Haitian Creole

se plezi tet poze...can you translate this for me please

Translation:

It's pure pleasure.
Its pure fun.
It's pleasure without worry.

plezi tèt poze → pure pleasure, pure fun, no worries

plezi tèt kale → ulimited fun, unrestricted fun

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you're right?

You're right! → Ou gen rezon!

Am I right? → Eske m gen rezon?

Is that right? → Eske se sa?

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about what girl you are talking?

Translation:

De ki ti fi wap pale a?

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Pumpkin soup (also called Soup Joumou)

Pumpkin Soup
Soup Joumou

Ingredients:
1 lb lean beef for stew, or beef chunks
1 cut-up limes
A mixture of chopped green onions, garlic, parsley, and salt
2 packets of frozen cooked squash
1 lb. of baby potatoes
1 packet of Chinese cabbage, or bok choy (chopped)
1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
3 medium carrots (cut-up)
6 small radishes
2 large turnips
1/2 cup of chopped celery
minced shallots

Preparation:

Trim off any excess fat from the meat. Rub the cut-up limes on the meat and let it marinate for a few minutes. Rinse off the marinade with warm water. Bring the meat to a saucepan. Season the meat with the mixture of chopped green onions, garlic, parsley and salt. Add four cups of water and cook until tender.

In a hot large saucepan, add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Sautee the shallots and the tender meat until browned. Add four cups of water, baby potatoes, carrots, squash, celery, turnips, radishes and Chinese cabbage. Bring to a boil. The soup is ready when the vegetables are tender. Throw in a hot pepper if you can tolerate it. Salt to taste.

i am here

I am here. - Mwen la.

I am here ( as in "I have arrived") - Mwen rive.

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I know "Monte" but I see sometimes "Moute". Does it mean the same.

Yes, it does.

monte, moute → go up, bring up

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ki kote ou rete

Translation:

Where do you live?

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logo

Logo - senbòl, anblèm, mak, idantifikasyon

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what does pou ki sa' cheri mean in englsih

Poukisa → why?

Poukisa cheri - Why, sweetie? Why, honey? or Honey, why?

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i know,,,

Translation: Mwen konnen...

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how do you do this

How do you do this?

Kijan ou fè sa? or

Kouman ou fè sa?

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Gade yon creature. Tout gloire pou Bon Dye.

Translation:

Look at this wonderful being! All glory to God!

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Sak pase konsa a, apam pa ka palavew sou

Sa kap pase konsa a? → What's going on now?
Apa m paka pale avè w? → Now I can't talk to you, huh?!

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how do you say "my love"

my love → lanmou mwen

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how do you say sexy in creole

sexy → seksi, anfòm, anpenpan

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Nigeria, pa ale a rout la! Congratulation!

Do you mean?
Nigeria, pa ale nan wout sa! - Nigeria, don't take this road.

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SE PA MAL TE LA SA! HANDLING!

More infor needed to translate this one. Is it part Creole, part English?

Se pa mal - It's not bad.

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TI MOUN OU YE! MAL TE POU YE! mESI!

Ti moun ou ye. - You are a child.
Malte pou ye. - (This sentence may have a different meaning, but it sounds like : "You cannot be any good", "You cannot be any better")

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what does "ma chere" mean in Hatian

ma chère → is French for "my sweetie", "my darling', "my dear"

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KIYES? KI gAZMAN NAN?

Kiyès ki gazman nan? - who is this "gazman"?

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mY EXCELLENCE...

Sonn ekselans

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handling....

handling - regleTo handle → regle, okipe, tcheke
I'm handling this. - Map regle sa.

Are you handling this? → Eske wap regle sa?

I want you to handle this. → M vle pou ou okipe sa.

And handle as in "hold" or "handle a baby" is kenbe.

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thank you my friend

Cool.

Thank you my friend - Mèsi zanmi m.

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ball headed

Ball headed - tèt chòv, tèt kale

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go to sleep

Go to sleep.

Al dòmi

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Ask gen la pitit

sa k gen la pitit? - What's going on child?

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Why are you putting me thru so much

Translation:

Poukisa wap fè m pase tray konsa?

Poukisa wap fè m pase mizè konsa?

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Using the Haitian Creole verb "fini"

Download link for this audio:
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To listen to this audio, click the play button and follow along :)

Bonswa mezanmi!
Hello my friends!

Fini → depleted, drained, get done, to wrap up, to conclude

1. Klas la ap fini a 8:00 è.
   The class will wrap up at 8:00 o'clock.

2. Fim nan fini. An ale lakay nou.
    The movie is over. Let's go home.

3. Eske ou fini?
    Are you done?

4. Kilè wap fini?
    When will you be done?

5. Manje a fini.
    There's no more food.

Fini → fin (when used as an auxillary), it is placed before a verb to indicate that one is done with a task.

6. M fin manje.
    I'm done eating.

7. Rele m lè ou fin etidye.
    Call me when you're done studying.

8. Eske ou fin pale?
    Are you done talking?

Sometimes, "fin" may indicate the perfect tense.

9. Ou fin pran tout sa m genyen.
    You have taken all I have.

10. Ou fin kraze kay la.
      You have destroyed the house.

11. M fin ba ou tout sa m genyen.
      I have given you all that I possess.

Se tout, mèsi e orevwa!
That's all, thank you, and goodbye!

Track: Poukisa w pa Pale Manman by Manno Charlemagne

dim voyel

Di m (di mwen) - tell me

voye l (voye li) - send it

Di m voye l - tell me to send it.
(I don't know what the context is, I hope this makes sense to you.)

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how to say talken to you

Talk → pale or koze
talk to you → pale avè w.

I'm talking to you.
Map pale avè w.

I can't talk to you right now.
M paka pale avè w pou le moman.

I'd like to talk to you .
M ta renmen pale avè w.

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genyen

genyen or gen → to have

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mwen vle'w mwen pou mwen suel

Correct way to say it:

Mwen vle ou pou mwen sèl.

I want you all to myself.

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I've heard of a Haitian proverb, "Little by little a bird builds its nest." I've seen the word for bird as "wazo" within it. Why is it wazo as opposed to swazo? Thanks!

Actually the correct Haitian Creole word is "zwazo".
It is derived from the french word "Oiseau", which is pronounced "wazo".
So, literally, "wazo" is also correct.

The proverb goes:

Little by little a birds builds its nest.

Piti piti zwazo fè nich li.

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I would like to say that you are truley a blessing to people like me who really want to learn creole. My son father is haitian and he doesnt have the patience to teach me. Your blog is truley ammazing and please never give up on it, cause you are really h

Thanks!

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Dear, This is not really a questions. I was looking for a website where I can learn Creole to accomplish a volunteer work and I found your blog. This site is helping me a lot and I can't help it but thank you for the hard work you put into making this!!!

I appreciate that you've taken the time to write me a "thank you" note. I'm glad you've found this site helpful. You are welcome, and keep on learning!☺

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where can i find children's books written in Creole?

EDUCAVISION: http://www.educavision.com/
and also
Libreri mapou: http://www.librerimapou.com/
You will find tons of Creole children's book at either places.

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how to write fruit in haitian creole

fruit - fwi

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mwen manje tout

Mwen manje tout - I ate it all.

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how do u say i miss u

I miss you. - Mwen sonje w.

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Are you looking for a job?

Are you looking for a job?

Eske wap chache yon travay?

Do you need a job?

Eske ou bezwen yon travay?

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how do you say my haitian heart

My Haitian heart

Kè Ayisyen mwen an

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mwen la

mwen la. - I'm here. or I'm there.

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fellowship

Fellowship (n.) - fratènite, kominyon, rasanbleman

Fellowship (v.) - rasanble

We will fellowship together - Nou pral rasanble ansanm. or Nou pral fè yon sèl fratènite.

"Fellowship in Christ" - kominyon

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Jézu, mwen renmen ou, Se ou ki Sovè-m

Jezi, mwen renmen w. Se ou ki sovè m.

Jesus, I love you. You are my savior.

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hour

hour - è
1:00 - inè
2:00 - dezè
3:00 - twazè

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YOUR 'RE TOO EAGER

You're too eager. - Ou twò enterese. Ou twò prese. Ou twò cho.

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Madaly, I need your help...please, di m si ou konnen where to find Met lanwouze, but written in kreyol? please, give me a hint...thanks in advance

Can you please provide more info about your request? Are you looking for a particular book? Please advise.

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ti gason mari ou

stepson - bofis

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how do u say working

working - ap travay
I am working. - Map travay.
The men are working. - Mesye yo ap travay.

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how to say what about you

What about you? - E ou menm?

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you're to eager!

You're too eager. - Ou twò enterese. Ou twò prese. Ou twò cho.

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"Kijan de moun li ye"?

Kijan de moun li ye? - What kind of person is he/she?
(asks about the character of a person)

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word MEANwhat is the meaning of this?what this means?does that mean....?

mean, meaning - siyifikasyon

What is the significance of this? - Ki siyifikasyon sa genyen?

Another way to say, What does this mean? - Kisa sa vle di?

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Mr.

Mr. or Mister - mesye

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Thank you,,,

Thank you - Mèsi

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how you say name and last name in creol

name - non
first name - prenon
last name - siyati

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how you said mail box

mailbox - bwat postal, bwat lapos

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What type of food do you like? (Ask Haitian Creole questions with "what type of...?")

What type of ...? - Ki kalite...?, or  Kijan de...?

1. What type of food do you like?
     Ki kalite manje ou renmen?

2. What type of drinks do you have?
     Ki kalite bweson ou genyen?

3. What type of doctor are you?
     Kijan de doktè ou ye?

4. What type of musical instrument do you play?
     Ki kalite instriman ou jwe?

5. What type of music do you like?
     Ki kalite mizik ou renmen?

6. What type of person is he?
     Kijan de moun li ye?

"mezan mi!"

Mezanmi is an expression used to show suprise. It is used in the same way you would say, "Oh my goodness"! or "Oh my God!" when you are suprised.

Literally, it means my friends.Ask me anything

to worry, as in "i'm worried about you".

worry - enkyete, trakase

I'm worried about you. - Mwen enkyete pou ou.

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how to say: move from aroun here

Move from around here. - Soti la.

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thank you

Thank you - Mèsi

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Translate: Nap Travay pou nou bay Ayiti Jaret

Bay jaret is an expression that means to help or to support.

Nap travay pou nou bay Ayiti jaret. - We are working to support Haiti.

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I'll always love you

Map toujou damou pou ou.

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how do you say mister

mister - mesye

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youth Summer Camp!

Youth Summer Camp - Kan ete pou jenn yo

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Translate: I am happy to here. I'm pleased to meet all of you.

I am happy to be here. - Mwen kontan pou m la.
I'm pleased to meet all of you. - Mwen kontan rekonet nou tout.

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How do you "start" as in "start a car"? Thank you!

start - stat, derape
Start the car. - Stat machin la.

other words for car - vwati, oto

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mwen gen problem

Mwen gen problem. - I have problems.
Mwen gen yon problem. - I have a problem.

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i admire you

Mwen admire ou.

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With "more", Shouls I use "plis" or "pi". As in the sentence, 'This chair is more expensive."

This chair is more expensive. - Chèz sa pi chè.

There are more chairs in this room. - Chanm sa plis chèz. or Gen plis chèz nan chanm sa.

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What soes Renmen Bondye, men Moun, Renmen Lavi mean

renmen Bondye - love God
men moun - but people
renmen lavi - love life

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what is Creole word for ex-boyfriend, ex-husband?

ex boyfriend - ansyen menaj
ex girlfriend - ansyen menaj
ex husband - ansyen mari

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Love your blog! it's helped me to understand a lot about this language. In the sentence -bring me the large rusty spoon- which adj. (large or rusty) comes before the noun, and which one follows it?

large rusty spoon - gwo kiyè wouye a

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"I thought about it today." I would like to use another word for 'thought' other than 'pense'. It starts with 'r'. Can you help me with this? I appreciate it.

Another word you can use for thought is reflechi. It means to reflect upon.

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Like (similar, compatible, equal to, resembling) → tankou

Haitian Creole word for 'like' (as in similar to, compatible with, equal to, resembling) is:
tankou → the same as
menm → same
menm jan ak → the same as
sanble ak →resemble like
kòm si → as if

1. You look like your dad.
     Ou sanble ak papa w.

2. She walks like a duck.
     Li mache tankou yon kanna. or
     Li mache menm jan ak yon kanna.

3. You look like Beyoncé
     Ou sanble ak Beyoncé.

4. You talk as if you there.
     Ou pale kòm si w te la.

5. It was a day like today.
     Se te yon jou tankou jodi a.

6. Like a rock, I'll be strong.
    Tankou yon wòch, ma kenbe fò. or
    Menm jan ak yon wòch, ma kenbe fò.

7. She follows him around like a little puppy.
     Li mache dèyè l tankou yon ti toutous.

you know what its your lost not mine

You know what? It's your lost. Not mine. - Ou konnen you bagay? Se ou kap pedi. Pa mwen menm.

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You're going the wrong way "I knew that"

You're going the wrong way. - Ou ale nan yon move direksyon. or Ou fè yon move direksyon.
I knew that. - Mwen te konnen sa.

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I want to say "I'm proud of you" IS fye the positive/correct form of "proud" ?

Yes.

proud → fyè, kontan ak

pride → fyète

I'm proud of you. - Mwen fyè de ou.

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new years

New Years Day - Joudlan

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what's the word for water?

water - dlo

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What's the difference between "applying makeup" and "applying for a job"? is it same translation for word "apply"?

To apply (to ask, to request) → aplike pou, fè demand pou
Example
1. apply for a visa card. - fè demand pou yon kat visa.
2. apply for a job. - aplike pou yon travay
3. apply for a social security card. - fè demand pou yon kat social
4. apply for a passport. - fè demand pou yon passpò

To apply (adminster, cover, put on, spread on) → mete
Example:
1. apply make-up on your face- mete makiyaj nan figi w.
2. apply the ointment on the wound - mete pomad la sou blesi a.
3. apply a bandaid on it. - mete yon panseman sou li.
4. apply a dressing on it. - mete yon bandaj sou li.
5. apply a condom for safety. - mete yon kapòt pou pwoteksyon.

I hit a wall today trying to translate this sentence, "He gave us this free gift so that we may be free." I'm having trouble translate the word "free". Should I translate it as 'gratis'?

free (at no cost) - gratis
free (as in freedom) - lib

He gave us this free gift so that we may be free. - Li ba nou kado gratis sa pou nou kapab lib.

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how to say you are very special in creole

You are very special. - Ou trè espesyal.

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There we go! yo va is contracted to "ya"...There you're going the wrong way..no..

You are correct. The future tense yo va can be contracted to ya.
This is the same for:
mwen va - ma
ou va - wa
li va - la
nou va - na

Examples:

Yo va chita ansanm or Ya chita ansanm. - They will sit together.
Mwen va rele ou or Ma rele ou. - I will call you.
Ou va pran bon nòt or Wa pran bon nòt. - You will take good notes.
Li va kwit diri a or La kwit diri a. - He will/She will cook the rice.
Nou va pale demen or Na pale demen. - We will talk tomorrow.

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SAC PASI

Sak Pase? - What's happening? What's going on? What's up?

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I want to know where haitian come from

A Brief History of Haiti

Haitians come from an island in the Caribbean called Haiti. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. The island of Hispaniola was discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus who promptly claimed the island for Spain. When Columbus arrived, he found the island to be occupied by the Taínos who were the original natives of the land but eventually became extinct due in large part to old world diseases for which they were not immune to.

The Spaniards colonized the island but later ceded the western third of the island to the French after French pirates repeatedly challenged them for the land. Piracy gradually decreased and with the encouragement of Louis XIV, many of the French became planters. They began growing tobacco, indigo, cotton, and cacao on the fertile northern plain, thus prompting the importation of African slaves. The slaves were brought to work the sugarcane and coffee plantations but in 1791, the slave population--led by Toussaint L'Ouverture, Jean Jacques Dessalines, and Henri Christophe--revolted and gained control of the northern part of Haiti (then called Saint-Domingue).

In 1804, local forces defeated an army deployed by Napoleon Bonaparte, established independence from France, and renamed the area Haiti.

Haiti is the world's oldest black republic and the second-oldest republic after the United States in the Western Hemisphere. Before Haiti's January 2010, earthquake Haiti's population was estimated at over 9 million people. Over two-thirds of Haiti's inhabitants live in rural areas. Port-au-Prince, the capital, has a population of well over 1 million. Almost all Haitians are descendants of the 500,000 enslaved West Africans who won their freedom from France 1804.

There are more than 800,000 Haitians living in the United States, with about 75 percent of them residing either in New York or Florida. Miami's "Little Haiti" is now an established community.

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fe ke

fè kè - to make the heart feel something
Ou fè kè m kontan. - You make me happy (literally - You make my heart happy).

fè kè - also an idiom for heart condition
Papa m fè kè. - My father has a heart condition.

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there will be water in the watering hole

There will be water in the watering hole. - Gen dlo nan sous la.

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ou fe ke mwen kantan anpil wi

Ou fè kè mwen kontan anpil wi - You make me very happy.

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teacher

teacher - pwofesè, mèt

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behind

behind - dèyè

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Using "va" instead of "pral" in the Haitian Creole future tense

va → to be going to

"pral" is used to indicate the future tense in Creole.
"va" is also used to indicate the future tense in Creole.
Example:
Mwen va pale avè li. - I will talk to her.
Ou va wè li demen. - You will see him tomorrow.
Nou va wè demen. - We will see you tomorrow.

Contractions of subject pronouns and "va"
Sometimes you will encounter the contracted form a subject pronoun and "va".

Mwen va is contracted to ma, m'a

ou va is contracted to wa, w'a
li va is contracted to la, l'a
nou va is contracted to na, n'a
yo va is contracted to ya, y'a

Example:
Mwen va kontan wè w. or
M'a kontan wè w.
I will be happy to see you.

Nou va wè pita. or
N'a wè pita.
We will see each other later.

You jou, nou va konprann pouki. or
Yon jou, n'a konprann pouki.
One day, we'll understand why

Si ou etidye, ou va pase egzamen an. or
Si ou etidye, w'a pase egzamen an.
If you study, you will pass the exam.

Kilè mwen va wè w? or
Kilè m'a wè w.
When will I see you?

i still love you

Mwen toujou damou pou ou.

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what does pwouche mean in creole

Do you mean
pwoch - near, close, not far or
pwochen - fellow person, next person

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I'm looking to say, "We inherited the sinful ways of our fathers."

We inherited the sinful ways of our fathers. - Nou eritye nati peche ansyen paran no yo.

(Literally... We inherited the sin nature of our forefathers.)

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Hi, in 'I am at home.' how do you translate 'at'?

Use "kay/lakay" in places where you would use "at" for directions and locations.

1. I am at home. - Mwen lakay mwen.

2. I am at my friends house. - Mwen kay zanmi m. or Mwen lakay zanmi m.
3. I'm at my mom's - Mwen kay manman m.

For a lesson on using the Prepositions at, to, on, and in, see Lessons and excersises on the following subjects on the right hand side of the screen. Scroll down and click on Preposition "to"
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Does the word 'tonbe' translate both tripping and falling?

Yes. You can use the word tonbe for tripping or falling.

Bite is also another word that can be used for tripping.

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translate: I'm not sleepy. Thanks!

I'm not sleepy.

Dòmi pa nan zye m or

Dòmi pa nan je m.
Mwen pa gen somèy.
Mwen pa gen dòmi.

I'm sleepy.

Dòmi nan je m. or

Dòmi nan zye m.

Mwen gen somèy.

Mwen gen dòmi.

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do you have a recipe for riz a djon djon

Check out Lessons and Excercises on the following subjects on the right side of the screen. Click on Cooking Recipes and see Rice with Lima Bean and Black Mushrooms. Enjoy!

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Place-as in a certain place.

Place - kote
A place - yon kote

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jounen jodi a

jounen jodi a - today, on this day

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What is poto meetan? is it an expression?

Poto Mitan - literally it means central pillar

As an expression it means the corner stone, back bone, rock, or strength.

You are the rock of this family. - Ou se poto mitan fanmi a.

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How to sspell congratulations on a job well done

Congratuations - Felisitasyon, kompliman, chapo ba (hats off)

Congratulations on a job well done.

Kompliman pou yon bon travay.

Congratulations!
Felisitasyon!

Hats off to you.

Chapo ba pou ou.

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Head lice

head lice - pou

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Fourth of July is Independence Day in the US.

Yes. The Fourth of July is a federal holiday in the United States which celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The United states declaried it's independence from Great Britain.

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Other than in Port-au-Prince, is there another airport in Haiti to land a private airplane?

There are about 10 airports in Haiti. Among others, you can land a private plane at the airports in Cap-Haitien and Jeremie. Of course you would have to contact them to inquire about their regulations.

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What's the difference between chache and cheche?

cheche - to look for, search, to seek
Cheche is from the french word chercher which also means to search.
It is correctly pronounced cheche, but some people pronounce it chache.

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What is the best way to say what are you waiting for?

What are you waiting for? - Kisa wap tann?

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cartoon characters

Cartoon characters - desen anime

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Is Kate Middleton hot or what?

The Duchess of Cambridge is very elegant. She needs to lose the hats though.

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for you

for you - pou ou
It's for you - se pou ou.
This is for you - Sa se pou ou.

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mwen gwen question pou ou. le ou di nimew kat (4), poukisa you di 'katran' instead of 'katan'? Where does the 'tr' come from? What don't you do the same for the other numbers?

The literal translation of katran is four (4) years.

The "tr" comes from the french word for four (4) which is quatre.

In french, four (4) years is quatre ans.

It's actually pronounced katran.

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Hello Mandaly, how would you ask a question with 'how fast' as in 'how fast were you driving?"

How fast - a ki vitès
How fast were you driving? - A ki vitès ou tap kondwi?

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Asking questions - What kind of music do you like?

Download link for this audio clip:
http://limanecasimi.audioacrobat.com/download/a493cb8a-c960-d972-9720-6a6d14044cc6.mp3

To listen to audio clip now, click on the play button and follow along :)

Bonjou tout moun!
Hello everyone!

Kijan nou ye?
How are you?

What kind of ...? → Ki kalite ...?
What kind of...? → Kijan de ...?

1. Ki kalite machin ou genyen?
    M gen yon Jeep.
    What kind of car do you have?
    I have a Jeep.

2. Ki kalite chyen ou genyen?
     M gen yon Bèje Alman
    What kind of dog do you have?
    I have a German Shepherd.

3. Ki kalite mizik ou renmen?
     M renmen Zouk ak Soka.
     What kind of music do like?
     I like Zouk and Soca.

4. Ki kalite gouvènman Ayiti genyen?
     Ayiti genyen yon gouvènman demokratik.
     What kind of government does Haiti have?
     Haiti has a democratic government.

5. Ki kalite travay wap chache?
     Mwen ta renmen travay kòm pwofesè.
     What kind of job are you looking for?
     I would love to work as a teacher.

6. Ki kalite liv wap li kounye a?
     Kounye a, map li yon woman.
     What kind of book are you reading now?
     Now, I'm reading a romantic novel.

7. Ki kalite manje ou renmen?
     Mwen renmen manje Meksiken.
     What kind of food do you like.
     I like Mexican food.

8. Ki jan de pye bwa sa ye?
     Sa se yon pye mango.
     What kind of tree is this?
     This is a mango tree.

9. Ki kalite bweson ou renmen?
     M renmen ji natirèl.
     What kind of drinks do you like?
     I like natural juices.

Enben, se tout, mèsi e orevwa!
Well, that's all, thank you and goodbye!

Track: Frape Tanbou by Toto Laraque

how do u write are you sleeping in creole?

Are you sleeping? - Eske wap dòmi?

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omc ti

"omc" is not a Haitian Creole word. Did you mean "yon ti"?

yon ti - a little

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where have you been?

Ki kote ou te ye?

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thank you..

Thank you - mèsi
You're welcome - padekwa, pa fatige w, or deryen

See more Haitian Creole greeting at the following link:
http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2011/06/25-useful-introductory-haitian-creole.html

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working on my creole

Are you working on your Creole? Wonderful!

Working on my Creole - Map travay sou Kreyòl mwen.

I'm working on my Creole. - Mape poli kreyòl mwen.

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men's shirts

Men's shirts are called - Chemizif you want, you could also say "chemiz pou gason".

men's shoes - soulye pou gason
men's shirts - chemiz pou gason
men's pants - pantalon pou gason
men's undershirt - chemizèt
men's underwear - kalson, kanson, slip
men's socks - chosèt pou gason

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good bye

Good bye. - Orevwa.

See more introductory Haitian Creole Phrases at the following link:
http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2011/06/25-useful-introductory-haitian-creole.html

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how are you

How are you? - Kijan ou ye?

We're doing good. - Nou la. or Nou byen.

We're not too bad. - Nou pa pi mal.

We're holding strong. - Nap boule.

Check more Introductory Haitian Creole phrases at the following link:
http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2011/06/25-useful-introductory-haitian-creole.html

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In "Start the car." How do you translate 'start'? Most Haitians I ask, translate it as "estat" Is this right?

Start - derape, demare

Start the car - derape machin nan
Start the car. - Demare machin nan.

Wap fe sexy cheria bagay male translate

Wap fè sexy cheri a. - You're looking sexy, sweetie.
bagay male - (incomprehensible, check spelling)

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how to say "My Big Daddy"

Well, it depends on who's the "big daddy".

Big Daddy (as in hotshot, mogul, moneyman) → gwo palto, zotobre, gwo chabrak, bigchòt.
Big Daddy (as in your little "pooh bear") → papi, nèg, nonm, boulpik

My Big Daddy → nèg mwen, nonm mwen, ti papi m, boulpik mwen

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a bounce check...

a bounce check - yon move chèk, or yon chèk san pwovizyon

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Yes! se sa...

Wi, se sa! - Yes, that's it!

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se pa li; a knock on the door..

Se pa li. - That's not it.

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plaintains

plantains - bannann

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does

"does" does not translate in Creole.

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And i though they'll be serious there for a minute,,,

M te panse se yon bagay serye yo tap regle.

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What is thank you?

Thank you - mèsi

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sake pase mi cheri

Sa ki pase cheri mwen - What's up, my love?

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What were they doing? describe them...give details...

Kisa yo tap fè? Dekri yo... Ban m plis detay...

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I see three guys in the middle of the street.

guys - mesye, nèg, gason, jenòm, nonm

I see three guys in the middle of the street.
Mwen wè twa nèg nan mitan lari a.

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what does "bay" mean

You mean Haitian Creole word "bay"?

bay → to give

You will see the Haitian creole word "bay"written three different ways:
Bay, ba, & ban

"ban" comes before Haitian Creole pronouns "mwen" "m" "nou" & "n".
Example:
Li ban mwen yon liv. - He gives me a book.
Li ban m yon liv. - He gives me a book.
Li ban nou yon liv. - He gives us a book.
Li ban n yon liv. - He gives us a book.

"ba" comes almost exclusively before Haitian Creole pronouns "ou" "li" "yo".
Example:
Mwen ba ou yon liv. - I give you a book.
Mwen ba li yon liv. - I give her a book.
Mwen ba yo yon liv. - I give them a book.

Then,
You may use "ba" or "bay" most anywhere else.
Jezi bay lavi. - Jesus gives life.
Bay Joel liv la. - Give the book to Joel.
Revanj bay satisfaksyon - Revenge gives (brings) gratification
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how do u say give me a few minutes?

Give me a few minutes. - Ban m yon ti moman.

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Thank you for translating my letter. Those are very special to me, and it is hard for me to find accurate translations. What is your email address where I can send the letters in the future for translation?

Limanecasimi@aol.com

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Several different times while watching documentaries of Haiti relief I have seen Haitians make a hand gesture of turning your hands inward and placing the thumbs parallel on top of each other. Like two sideways thumbs up. Is this significant in any way?

It has a slightly different meaning to different people. It could mean:
Ansanm ansanm - We're holding on together

Nap kenbe! - We're holding on

Nap kenbe fò! - We're holding strong!

Nou toujou la. - We're still there

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bay

Haitian Creole word "bay" means "to give"

Bay, ba, ban → to give

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how do you say.... "never forget"

Never forget - Pa janm bliye

we will never forget - Nou pap janm bliye

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U are a child of God, So why are you afraid; you shouldn't be afraid..

Translation: Ou se pitit Bondye, men poukisa ou efreye? Ou pa dwe gen lapè.

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May I speak with Jean?

Translation: Eske mwen ka pale ak Jean?

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What does Dappiyanp mean? As in the phrase "Dappiyanp sou te peyi a, yon danje pou dwa grandèt majè Ayiti"? Thanks

Dappiyanp (n.) - rape, violation, a taking with force, a pillage

Dappiyanp sou peyi a, ... - It's pillage of the country, ...

yon danje pou dwa grandèt majè Ayiti.
a danger for Haitian primary legal rights. or
a danger for Haitian God-given rights. or
(non literal) a risk for Haiti's survival.

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what does lulu mean?

"Lulu" or "Loulou" in Haitian Creole is usually an endearing name for someone.

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let's see if 711 is open...before i go to sleep...

Let's see.

Ann gade pou wè.

Let's see if 7/11 is open.

Ann gade pou wè si 7/11 ouvè.

before I go to sleep...

anvan m al dòmi...

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...ak mwen vle ou konnen ke mwen ap toujou renmen ou, ak mwen se gason ou ajame. Kenbe fos lanmou mwen. Toulede Papa nou kinon syel la ak mwen se isit pou ou.Mwen renmen ou, toujou ak ajame.

...and I want you to know that I'll always love you,
...and I'm your man forever.
Hold strong, my love.
Both our Father in heaven and myself are there for you.
I love you always and forever.

Comment from translator: (This is a beautiful letter. You could always send me such a letter to translate, via my e-mail, if you plan to keep it private.)

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Ou se lanmou lavi m, ak mwen absoliman konnen ke nou ap fe ansanm ajame. M renmen mo sa, ajame. Nan Angle ak Kreyol. Li jis bay mwen anpil esoere pou avni a, espesyalman paske m konnen ke mwen ap fe ansanm avek ou pou etenite. Mwen renmenou anpil anpil,

You are the love of my life,
and I absolutely know we're together for ever.
I love this word, forever. In English and Creole.
It just gives me a lot of hope for the future,
Especially because I know you and I are together for eternity.
I love you very much,

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Can you translate this for me? Bonjou lanmou mwen! Mwen te renmen let ou. Li te anfom! Mwen vreman espere li ede ou ki m te tradwi li ak mete kek komante sou li. M jis vle ou konnen konbyen mwen renmen ou, ak konbyen mwen apresye tout bagay ou te fe pou

Hello my love!
I loved your letter. It was great!
I hoped that it helped that I translated and added some comments to it.
I just wanted you to know how much I love you, and how much I appreciated all you did for me.

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How do you say "elder" like Elder in the church?

Elder in the church - ansyen legliz yo, grandèt legliz yo,

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how do you say elder in creole?

elder - granmoun aje, moun ki pi gran

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Hmmm mwen genyen yon kestiyon.....Qui jan ou di? My love you are the woman for me and i promise to cherish and nuture our love forever baby

Translation: Lanmou mwen, ou se boulpik mwen, e mwen pwomèt ou pou mwen dòlote lanmou nou an pou tout tan.

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help

help (n.) - èd, asistans, sipò

help (v.) - ede

help! (as in "help me!) - Ede m.

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what is a type of jewelry called corne?

"Corne" is French for horn.
I am not familiar with any type of jewelry that goes by that name.

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I have seen the word "la" in a sentence., and it doesnt look like an article. Example - someone asks me over the phone, 'kote ou ye la?"

"la" could be a definte article as in: liv la - the book.
"la" could also mean "here" as in chita la. - sit here.

But in this particular instance, "la" stands for 'right now', 'at this time', or 'in this moment'.
Not to be confused with the Haitian Creole word "kounye a (now)". It does not replace "kounye a".
It is a manner of speaking, an expression, or an intonation used mainly when asking questions in Creole.

If you are learning Creole, this is one of the words you will learn to use by habitually listening to Haitian people speak.

Example:
where are you now?
kote ou ye la?

What are you doing right now?
Kisa wap fè la?

What do you have at this time?
Kisa ou genyen la?

What are you cooking?
Ki manje wap fè la?

What book are you reading now?
Ki liv wap li la?

Why are you crying now?
Poukisa wap kriye la?

Why does a vast majority of children in Haiti suck their thumbs? How do their parents handle that?

I do not know why. I've read that it's a behavior that soothes them.

Some of the kids I hanged with, in Haiti, sucked their fingers.
Some children suck their thumbs, some the index and middle finger together,
and others suck the middle and ring fingers.

A lot of these children retain that behavior well into their puberscent years.

The remedies that I have seen parents use to help them break this habit are sometimes 'unusual'.
The most common remedy was to rub freshly cut bitter aloe unto the child finger.
Other parents would bandage the child's finger during the night, since a lot of kids suck their fingers while sleeping.
Some parents would smear chicken poop onto the child's finger in the hope that he/she would find that finger repugnant.
Some parents took this fight even further and would threaten to stick the finger in boiling water.
I have seen one father take a machete, had the child put her fingers on a piece of wood, and threathened to cut the child's finger until she promised that she wouldn't do it again. That girl did eventually stop this behavior on her own.

Creole definitions:
suck thumb, suck fingers - tete dwèt, souse dwèt
Does he suck his thumbs? - Eske li tete dwèt?

What is" sucking teeth"? what is that "tchwipe or tchuipe" you talk about? Is it a cuss word?

'Tchuipe or tchwipe' - is "sucking teeth". It's a noise you make by clenching your teeth together and then using your tongue to pull air within your mouth.

It is the equivalent of giving someone the cold shoulder, or rolling your eyes at someone. It is a gesture (an acquired behavior) people make to show disdain, contempt, indifference, frustration, or annoyance.

Most people from the caribbean do it. It is not a cuss word. I guess you could say that some people suck there teeth at you instead of cussing at you.

Which side are you leaning on.

Translation: Sou ki bò ou apiye?

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Bonjou Mandaly! Someone asked me if I know how to "chipe." What is that?

'Tchuipe or tchwipe' - is "sucking teeth". It's a noise you make by clenching your teeth together and then using your tongue to pull air within your mouth.

It is the equivalent of giving someone the cold shoulder, or rolling your eyes at someone. It is a gesture people make to show disdain, contempt, indifference, frustration, or annoyance.

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mwen pa janm manje

Mwen pa janm manje. - I never ate.

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mwen pa ka pale

Mwen pa ka pale - I can't talk.

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How do you say "I love you and nothing would make me happier than spending my life with you. I would love to marry you."

Translation: Mwen renmen w. Pa gen anyen ki ta fè m pi kontan, ke pou m pase tout rès vi mwen avèk ou. Mwen ta renmen marye avè w.

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How do you say "I miss you and I would love for you to come over and spend the night with me."

Translation: M sonje w. Mwen ta renmen ou vin pase nwit la avèk mwen.

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What is the nicest thing you've ever seen anybody do for either yourself or anybody else?

Strangers hold doors open for me often. That's nice enough.

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Why do I sometimes see "now" written as "kounye a", other times as "koulye a"?

The correct spelling is "kounye a".

Some people, depending on which area of Haiti they're from, say this word as "koulye a". It's an "old" Creole form that you will find in ancient Haitian Creole literature, theater pieces, poems, and/or songs.

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