

rayi, rankontre, rele, repete, ri, rive 
Ask me anything

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

how do u pronounce ble

blay

Ask me anything

What are the most commonly sung Creole hymns? Can you please post the English&Creole translations?

Although these days a lot of churches have adopted a more contemporary worshiping-style of service; they sing songs by Chris Tomlin, Darlene Zschech, and Brian Doerksen etc..., the majority Haitian Churches in Haiti continues to worship with the traditional hymn book "Chants D'Esperance". This book is a compilation of French and Creole traditional hymns that you used to sing "long, long time ago".

This is a list of the title of some the most popular Creole hymns.
Check with the Chants D'esperance Online to find hundreds of Haitian Creole hymns that have the same Air as the English hymns.

My hope is built on Nothing less
Jezi sèl inik esperans, se li sèl ki bay asirans

Trust and obey
Lè n’ap mache ak Dye nan limyè pawòl li

Oh for a thousand tongues to sing
Mwen vle mil lang pou chante byen louwanj Redanmtè mwen

Jesus keep me near the cross
Jezi kenbe m pre lakwa

When we all get to heaven
An nou chante amou Jezi, chante tandrès ak gras tou

Take my life and let it be
Pran lavi m Senyè Jezi, mwen vle konsakre l ba ou

There is a fountain
Genyen yon sous tou plen ak san

Nothing but the blood
Sak kapab lave peche m, anyen pase san Jezi Kri

All hail the power of Jesus name
Onore pisans non Jezi, tout Anj dwe fas atè

What a friend we have in Jesus
Ala yon zanmi se Jezi

We’re marching to Zion
Kite le monn byen lwen

I’d rather have Jesus
Mwen pito gen Jezi pase tout bagay

How much I owe
Lè Jezi mouri sou kalvè

When the roll is called up yonder
An nou travay pou le Senyè

Father, Lead me day by day
Senyè, kondwi mwen chak jou

Love lifted me
Mwen tap neye nan peche

Hark! The herald angels sing
Koute! Anj yo ap chante

baby goats

Ti kabrit

Ask me anything

Mwen pa tande ou mim jodi-a

Mwen pa tande ou menm jodi a.
I haven't heard from you at all today.

LUCKY YOU

Lucky you.
Chans pa w.
or
Ou gen chans.

mwen renmen ak manke ou... espwa nou anm ki gen yon bon jou

Mwen renmen ak manke ou...
I love and miss you...

espwa nou an ki gen yon bon jou...
Our hope which has a good day...
Is this a lyric? a poem?

what are you grateful for this past year?

What are you grateful for this year?
Pou ki bagay w'ap rann aksyondegras ane sa.

Only choose one.

Jis chwazi youn.
or
Chwazi youn sèlman.

What's the weather like where you live?

Kijan tan an ye kote ou rete a?
or
Kijan tanperati a ye kote ou rete a?

Ask me anything

what are you gonna do about that?

Kisa w'ap fè sou sa?
or
Kisa w'ap fè pou sa?

Ask me anything

Total Yearly Household Income: (Please check one) No one will be turned away based on income. Very low, low, moderate. Below $15,350 for Individual, for family of 2.

Total Yearly Household Income:
Lajan Total Pou Tout Kay la pa Ane:

(Please check one)
(Tanpri chwazi yon repons)

No one will be turned away based on income.
Yo pap refize ede ou akòz de montan lajan ou fè.

Very low → trè ba

Low → ba

morerate → moyen

Below $15,350 individual/per family of 2
Mwens ke $15,535 pa tèt /pa fanmi ki gen de moun