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!

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Trouble don't last always

How so I write this in Creole? CEA is helping you with your application for benefits through the DCF. DCF's web site MyAccess gives applicants and their authorized representatives a secure way to access case information through the internet.

CEA ap ede ou avèk demann pou benefis ou pa mwayen DCF la.  MyAccess, sit wèb DCF la, ofri aplikan yo avèk reprezantan otorize yo yon fason pou jwenn aksè avèk enfòmasyon sou reklamasyon yo nan entènèt la.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words



sa va mandaly? When saying for example, NONE OF THEM, must we use PA in addition to OKENN? Example OKENN NAN YO TE KONPRANN or OKENN NAN YO PA TE KONPRANN ? mèsi!

Sa va :)

So you mean when it's useed as a subject?
None of them → okenn nan yo, ankenn nan yo, yo youn


None of them understood.

Pa gen okenn nan yo ki te konprann.
Yo youn pa't konprann.
or
Pa gen youn nan yo ki te konprann.

None of them were ready for this.
Pa gen ankenn nan yo ki te pare pou sa
Yo youn pa't pare pou sa.
Pa gen youn nan yo ki te pare pou sa.

None of them knew the answer.
Pa gen okenn nan yo ki te konn repons lan.
Yo youn pa't konn repons lan.
Pa gen youn nan yo ki te konn repons lan.

None of us knew what was going to happen.
Pa gen okenn nan nou ki te konn sa'k te pral pase.
Nou youn pa't konnen sa'k te pral pase.
Pa gen youn nan nou ki te konnen sa'k te pral pase.

None of these people are from Haiti.
Pa gen okenn nan moun sa yo ki soti Ayiti.
Pa gen youn nan moun sa yo ki soti Ayiti.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Friday, September 28, 2012

Rann sèvis bay chagren...?

Yes, ...an expression: being a good samaritan causes grief.

Ou pa ka atann pou tout moun rekonesan lè'w ede yo.  Gendefwa ou ede yon moun, enpi jès la tounen yon fwèt pou kale'w.  Si w'ap rann sèvis, fè li pou satisfaksyon tèt ou oubyen pou lanmou Bondye. Pa atann ke moun ou ede a va vin bobo pye'w.  Si'l fè sa, anfòm!  men si'l pa fè'l, se byen tou.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Do the words ¨vin¨ and ¨vini¨ mean the same thing? Are they used in different cases?

Vin is a contracted form of vini
They both translate to come, to become, to arrive, come forward, etc...
The contracted form cannot be placed at the end of a sentence.
For example you'd say: 
Se pou w vini
instead of:
Se pou vin.
You must come.

But you CAN say:
Se pou w vin wè mwen.
or
Se pou w vini wè mwen.
You must come see me.

See this link: Come as Vin or Vini

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

mwen abitye travay kom sekirite espesyalman haiti

Trè enteresan....

Mwen abitye travay kòm sekirite espesyalman Haiti.
I'm used to working as a security guard especially in Haiti.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

gen ou moun kap mande pou ou dyo-a

I think you mean "Gen yon moun k'ap mande pou ou deyò a."
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Pa gen pwoblèm

yeah...
Pa gen pwoblèm.
Pa gen danje.
Pa gen pàn.
Pa gen tèt chaje. 
Pa gen tètfèmal.
There's no problem, everything's alright.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

I want to express "I can be (noun/adj)." Is this "M ka (fache)" and "M ka se (yon bon zanmi)?"

You've got it, it seems.

Mwen ka fache.
I may be angry.

Mwen konn fache.
I can be mad.

Li ka malad, se pou sa li pa't vini
She may be ill, that's why she didn't come.

Nou ka anreta pou reyinyon an.
We may be late for the meeting.

Li ka se yon bon zanmi ki trayi w.
It may be a good friend who betrayed you.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Petèt yon sèl jou a nou pral jwenn kèk pwason ki soti Ayiti

Yum... Haitian fish....

Now, are you talking about fishing or are you talking about just getting (or buying) some fish imported from Haiti?
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

what does mwen sonje nou chita pale yo men m ap pran i

How do you say ¨Can I have your cell phone number in Haitian Creole?


Can I have your cell phone number?
Eske ou ka ban'm nimewo telefòn selilè ou?

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Can you explain the (subtle?) difference between "Li t ap pase pou l-al kay fanm li" and "Li t ap ale kay fanm li." Do these sentences require "nan" for "nan kay fanm li"? Why or why not?

Li t'ap pase pou l'al kay fanm li.
He was passing by to go to his lady's house.
He was moving past here in order to make his way to his girlfriend's house.

Li t'ap ale kay fanm li.
He was going to his girlfriend's house.

No, these sentences do not require the prep. "nan".
In ale lakay mwen (going home) or ale kay yon moun (going to someone's house), the sentence without the preposition "nan" best describes the motion of moving into a direction (towards home, in this case).
If you were to add "nan", the sentence would translate He's going inside the house or he's stepping inside the house.
See if this link might be helpful : prepositions at, in, from
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words



Thursday, September 27, 2012

ou fe kom si ou pa konprann

Fè kòm sito pretend

Ou fè kòm si ou pa konprann.
You pretend you don't understand.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

what does smoi mwen pral mean in english

This "smoi" does not look like any Haitian Creole word I know.  Is this the correct spelling?
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

How would you say: Blow out the candles! (Like on a birthday cake)

Blow out the camdles (on a birthday cake)
Soufle bouji yo.

"Turn off" the candles.
Etenn bouji yo.


Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

what does fe'm kado'w mean?

Is this from Carimi?
In this song, it seem to mean "Give yourself to me"

Fè kado means to give, to give a gift (where the object will be placed betwee and kado)
Examples:

1. Fè'm kado (contracted)
    Fè mwen kado (not contracted)
    Give me

2. Fè'm kado yon ti dlo.
    Give me some water.

3. Nou te fè yo kado yon $20.00.
    We gave them $20.00

4. Mwen te fè legliz la kado yon machin.
     I gave the church a car.    
     I gave a car to the church.

5. Li te fè'm kado yon bekàn pou fèt mwen.
     He gave me a bike for my birthday.

6.  Misye te fè menaj li kado yon bag pou twazyèm anivèsè yo.
     He gave his girlfriend a ring for their their anniversary. 

7. Fè'n kado prezans ou.
    Give us your presence.
    Bless us with your presence.
     Grace us with your presence.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

mwen pa ti moun ki rete ak moun

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

kijan jounen w te pase?

how do you say look at his face

translate Ou konnen ou renmen mwen... Pa manti to english

☺Don't you just hate it when you're being put on the spot like that?

Ou konnen ou renmen mwen... Pa manti.
You know you love me... Don't lie.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Best friends, my best friend


friends → zanmi, konpayèl, kanmarad
Best friends → pi bon zanmi
Good friends → bon zanmi
My best friend → pi bon zanmi m, or pi bon zanmi mwen

We are good friends.
Nou se bon zanmi.

We will always be good friends
N'ap toujou bon zanmi.

We were best friends.
Nou te pi bon zanmi.

She's my best friend
Li se pi bon zanmi m.

He's a good friend.
Li se yon bon zanmi.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

How do you translate 'just' as in 'I just sent you a letter.' Mesi anpil!


just (in this case) fèk, fenk

I just sent you a letter.
Mwen fèk voye yon lèt pou ou

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

ou fe sa ou fason pou ou kapab antrave'm

tricky....?

Ou fè sa on fason pou ou kapab antrave'm.
You did this in a way to get me in trouble.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

What is the word for scripture?

Boubout mwen vle pati kite mwen.li we lot fanm. mwen pa ta vle li ale. mwen bezoin yon poem creole pou li.

Si'l vle pati, zafè k' gade'l.  Si'l pa tande l pa wè se pati l' vle pati, ou pa ka fòse'l rete. L'a va rayi w pou sa.  Men tou si se pa'w li ye, si se Bondye k' te sere'l pou ou, li ta mèt al nan ziltik l'ap toujou tounen jwenn ou.  Met fanm sou ou / met gason sou ou, kite l ale.
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Eske 'anpentad' vle di menm bagay avek 'ansoudin'

Wi, anpentad, ansoudin, ankatimini, ankachèt; tout vle di menm bagay la.
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Pou kokennchenn sit sa ou fè la, mandalie, m'espere ou gen anpil moun ki sipote w

☺ M pa rantre nan won san baton.
Sipò a vin tout jan, tout mannyè.
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Good and how about you??

bay kou blye pote mak sonje

Se konsa li toujou ye.
Moun ki fè w tò a gen dwa bliye w,
Men ou pa'p janm bliye moun ki fè w tò.
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all the lyrics to I have decided to follow Jesus.

Chants D'Esperance #78 Kè Kreyol

I Have Decided To Follow Jesus
Mwen te deside
Pou m swiv le senyè (2 lin 3 fwa)
Mwen p'ap tounen (2 fwa)

Lemonn dèyè do m
Lakwa devan je m (2 lin 3 fwa)
Mwen p'ap tounen (2 fwa)

Si m dwe ale sèl
Toujou m'ap swiv li (2 lin, 3 fwa)
Mwen p'ap tounen (2 fwa)

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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

How do you use the expression bout pou bout?

Bout pou boutsubsequently, in the long run, in the end

Mwen t'ap eseye bati yon kay nan vil  Senmak.  Mwen te pase dezan ap monte desann pou rasanble ouvriye ki pou koumanse travay la.  Mwen te fin dekouraje, mwen te panse pwojè a t'ap tonbe nan dlo.  Men bout pou bout mesye yo te mete men nan travay la, e kay la te fin bati.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

What is the word 'tapan' as in nevè tapan? Thanks

tapan → on the dot

nevè tapan → nine on the dot

Nou te rive legliz la a dizè tapan.
We arrived at the church at exactly ten o'clock.

Seremoni maryaj la va koumanse a sizè tapan.
The wedding ceremony will begin at exactly six o'clock.
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Does "N ap pike pou pi douvan" mean something like we're pushing forward?

What does Map pense a toi mean?

This is not 100% Creole.
Is this from a satirical sketch?
Is it from a poem?

This should say M'ap panse a ou (H. Creole) or Je pense a toi (French);  not M'ap panse a toi.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

you have a lot of admirers

You have a lot of admirers.
Ou gen anpil admiratè. (admirers, supporters)
Ou gen anpil fanatik. (fans)
Ou gen anpil filè. (suitors)
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sa je pa we ke pa tounen

Yeah... What you don't see won't upset your stomach.
Yum! ... ignorance is bliss
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"Ou pa fèt pou di sa" is You must not say that? Fèt means must here, does it?

Ou pa fèt pou di sa.
You should not say that.
You must not say that.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Could you give a few examples of how to use "renk" or "renk sa" in a sentence?

renk → simply, only, merely, just...
renk sa is more like just that, simply that

1. Tout sa li fè se renk dòmi tout lajounen.
    All she does is just sleep all day.

2. Nou te envite tout moun nan fèt la, men se renk fanm yo sèlman ki vini.
    We invited everyone to the party, but only the ladies came.

3. Pyès moun pa konnen sa ki pral pase demen, renk Bondye ki konnen
    No one knows what will happen tomorrow, only God knows.

4. Tout chadèk sa yo pa pou mwen, renk sa ki nan panye a ki pa'm.
    All these grapefruits don't belong to me, only the ones in the basket are mine

5.  Anvan li te mouri li te di "Mèsi ou tout".  Renk sa sèlman l te di.
    Before she died she said, "Thanks for everything".  That's all she said.

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Monday, September 24, 2012

how do you say, "I don't want help." or "Don't help". I want to let the men know at the airport that I just want to take my own luggage. thanks.

I don't want any help, thanks.
Mwen pa bezwen èd, mèsi.

You do not need to help me.  I''ve got it, thanks!
Ou pa bezwen ede'm.  Mwen anfòm, mèsi!

You don't need to help me.  I'll carry my suitcases.
Ou pa bezwen ede'm.  M'ap pote malèt mwen.
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what does jab mean?

how do you say "have patience" in Hatian Creole?

Have patience
Pran pasyans
or
Pasyante.

Pran yon ti pasyans SVP.
Have a little patience please.

Pasyante SVP.
Have patience please.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

In reading, I often see "pa fouti," such as "M pa fouti di ou ki kote li te ale." Is "pa fouti" vulgar or inappropriate in certain contexts? (noticing that "fout" might be a root)

No, it's not vulgar at all.

fouti (use in negative sentences) means to be able, can, also to dare

M pa fouti pale.
I'm not able to talk.
I'm unable to talk.

Mwen malad.  Mwen kouche, mwen pa fouti leve.
I'm ill.  I'm laid down, I'm unable to get up.

Mwen te si tèlman sezi, mwen pa't fouti di yon mo.
I was so shocked, I couldn't say a word.

M pa fouti di ou ki kote li te ale.
I'm not able to tell you where he/she went.

Li pa fouti fè frekansite sa yo lè pwofesè a la.
She dares not do all these impertinences when the teacher is here.
She dares not be that bold when the teacher is present.
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I'm proposing to my girl in kreyol. I need to know how to say ABOUT in this phrase "I love everything about you". I have two choices here: "mwen renmen tout bagay sou ou" or should I say "mwen renmen tout bagay osijè ou"? Thanks.

Felisitasyon!

Even though you're using the correct translation, neither of them sound as divine as the English one.
How about the Creole's
Mwen renmen tout sa ke ou ye.
Mwen renmen tout sa ou reprezante

Anybody else have any suggestions. Thanks
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words


Do you know where on haiti map i will find Duvaliervil? Thanks.

It's now called Kabarè.
Li nan zòn lwès.
Lè w'ap kite Pòtoprens, ou sipoze jwenn li yon bon kou trajè apre ou fin kite Titanyen, e anvan ou pran Akayè si ou sou wout nasyonal la.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

i bet you do ...?

There are many ways to say this, but it depends on context.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

What would jackie be in creloe?

It should be the same spelling in Creole.
It is both a boy or girl's name.
My mom is nicknamed Jackie.
My stepbrother is named Jackie.
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Mandaly I missed you on Saturday morning girl? I asked you a question you never answered. I'm still waiting for the answer.

Mwen pa fin sèten kilès nan kesyon yo ki pa'w la.  Ou kapab repoze'l ankò oubyen voye yon imèl ban mwen.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Is there a difference between "fout" and "merdes" . which is more acceptable?

how do you say " send in the prescription" in creole

se pa't sa mwen te espere mwen ta pral jwenn nan men ou

disappointment?

Se pa't sa mwen te espere mwen ta pral jwenn nan men ou.
That't not what I had hoped to get from you
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

...and one more: fè fèt? (Nou te fè fèt - We made a party?)

Have a happy birthday /Did you have a happy birthday? / I hope you had a happy birthday.

Happy birthday.
Bòn fèt.

Have a happy birthday.
Bòn fèt
Bòn anivèsè
Pase yon bòn fèt.

Di you have a happy birthday?
Eske ou te pase yon bon fèt?
Eske ou te pase yon bon anivèsè?
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

mwen panse te ka gen diferans ant mwen ak lot yo

Ou panse te ka gen yon diferans ant ou menm ak lòt yo?

Mwen panse te ka gen diferans ant mwen menm ak lòt yo.
I think there could be a difference between me and the others
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Sunday, September 23, 2012

Grammatically, what is going on here: "Labatwa la ba a ap ou twasan dola." pg 31, "Rete! Kote Lamèsi!"

The first sentence, as it is written, does not make a lot of sense to me.

It looks as if it should be written this way:
Labatwa laba a ap pou twasan dola.
The slaugterhouse over there will go for $300.

Rete! Kote Lamèsi?
Wait a minute! Where's Lamèsi?
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words


I am wanting to express "If you hadn't done ___ then what would you have ___." Such as, "If you had not gone to school, what would you have done with your life?"

Si ou pa te ____, kisa ou ta _____ (non contracted)
Si ou pa't _____, kisa ou ta _____ (contracted)


Si ou pa't kite Ayiti, kisa ou ta ye jodi a?
If you had not left Haiti, what would you be today?

Si mwen pa't rive alè, kisa ou ta fè?
If I had not arrived on time, what would you have done?

Si ou pa't al lekòl, kisa ou ta fè ak lavi ou?
If you had not gone to school, what would you have done with your life?

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

li longe dwet nan figi mwen

That is considered a threat, intimidation, or bullying not just in Haiti, but everywhere, isn't it?

Li lonje dwèt nan figi mwen
He waved his finger in my face.
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Saturday, September 22, 2012

I am glad to see you.

mwen fe dezan ap travay nan faktori-a, mwen kapab di : mwen revoke depi menm jou mwen antre-a

I understand this as:  "I've been working at the factory for two years. I was fired the same day I got in.  
Is that right?"
It doesn't make sense to me.  If you've been working at the factory for two years, how were you fired the same day you started?
...Or did you fire someone?

If you were fired, you'd say:
Mwen fè dezan ap travay nan faktori a, yo te revoke m depi menm jou mwen antre a.

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Friday, September 21, 2012

Our church is having a Visiting Missionary from Gris-Gris coming this weekend and I wanted to say a few words in Creole. How would you say, "Welcome to Minnesota and the Church of the Risen Savior."?

Welcome to Minnesota and the Church of the Risen Savior
Byenveni nan Minnesota E nan Legliz Sovè Resisite a.

if you don't want to translate the name of the church, then you'd say:
Byenveni nan Minnesota, e nan Church of the Risen Savior.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Yon ti jès pou yo :)

"Yon ti jès pou yo
yon tandrès pou yo
yon favè pou yo
yon lonè pou yo
yon zepòl pou yo
yon pawòl pou yo
yon respè pou yo
libète pou yo"

Fòk ou gen laj sou ou wi, pou'w apresye chan sa.
Ansy Dérose p'ap janm gen parèy.  Sa se vre :)
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Are these three phrases talking about the same thing? 1) Eske se sa n fè n ap peye? 2) Se sa w fè w ap peye 3) M ap mande sa m fè m ap peye?

Yes, they are.
...about paying for one's fault/failing.
...different point of view it seems.
Sounds like Job or David (from the Bible)
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

how to say "pop" in hatian creole

Mwen renmen sit entènèt sa a. Chak jou mwen aprann yom bagay nouvo. Mèsi anpil Mandaly pou dedikasyon ou a.

Mèsi anpil.
Mwen kontan ou renmen li.
Kontinye aprann :)
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

What is the word for "kind" or "type". As in: "what type of food do you like?". Mesi!

You could use: kalite, jan, tip (see link)

1.
What type of food do you like?
Ki kalite manje ou renmen?
Ki tip manje ou renmen?
Ki jan de manje ou renmen? "jan" from French "genre"

2. What type of dog do you have?
Ki kalite chen ou genyen?
Ki tip chen ou genyen?
Ki jan de chen ou genyen?

3.
What type of person is he?
Ki kalite moun li ye?
Ki tip moun li ye?
Ki jan de moun li ye?

4.
What type of government does Haiti have?
Ki kalite gouvènman Ayiti genyen?
Ki tip gouvènman Ayiti genyen?
Ki jan de gouvènman Ayiti genyen?

Or... No question sentences:

5.
You should not associate yourself with these types of people.
Ou pa dwe asosye w ak kalite moun sa yo.
Ou pa dwe asosye w ak tip moun sa yo.
Ou pa dwe asosye'w ak jan de moun sa yo.

6.
This is the kind of girl I want you to marry.
Sa se kalite fanm mwen vle ou marye.
Sa se tip fanm mwen vle ou marye.
Sa se jan de fanm mwen vle ou marye.



Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

what does "diab la" mean?

What is going on here: "Ou va mechan pa w!" or "Ou a bèl pa w!"

This type of expression is used in a negative sense.

Ou va mechan pa w!
You will be no more wicked than I am.
You will be wicked in your own mindset

W'a bèl pa'w.
You will be no more prettier than I am.
You will be pretty only to yourself.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

This construction is confusing me "pou 'nou' (def art) sa 'verb'" example "Fòk mwen travay pou chofè a sa peye m." or "Mwen chita pou m sa manje." What is going on with this word order?

I hope I don't blow your mind when I tell you that some Haitians say SA instead of KAPAB..
Add the word SA to your dictionary as one more way to say can, be able to

POU + SUBJECT + SA = SO THAT + SUBJECT + CAN

So, pou nou sa comes off as so that we can, to, in order to
SO, You will actually see pou +subject + sa OR..... Pou + subject + ka in H. Creole.
Here are some examples.


1.
Mwen bezwen zèl pou'm sa vole.
I need wings so that I can fly.
I need wings in order to fly

2.
Fòk nou wè pou nou sa kwè.
We must se so that we can believe.
We must see in order to believe.

3.
Mwen chita pou m sa manje.
I sit dow so that I can eat.
I sit down to eat.

4.
Fòk mwen travay pou chofè a sa peye m.
I must work so that the driver could pay me.
I must work in order to get paid.

5.
Li retire soulye'l pou'l sa kouri pi vit.
He takes off his shoes so that he can run faster.

6.
Pran remèd la pou w sa gaya.
Take the medicine so that you can get better.


Now, SA is not just used as KAPAB in these order of sentences and words.
It is used especially in the following negatives sentences:



10.
Mwen tonbe, mwen pa sa leve.
I've fallen and I can't get up.


11.  
Mwen regret m p'ap sa fè sa pou ou.
I regret that I can't do that for you.

12. 
Mwen p'ap sa al nan fèt la.
I won't be able to go to the party.


13.
Mwen pa sa ale avè'w jodi a.
I can't go with you today.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words


God bless you

Thursday, September 20, 2012

are you feeling better?

Are you feeling better?
Eske ou santi ou miyò?
Eske w santi w miyò?
Eske ou fè mye?
Eske'w fè mye?

I feel better thanks.
Mwen santi m miyò mèsi.

I feel a little bit better.
Mwen santi m yon ti jan miyò.

I don't feel any better.
M pa santi m pi miyò pase sa.


Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

My question concerns "Pinga" and (double) negation. An example you used is "Pinga ou fè sa!" Is this different from "Pinga ou pa fè sa!"

Yes.  It's definitely different.
I guess a double negation comes thru as a positive sentence. ( I don't know how it works in English)

Pinga ou fè sa!
Don't do that!
Don't you do that!
Pinga in this sentence comes off  as a warning not to do something

Pinga ou pa fè sa non! comes through as you better do it, you should do it, I hope you do it
My emphatic "non" at the end of that sentence doesn't mean anything, but if I were to say that sentence,  that NON would be there.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

how to say broke is not a option

Do you mean broke as in being penniless?
Is there something more to that sentence?
Are you trying to say 'poverty/hardship is not an option'?

Haitian Creole word for broke, as you have it, is razè (adj.)
Broke is not a option.
Povrete pa yon opsyon.
Razè pa yon opsyon
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

how do u say good morning love in Hatian creole

I assume you were the one who asked that other question about 'good morning'....
This should answer both.

Good morning love
Bonjou cheri
Bonjou toutou
etc...

Good morning my love.
Bonjou lanmou mwen.
Bonjou cheri mwen
Bonjou boubout mwen
etc....


Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

after the rain the sun will come out

after the rain the sun will come out
literally this would translate as:
aprè lapli a solèy la va soti deyò
But I would rather say:
Aprè lapli a solèy la va leve.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

ambush in the night

ambush → anbiskad, pyèj

ambush in the night
anbiskad nan lannuit lan
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

whoa! I put "worm" in google translate to get accented an "è" and if gave me this: "vè k'ap manje kadav"

Yes, I tried it too.  I see what you mean :)
That whole Creole sentence says worms eating a cadaver

I think they were probably trying to be specific as the word Vè in Creole could also translate a GLASS FOR DRINKING WATER, PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES, and the prepositions TOWARD, ABOUT

Anyway, so you're not confused, here's the Haitian Creole translation for worm :)
worm →
maggots →
earthworm → vètè
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

In saying: Since when did the minority become majority?, do I use "depi lè" or "depi kilè"?

Use depi kilè
Since when did the minority become majority?
Depi kilè minorite te vin majorite?
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

hey i love you

No matter how you put it, it remains: Mwen renmen'w

I love you.
Mwen renmen'w.

I'm in love with you.
Mwen damou pou ou.

I can't live without you.
Mwen pa ka viv san ou.

You are my love.
Ou se lanmou mwen.

You are the love of my life.
Ou se lanmou lavi'm.

You and I, we make one.
Ou menm avè'm fè youn.

If I had a dollar for each time someone asks me how to say I love you in Creole, I'd  be making hundreds of dollars a day :)
I'm glad to know that it's "love that makes the world go round".
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Take until all gone.

Take until gone.
Pran l jouk tan l fini

Take until all gone.
Pran l jouk tan tout fini.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

what the definition of lava in creole

Do you mean l'ava which is He/she/it will?

L'ava ba ou yon mesaj pou mwen. (see link)
He will give you a message for me.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

I keep hearing something that sounds like "koun ya la". I don't think it's "kounye a"... any ideas?

Yes, it is Kounye a la which means something like Now then, at the present time, etc...
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

how do you say iam sorry and hope one day you can forgive me

Eskize mwen.  Mwen espere yon jou w'ap kapab padone'm.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

how do u say haitian creole" i understand what you said yesterday and iam truly sorry for what happen"

M konprann sa'w te di yè a, e mwen dezole anpil pou sa ki pase a.
M konprann sa'w te di yè a, e mwen regrèt anpil sa ki pase a.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

how do you say let me drink with you

Let me drink with you.
Kite'm bwè avèk ou.
Te'm bwè avèk ou.
Lèse'm bwè avèk ou.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

reset ayisien

Ou menm tou fè mal. Ou te gen image tradiktè a rapidement

Ou menm tou fè mal. Ou te gen image tradiktè a rapidement 
You too didn't do well.  You had obtained the translator's image quickly.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

manje an byen map tann lè ou fini

Kijan yo di: "which one is better?" Mesi

Which one is better?
Kilès ki pi bon?
Kilès ki miyò?

Which one them is better?
Kilès ladan yo ki pi bon?
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Do you have the song Ou Se Tout Pou Mwen?

Are you referring to the Creole version of you are my all in all?
You should be able to find this on youtube also.
Ou se fòs mwen le ke'm kase
ou se trezò ke m'a chèche
Ou se tout pou mwen
Mwen te jwenn yon kado presye
Si'm kite ou m'ap egae'w
Ou se tout pou mwen

Non ou diy e sen
Jezi anyo Bondye

Lè mwen tonbe ou ranmase'm
Lè'm pou kont mwen ou vin kote'm
Ou se tout pou mwen
Yo te di, mwen p'ap janm anyen
Ou fè mwen yon gran sitwayen


Ou se tout pou mwen

Ou pran tout wont mwen ak peche'm
Lè'm kriye ou toujou tande'm
Ou se tout mwen
Ou pran lanmò, ou ban'm lavi
Lè'm boulvèse ou soulaje'm
Ou se tout pou mwen

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Bonjour, Est-ce que vous avez les paroles que Mr. Toussaint Louverture avait prononcé lorsqu'il etait arrêté. Elles font réference à une racine je crois... Merci.

Vous parlez de ces phrases là?

"En me renversant, ils n'ont abattu que le tronc de l'arbre de la liberté. Il repoussera par les racines parce qu'elles sont profondes et nombreuses."

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

and until that day, african continent will not know peace, we africans will fight we find it necessary and we know we shall win as we are confident in the victory

E jouk lò sa a kontinan Lafrik la p'ap janm konn lapè.  Nou menm Afriken va goumen, nou trouve sa nesesè. E nou konnen nou va genyen konba a paske nou konte sou laviktwa.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words


How do you say "Jesus does" in creole?

This definitely will have to be translated within context.

Try this answer:

1 comments:

  1. I'm guessing that this is in response to a statement like "No one loves me" or "No one cares about us"

    Just in general I think you could say:

    Jezi fè sa (Jesus does that/this)

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

What measure do Haitians use for temperature? Fahrenheit or Celsius? How would I say this in creole according to their measurement. "In Haiti it is usually 80 or 90 degrees, but here it is only around 35 degrees."

They use both.
Celsiusdegre sèlsiyis or degre santigrad
Fahrenheitdegre farennayt


In Haiti it is usually 85 or 90 degree F, but here it is only 35 degrees.
Dabitid, an Ayiti li fè 85 oubyen 90 degre Farennayt, men isit la li fè sèlman 35 degre.


In Haiti it is usually 29 or 32 degree Celsius, but here it is only 2 degrees.
Dabitid, an Ayiti li fè 29 oubyen 32 degre santigrad, men isit la li fè sèlman 2 degre santigrad.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words


How can I say: I will help you with anything you need. There are several ways to say "anything" right?

Yes, but in your sentence you can translate anything as nenpòt sa, nenpòt kisa, or nenpòt bagay
I will help you with anything you need.
Mwen va ede'w avèk nenpòt sa ou bezwen.
or
M'ap ede'w ak nenpòt sa ou bezwen.

Is this pretty much the translation you had? 
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Do you know the lyrics to children's song Passez pa la fenetre


Do you know this song
"passer par la fenêtre (bis),
comment tu peux deja?"

I would like to teach it to my kid, but I can't recall the lyric.
Thanks for helping.
ReplyDelete
Replies

  1. Passez par la fenêtre (3 fwa)
    Comment tu peux dejà.

    Allons Allons, on va danser (3 fwa)
    Comment tu peux dejà.

    Debout debout chers enfants (3 fwa)
    Comment tu peux dej♪.

    Bayo bayo palaso! (3 fwa)
    Comment tu peux dejà

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

How would you say, "I would like to share an encouraging thought from the Bible with you?"

Mwen ta renmen pataje avèk ou yon pawòl ankourajan ki soti nan labib la.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

mwen gen pou'm deplase. Men se pa kounye'a. What is GEN POU?

gen pou, gen entansyon, planifye, konte  indicates future tense here.

example:
Mwen gen pou deplase, men se pa kounye a.
Mwen gen entansyon deplase, men se pa kounye a
Mwen planifye pou m deplase, men se pa kounye a
Mwen konte deplase, men se pa kounye a
I plan to go out, but not now
I will go out, but not now

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

on your Property?

Sounds like a physical property like your own residence.  Is that what it is?

...on your property?
...sou teren'w lan?
...sou bitasyon'w lan?
...sou tè'w la?

You know, I could've nailed this if you had given me more info :)
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Is this kreyole anything like swahili? How long does it take to learn kreyole? Where can I find some classes?

#1. I do not speak Swahili so I couldn't answer that.  I'm not even sure you can compare these two languages.  And I am sensing that you may be talking about another type of  "creole" (other than Haitian Creole?).  Are you planning a trip to St Lucia, Haiti, Martinique, or ...Seychelles?  There are some differences in the creole spoken in these places and others.

#2. That I know of, English, Spanish, French, and Italian speakers pick up the Haitian Creole language really quickly.  You bat your eyes and they're already speaking like natives :)  I do not know about other nationalities because I haven't come in contact with them.  But I'm sure they would learn quickly as well.  I imagine the effort you put into learning a language would dictate how long it takes for you to learn it.  But even after you've become fluent in a language, you will be a student of that language for a lifetime.  I am a lifetime student of H. Creole, French, and English; and an active student of the Spanish language.

#3.  Depending on which creole you want to learn, start looking online for classes offered at colleges, universities, community centers, churches, etc....  You should be able to find Haitian Creole classes you can attend in person in places with high population of Haitians (Florida, New York, Mass., Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, New Jersey, Conn.... Haiti, Canada, France.... there are many locations!)   And if you can't find a class in your neighborhood, you can have a similar experience with online classes offered via Skype.  Just start your search online and find the right class for you.
Bòn chans!
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Here's a question for you dear. the Haitian proverb "bwe dlo nan ve respekte ve", now I know what it says in English but I need to know what it's referring to. Th

Bwè dlo, respekte vè is what I usually hear.  People say it as a warning.  It basically means Be cautious of people you're dealing with.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

What is poison kraze nan bouyon in English?

Do you mean pwason kraze nan bouyon?
FYI:  French's POISON translates POISON and French's POISSON translates FISH
Haitian Creole PWASON (from French's POISSON) means FISH

Pwason kraze nan bouyon is an expression said of people who do everything together, they are very similar in the way they think, act, etc... In English you say two peas in a pod or is it two of a kind?

Pwason kraze nan bouyon lit. fish grounded in soup, fish soup

Think about it: The fish is so grounded into the soup that it disappeared.  You can't differentiate between the two.
Example of sentences you will hear in Creole:
-De moun sa yo se pwason kraze nan bouyon - These two people are inseparable.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

What is the Creole term for underage? thanks!

"De je kontre manti kaba"

Sa se laverite!

De je kontre manti kaba - (lit. two eyes meet, the lie is put to an end) - When you are caught, you can't lie anymore
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Monday, September 17, 2012

What is the name of the c'est la vie song?

kouman m ka di "I shouldn't" kom "I shouldn't have done that" mesi anpil

I shouldn't ... 
Mwen pa ta dwe (non contracted)
M pa't dwe (contracted)

I shouldn't have done that.
M pa't dwe fè sa
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

How do you say back?

back n. (your backside in between your shoulders) → do
ex:
My back hurts.
Do'm ap fè'm mal.

back n. (rear) → dèyè, dèyè do
ex:
in the back of the house.
dèyè do kay la.

back adv. (behind) → dèyè
ex:
They left him behind.
Yo te kite'l dèyè.

backwards adv. → devandèyè
ex:
He was walking backwards.
Li t'ap mache devandèyè
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Mandaly, kilès ou pa ka viv san li: lapè nan tèt oubyen lapè nan vant?

O O!  Lè mwen te fèk wè kesyon sa, mwen panse li te fasil.  Men apre anpil kalkil, mwen wè li difisil.
 Mwen panse mwen bezwen toulede pou'm viv.
Si'm pa gen lapè nan vant mwen, se gwo tèt chaje. Grangou va touye'm.
Si'm pa gen lapè nan tèt mwen, se pi gwo tèt chaje. Chagren va touye'm.

To live without either one would be tough for me. But if I had to choose I think I'll chose to live with lapè nan tèt (peace of mind, and tranquility).

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

How would you say: "work hard" "I feel so much better now"

work hard →  travay di, fè kòve, and also bourike
example:
I'm working hard.
M'ap travay di.
M'ap fè kòve.
or
M'ap bourike.

I feel so much better now.
Mwen miyò kounye a.
Mwen fè mye kounye a.

I have recovered (from an illness)
Mwen gaya.
Mwen refè.


Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

travay rete travay, pa dwe gen moun pa nan kesyon travay.

Is this a slogan?
Is this the whole sentence?
Is there the word "ki" after the word "moun"?

Travay, rete travay. Pa dwe gen moun ki pa nan kesyon travay....?
Work, keep working.  Everyone should work.

That's how I'm reading this..
Anybody see this differently?  Thanks.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

elus ...?

Did you see this in a Creole sentence? or French?
As a noun this could mean the redeemed, the chosen ones
As a adjective this could mean chosen or elected
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Just checking here, in "Projè a tonbe nan dlo", TONBE NAN DLO in this sentence means that the project did not materialize?

It's kind of sad that I have to ask an English question on the Kreyol site, but what is the difference between an intransitive and transitive verb?

It's not sad.  It's a little funny :)
I can tell you what I know about transitive and intransitive verbs.  How about that?

transitive verbs are action verbs that must have a direct object.
example:
I read a book. (read is action verb; a book is direct object)
He drinks beer. (drinks is action verb; beer is direct object)

intransitive verbs are action verbs that are expressed without a direct object.
example:
He frowned.
She died.

It's helpful to know which H. Creole verbs are used as transitive or intransitive verbs.
Some verbs in H. Creole can be used as both
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

How would you say for your own good, as in "it's for your own good"?

I am understanding this as something like 'It's for your well-being.' Right?
We usually say: For your own goodpou byen w
and sometimes we'd also say: pou avantaj ou, or pou benefis ou

It's for your own good.
Se pou byen'w.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Is there another way to say ELDERLY other than GRANMOUN?

Yes. You can say pèsonaj, vyeya, or yon moun aje.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Saturday, September 15, 2012

I am looking for examples of idioms in Creole. Phrases that when translated literally would not be understood very well. For example in English one can say, "I have a bone to pick" which has nothing to do with picking bones, but about confronting someon

I can think of a few.  Here they are:

1.
gate san (used as a transitive verb)
literally: spoil blood
meaning: upset
Ou ap gate san'm.
You're upsetting me.

2.
Sou de chèz (used as adverb)
Literally:  on two chairs
meaning: thoroughly, in depth, in great details, quickly
M'ap ba ou li sou de chèz.
I'll give it to you in great details.

3.
Chape poul (used as verb)
Literally: to escape one's chicken
meaning: to escape, to run away, to flee
Li te chape poul li.
He ran away.

4.
al bwa chat ( used as inrtansitive verb)
Literally: go wood cat
Meaning: to die.
L'al bwa chat. or (l'al bwachat)
He died.

5.
Ale nan peyi san chapo (used as intransitive verb)
Literally: go in country without hat
meaning: to die.
Li ale nan peyi san chapo.
He died.

6.
achte figi (used as transitive verb)
Literally: to buy one's face
meaning: to flatter someone
Mwen p'ap achte figi'w.
I will not flatter you.

7.
met dlo nan diven (used as verb)
Literally: put water in wine
Meaning: calm down, simmer down, relax
Si'w pa met dlo nan diven'w, wa di bagay ou pa dwe di.
If you don't calm down, you'll say things you're not supposed to say.

8.
pran nan twa wa (used as intransitive verb)
literally: take in three kings
meaning: to be in trouble, to be stuck, to be in a jam
Mwen pran nan twa wa.
I'm in a jam.

9.
pran fil (used as intransitive verb)
literally: take thread 
meaning: to succeed, to become popular, to flourish
Biznis li a pran fil.
Her business is flourishing.

10.
rache zèb anba pye (used as transitive verb) 
literally: cut grass under someone's feet
meaning: prevent someone from succeeding
Fè atansyon ak Fito, se zèb l'ap koupe anba pye'w.
Be careful of Fito, he's trying to make you fail.

11.
tet nèg (used as adjective)
literally: head of man
meaning: expensive
Mont sa koute tèt nèg.
This watch is expensive.

12.
Bat laponyèt (used as intransitive verb)
literally: beat arm (wrist)
meaning: masturbate
Gason kanson pa bat laponyèt.
Real man don't masturbate. (this is just a sentence example)

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Se pa fot mwen...?

Se pa fòt mwen.
It's not my fault.

1 comment:

  1. How would you say "whose fault is it?". Is it "ki fault se ye?"

    Whose fault is it?
    Fòt kilès li ye?
    or
    Fòt ki moun li ye?


Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

koman ou kapab interest mwen nan kontinye pou aprann creole? Eske ou kapab ede mwen to continue aprann?

Li sanble w'ap mande'm pou nouri anbisyon ou pou aprann lang Kreyòl la....eske se sa?
Si se sa, Adye Bondye o!, chay sa ta twò lou pou'm pote.  Mwen pa gen tout pouvwa sa.
Kèlkeswa rezon ki te fè'w koumanse a, se li ki pou fè'w kontinye.
Anplis, ou p'ap janm kapab aprann pale yon lang etranje pou kont ou.  Si ou pa gen zanmi ki pou ede'w pratike lang nan, yon klas ki gen elèv menm jan avè'w ki pou ankouraje'w, ak yon pwofesè ki pou gide'w, ou va tonbe dekouraje lè materyèl w'ap aprann yo koumanse vin difisil. Mwen swete'w anpil ankourajman zanmi.  Kenbe la, pa lage.
Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Dante said in his monumental work "Non ti curar di lor ma guarda e passa" which vle di in english "Let us not speak of them, but look, and pass." or "Don't care about them, just look and go on." how to say it in kreyol

"Let us not speak of them, but look and pass"
"An nou pa pale osijè yo, men gade e pase."

"Don't care about them, just look and go on."

"Pa okipe yo, sèlman gade e kontinye."


Marco Pellitteri has left a new comment on your post "Dante said in his monumental work "Non ti curar di...": 

The correct verse is “Non ragioniam di lor, ma guarda e passa”, that is, “let us not reflect about them, but watch and move on”. Inferno, Canto III.
I suppose you have now the chance to update and correct this post... :-)
Marco from Italy 

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What is the Haitian term for a baby sitter?

Friday, September 14, 2012

Is that so?

Ke'm

Ti cheri a,
KE'M, san kontèks, ka vle di anpil bagay.
Si ou te ban mwen fraz kote li soti a, petèt mwen ta genyen yon lide sou sa li vle di egzateman.  Mèsi wi!
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