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!
Most requested translations added here for your convenience: I love you → Mwen renmen w. I miss you → Mwen sonje w. My love! → Lanmou mwen!
how do you say friend
Friend - zanmi
Friendship - amitye, zanmitye, zanmitay
You are my best friend.
Ou se pi bon zanmi m.
You are my only friend.
Ou se sèl zanmi.
We are just friends.
Nou jis zanmi.
Our friendship will last.
Amitye nou ap dire.
Labels:
friend
She's immature and infantile. (best Creole translation)
infantile → entatad (en-tah-tahd), annanfans (uh-nuh-fuhs)
She's immature (infantile).
Li entatad.
Li annanfans.
You are so childlish!
Ou s'on entatad!
Ou annanfans!
"entatad" and "annanfans" can also translate: half-witted, foolish, unintelligent, bird-brained, nutty, etc...
She's immature (infantile).
Li entatad.
Li annanfans.
You are so childlish!
Ou s'on entatad!
Ou annanfans!
"entatad" and "annanfans" can also translate: half-witted, foolish, unintelligent, bird-brained, nutty, etc...
Labels:
Dumb and foolish
Please, give me a Verse in the Bible that say that " don't worry about what should you eat and what should you drink."
Matthew 6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?"
Matye 6:25-31 "Se poutèt sa, mwen di nou: Pa bat kò pou sa nou bezwen pou manje ak bwè pou viv, ni pou rad nou bezwen pou mete sou kò nou. Eske lavi a pa pi konsekan pase manje? Eske kò a pa gen plis valè pase rad?"
Matye 6:25-31 "Se poutèt sa, mwen di nou: Pa bat kò pou sa nou bezwen pou manje ak bwè pou viv, ni pou rad nou bezwen pou mete sou kò nou. Eske lavi a pa pi konsekan pase manje? Eske kò a pa gen plis valè pase rad?"
what is "Ale prann."
Ale pran'n. (contracted from "Ale pran ni.") or
Ale pran l. (contracted from "Ale pran li.")
Go get it.
How do you say Akeyi?
Akeyi (ah-kay-yee)
to welcome, to offer hospitaliy, to greet
Nou akeyi li ak bra ouvè.
We welcome him/her with open arms.
Labels:
welcome
poukisa ou pa mande'l
Poukisa ou pa mande l?
Why don't you ask him/her?
Why don't you...?
Why don't you fix it?
Poukisa ou pa repare l?
Poukisa ou pa al travay?
Why don't you go to work?
Poukisa ou pa ekri m?
Why don't you write to me?
Poukisa yo pa konprann?
Why don't they understand?
Poukisa nou pa ale kounye a?
Why don't we go now?
Why don't you ask him/her?
Why don't you...?
Why don't you fix it?
Poukisa ou pa repare l?
Poukisa ou pa al travay?
Why don't you go to work?
Poukisa ou pa ekri m?
Why don't you write to me?
Poukisa yo pa konprann?
Why don't they understand?
Poukisa nou pa ale kounye a?
Why don't we go now?
Labels:
ask
How long have you been...? questions in Creole
There are two ways to ask this question.
How long have you been...?
Depi konbyen tan ou...?
Konbyen tan ou genyen...?
Examples:
How long have you been married?
Depi konbyen tan ou marye? or
Konbyen tan ou genyen marye?
How long have you been a smoker?
Depi konbyen tan w'ap fimen? or
Konbyen tan ou genyen ap fimen?
How long have you been in the country?
Depi konbyen tan ou nan peyi a? or
Konbyen tan ou genyen nan peyi a?
How long have you been on Facebook?
Depi konbyen tan ou sou Facebook? or
Konbyen tan ou genyen sou Facebook?
How long have you been pregnant?
Depi konbyen tan ou ansent? or
Konbyen tan ou genyen ansent?
How long have you been working?
Depi konbyen tan w'ap travay? or
Konbyen tan ou genyen ap travay?
How long has he been dead?
Depi konbyen tan li mouri? or
Konbyen tan li genyen mouri?
How long have you been...?
Depi konbyen tan ou...?
Konbyen tan ou genyen...?
Examples:
How long have you been married?
Depi konbyen tan ou marye? or
Konbyen tan ou genyen marye?
How long have you been a smoker?
Depi konbyen tan w'ap fimen? or
Konbyen tan ou genyen ap fimen?
How long have you been in the country?
Depi konbyen tan ou nan peyi a? or
Konbyen tan ou genyen nan peyi a?
How long have you been on Facebook?
Depi konbyen tan ou sou Facebook? or
Konbyen tan ou genyen sou Facebook?
How long have you been pregnant?
Depi konbyen tan ou ansent? or
Konbyen tan ou genyen ansent?
How long have you been working?
Depi konbyen tan w'ap travay? or
Konbyen tan ou genyen ap travay?
How long has he been dead?
Depi konbyen tan li mouri? or
Konbyen tan li genyen mouri?
Labels:
smoke
GOD'S LIBERATION-Profitable teaching-Peace like a river-GOD'S LEADING-Thank You-
God's liberation
delivrans Bondye a
liberasyon Bondye a
libète ke Bondye bay la
sali Bondye a
Profitable teaching
ransèyman ki gen benefis
ransèyman ki gen valè
Peace like a river
lapè tankou yon rivyè
God's Leadership
Gouvènman Bondye a
Rèy Bondye a
Les Enfants Perdus: Looking into the Soul of a Culture
Les Enfants Perdus
The Lost Children
Timoun Pèdi yo.
I felt it was more about The Forgotten Ones.
Take a peek into parts of Haiti's art and culture at this link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/donna-karan/les-enfants-perdus_b_1011223.html
The Lost Children
Timoun Pèdi yo.
I felt it was more about The Forgotten Ones.
Take a peek into parts of Haiti's art and culture at this link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/donna-karan/les-enfants-perdus_b_1011223.html
what does piti piti fe pil means
Piti piti fè pil
Literally: little little make pile
Meaning: If you amass little by little, you'll grow a lot. or Many things cannot be done instantly, they require time and patience.
Literally: little little make pile
Meaning: If you amass little by little, you'll grow a lot. or Many things cannot be done instantly, they require time and patience.
Ask me anything
Labels:
expressions and idioms
WELL DRESSED.
Well dressed - byen abiye, chèlbè, bwòdè, kokèt
You are well dressed.
Ou byen abiye. or
Ou chèlbè. or
Ou bwòdè. or
Ou kokèt.
timoun, pitit → child
timoun → child, kid
Another way to say "child" in Haitian Creole is "pitit".
I have one child.
I have one child.
Mwen gen yon pitit. or
Mwen gen yon timoun.
How many chidren do you have?
Konbyen pitit ou genyen? or
Konbyen timoun ou genyen?
With three children, my hands are full.
Avèk twa timoun, mwen gen kont mwen.
There were a lot of children at the church this morning.
Te gen anpil timoun nan legliz la maten an.
The children are our future. We will leave this aging earth to them.
Timoun yo se fiti nou. N'ap kite vye tè sa pou yo.
Labels:
family members
what is "kisa"?
Kisa - what
Kisa sa ye?
What is this?
Kisa ou vle?
What do you want?
Kisa w'ap fè la?
What are you doing?
Kisa w'ap fè la?
What are you doing?
Kisa w'ap manje?
What are you eating?
Mwen konnen kisa sa ye.
I know what this is.
Labels:
kisa sa ye?,
Sak Pase?,
what,
what r u doing,
what r u up to,
what's up?
Everything was good while i was living there.
Everything was good while I was living there.
Tout bagay tap mache byen pandan mwen te abite la. or
Tout bagay te byen pandan mwen te abite la.
Ordinal numbers (from 1 -10) in Creole
first - premye
second - dezyèm
third - twazyèm
fourth - katriyèm
fifth - senkyèm
sixth - sizyèm
seventh - setyèm
eighth -uityèm
ninth - nevyèm
tenth - dizyèm
second - dezyèm
third - twazyèm
fourth - katriyèm
fifth - senkyèm
sixth - sizyèm
seventh - setyèm
eighth -uityèm
ninth - nevyèm
tenth - dizyèm
Labels:
ordinal numbers
so so (as in: I'm doing so so.)
So so → konsa konsa
We're doing so so.
Nou la konsa konsa.
Things are going so so.
Bagay yo ap mache konsa konsa.
The food was not that tasty. It was so so.
Manje a pa't si tèlman gou. Li te konsa konsa.
We're doing so so.
Nou la konsa konsa.
Things are going so so.
Bagay yo ap mache konsa konsa.
The food was not that tasty. It was so so.
Manje a pa't si tèlman gou. Li te konsa konsa.
I knew a girl once name Peggy.. She Went to Palm Beach State College with me.. Is this Her?
There are probably millions of Peggy in the nation, and maybe thousands in Palm Beach.
It would be a great coincidence if that was her. Especially when there's no last name given. But... you never know :)
What's the best way to use "Pasi pala"
pasi pala → all around, all over the place, far and wide, here and there, high and low, in every direction, near and far
During the events of 9/11, people from all over were glued to their TV.
Pandan evènman 9/11 lan, tout moun pasi pala te kole devan televizyon yo.
When princess Diana died people from all around brought flowers to her home.
Lè prensès Diana te mouri tout moun pasi pala te pote flè devan kay li.
You are all over the place. Everywhere I go I see you.
Ou pasi pala. Tout kote m ale mwen wè w.
During a riot in Haiti, I ran in every direction looking for a place to hide.
Pandan yon dezòd Ayiti, mwen te kouri pasi pala ap chache yon kote pou m kache.
During the events of 9/11, people from all over were glued to their TV.
Pandan evènman 9/11 lan, tout moun pasi pala te kole devan televizyon yo.
When princess Diana died people from all around brought flowers to her home.
Lè prensès Diana te mouri tout moun pasi pala te pote flè devan kay li.
You are all over the place. Everywhere I go I see you.
Ou pasi pala. Tout kote m ale mwen wè w.
During a riot in Haiti, I ran in every direction looking for a place to hide.
Pandan yon dezòd Ayiti, mwen te kouri pasi pala ap chache yon kote pou m kache.
Rete
Rete → to stay, to stop, to live
Rete → to stay
Stay here.
Rete la.
Stay in your room.
Rete nan chanm ou.
We'll be staying at the Hotel Pavillon.
N'ap rete nan Hotel Pavillon an.
Why do you stay by the telephone? He's not going to call.
Poukisa ou rete bò telefòn nan? Li p'ap rele w.
Rete → to stop
Stop the car.
Rete machin nan.
Stop it!
Rete non!
Be still! or Sit quietly! or Stop playing around!
Rete trankil!
Rete → to live, to reside
I live in Texas.
Mwen rete Texas.
Where do you live?
Ki kote ou rete?
Is this where you live?
Eske se la ou rete?
I'm living wih a Haitian family at this time.
Mwen rete avèk yon fanmi Ayisyen pou le moman.
Rete → to stay
Stay here.
Rete la.
Stay in your room.
Rete nan chanm ou.
We'll be staying at the Hotel Pavillon.
N'ap rete nan Hotel Pavillon an.
Why do you stay by the telephone? He's not going to call.
Poukisa ou rete bò telefòn nan? Li p'ap rele w.
Rete → to stop
Stop the car.
Rete machin nan.
Stop it!
Rete non!
Be still! or Sit quietly! or Stop playing around!
Rete trankil!
Rete → to live, to reside
I live in Texas.
Mwen rete Texas.
Where do you live?
Ki kote ou rete?
Is this where you live?
Eske se la ou rete?
I'm living wih a Haitian family at this time.
Mwen rete avèk yon fanmi Ayisyen pou le moman.
Do you have a proverb on keeping promises and also on people perception of others?
On keeping promises:
Sa ki pwomèt bliye, sa ki espere sonje.
The one who makes the promise forgets,
The one who waits for the promise remembers.
or
Bay kou bliye, pote mak sonje.
The one who assaults, forgets,
The one who was assaulted remembers.
On people's perception of others, try this one:
Jijman jiri pa jijman lasosyete.
The jury's verdict is not society's verdict.
Move forwardMove backward.Lock your (wheelchair) brakesCome forward.Push down into my handPull up.RpetitionsBreathe in through your nose, blow out through your mouth.don't hold your breath. Keep breathing. thank you!
Move forward.
Avanse devan.
Move backward.
Fè bak. or
Rekile dèyè.
Lock your (wheelchair) brakes..
Frennen chèz la. or
Mete chèz la sou fren. or
Bloke chèz woulant lan avèk fren an.
Come forward.
Vini devan.
Push down into my hand.
Pouse nan men mwen.
Pull up.
Rale kò w monte.
Breathe in through your nose.
Pran souf ou ak nen ou. or
Respire ak nen ou.
Blow out through your mouth.
Lage souf ou ak bouch ou.
Don't hold your breath.
Pa kenbe souf ou.
Keep breathing.
Kontinye respire.
You're welcome :)
Labels:
let go vs lage
I've heard a couple times that Haitians have "joy of life." Why this expression and is it true?
Ah! "La joie de vivre"! It happens when you live tax free on a tropical island named Haiti, sipping coconut water from a riped sweet coconut all day long. ....Just kidding :)
In all seriousness, Haitians are never without hope.
When I lived in Haiti, I had nothing. My parents had nothing. Yet we always had hope.
I know Haitians in Haiti who literally live in a bucket. And they have hope.
Most of the population in Haiti are thriving on hope, and it's alright with them.
In all seriousness, Haitians are never without hope.
When I lived in Haiti, I had nothing. My parents had nothing. Yet we always had hope.
I know Haitians in Haiti who literally live in a bucket. And they have hope.
Most of the population in Haiti are thriving on hope, and it's alright with them.
many kisses
Kiss (n.) → bo, ba, bobo, beze, bizou
(there are many ways to say "kisses" in Creole)
to kiss (v) → anbrase, fè ba, bo
Many kisses! (as in a salutation: "Many kisses to you!")
Mwen anbrase w!
"Many kisses", as in:
She gives him many kisses when he comes home.
Li ba li anpil bo lè li rantre lakay li.
Give me a kiss.
Ban m yon ti bo.
Fè ba pou mwen.
Ban m yon beze.
Bobo m.
A little kiss
yon ti bo
yon bobo
yon ti ba
Labels:
kisses
How is your day going?
How's your day going?
*Kijan jounen ou ye?
How's your day?
Kijan jounen ou ye?
How's the day going for you?
Kijan jounen an ye pou ou?
How was your day?
Kijan jounen ou te pase?
or
Kijan jounen ou te ye?
*You can certainly use the Creole words "Kouman" or "Kòman" in the place of "Kijan".
*You can certainly use the Creole words "Kouman" or "Kòman" in the place of "Kijan".
Labels:
How was your day
what does "GO" mean in creole
I think you're asking what's the translation for the English word "go" in Creole. Is that right?
go → ale, al (note that in some the following examples, "ale" may be contracted and attached to other words)
go → ale, al (note that in some the following examples, "ale" may be contracted and attached to other words)
Go ahead!
Ale non!
Let's go!
An nou ale!
Go get me a chair.
Al pran yon chèz pou mwen.
Go ask your mom.
Al mande manman w.
I will go with you.
Mwen pral avèk ou.
(Contraction for: Mwen pral ale avèk ou.)
I went to see her.
Mwen t'al wè li.
(Contraction for: Mwen te ale wè li)
I am going (as in: I'm leaving)
M'ale!
(contraction for: Mwen ale.)
He left.
L'ale.
(contraction for: Li ale)
They left already.
Y'ale deja.
(contraction for: Yo ale.)
Don't go.
Pa ale.
mwen ki ba li l.
Mwen ki ba li l.
I gave it to him/her.
Se mwen ki ba li l.
It is I who gave it to her.
Se mwen ki ba li l.
It is I who gave it to her.
Bete la, put the accent on top "Bete"
bèt (with no "e" at the end).
bèt → animal, beast, unknown creature, sometimes Haitians refer to "bugs" as "bèt" also.
bèt la → the animal
There's a bug on your shoe.
Gen yon bèt sou pye w.
What kind of animal is this?
Ki kalite bèt sa ye?
is "fek" translated as "just" in English?
Yes.
Just (as in a moment ago) → fèk, fèk sot
Labels:
fèk
I'd never had the pleasure.
I never had he pleasure...
Mwen pat janm gen chans...
Mwen pa't janm gen opòtinite...
I never had the pleasure of meeting Matt Damon, but I've seen his movies.
Mwen pat janm gen chans...
Mwen pa't janm gen opòtinite...
I never had the pleasure of meeting Matt Damon, but I've seen his movies.
Mwen pat janm gen chans rankontre Matt Damon, men mwen wè fim li yo.
I never had the pleasure of tasting your cooking. I hear it's very delicious.
Mwen pa't janm gen opòtinite goute manje ou fè. Yo di sa gou anpil.
I never had the pleasure of meeting you before. I am delighted to make your acquaintance today.
Mwen pat janm gen opòtinite fè konesans ou anvan. Mwen kontan rekonèt ou jodi a.
______________
It is my pleasure...
Se tout plezi mwen....
With pleasure...
Avèk anpil plezi...
It is with great pleasure that I present you.....
Se avèk anpil plezi mwen prezante ou...
It is my pleasure to accompany you to the concert tonight.
Se tout plezi mwen pou m akompanye ou nan konsè a aswè a.
Ask me anything
It is my pleasure...
Se tout plezi mwen....
With pleasure...
Avèk anpil plezi...
It is with great pleasure that I present you.....
Se avèk anpil plezi mwen prezante ou...
It is my pleasure to accompany you to the concert tonight.
Se tout plezi mwen pou m akompanye ou nan konsè a aswè a.
Ask me anything
Labels:
good to see you,
Have a nice day,
How was your day,
jamè,
janm,
never
I just got 2 out of 3 Hulk Hogan ...
What do you mean by "got"?
"To get" will be translated differently in Creole depending on whether you mean receive, take, buy,have etc...
So I'm assuming that you meant:
I just received 2 out of 3 Hulk Hogan action figures.
Mwen fèk resevwa de nan twa jwèt Hulk Hogan yo.
or
I just bought 2 out of three Hulk Hogan action figures.
Mwen fèk achte de nan twa jwèt Hulk Hogan yo.
"To get" will be translated differently in Creole depending on whether you mean receive, take, buy,have etc...
So I'm assuming that you meant:
I just received 2 out of 3 Hulk Hogan action figures.
Mwen fèk resevwa de nan twa jwèt Hulk Hogan yo.
or
I just bought 2 out of three Hulk Hogan action figures.
Mwen fèk achte de nan twa jwèt Hulk Hogan yo.
how do you say, 'will you wait for me?'
Will you wait with me?
Eske w'ap tann avèk mwen?
Can you wait with me?
Eske ou kapab tann avèk mwen?
Labels:
waiting
Why do Haitians say, "I'm going up a calvary"
Calvary (the hill where Jesus was crucified) → kalvè
M'ap monte yon kalvè.
I'm going up a calvary.
I'm going through a painful ordeal.
Pandan dezan maryaj sa mwen t'ap monte yon kalvè.
During those two years of marriage I went through hell.
M'ap monte yon kalvè.
I'm going up a calvary.
I'm going through a painful ordeal.
Pandan dezan maryaj sa mwen t'ap monte yon kalvè.
During those two years of marriage I went through hell.
YOUR HAIR LOOK LIKE THE BOMB.
I am assuming that "the bomb" is a very good thing :)
Your hair is the bomb!
Your hair is the bomb!
Cheve w bèl, se sa nèt!
sesi sela
Sesi sela → this and that
Mariela was boasting, "I have this, I have that..."
Mariela t'ap vante tèt li, "Mwen gen sesi, mwen gen sela..."
Mariela was boasting, "I have this, I have that..."
Mariela t'ap vante tèt li, "Mwen gen sesi, mwen gen sela..."
is it like an english that if you are writing something more formal you don't use conjugations, you would use "ou" instead of "w" ?
Actually you could use contractions as long as you follow the rules.
Labels:
contractions
What's the idea behind "Zewo bare", why can't they just say "Zewo"?
Zewo → is Haitian Creole for the number zero.
Zewo bare → is a zero with a dash traced through the middle.
A zewo (zero) looks like this: 0
A zewo bare (barred zewo) looks like this:0
What's the difference in Haiti?
Well, in Haiti, a zewo (zero) is just a number.
But a zewo bare (0) screams null, worthless, fail, inefficient, wrecked.
For a student who has failed a test, there's nothing worse than seeing that zewo bare (0) on his/her test paper.
Sometimes, you feel it's worse than a simple zewo (zero).
It can be traumatizing!
Have you ever gotten a zewo bare on an exam in Haiti?
How did you feel about the instructor who took the special extra time to slash the bar through the zero?
Were you ever bullied because of this :(
Zewo bare → is a zero with a dash traced through the middle.
A zewo (zero) looks like this: 0
A zewo bare (barred zewo) looks like this:
What's the difference in Haiti?
Well, in Haiti, a zewo (zero) is just a number.
But a zewo bare (
For a student who has failed a test, there's nothing worse than seeing that zewo bare (
Sometimes, you feel it's worse than a simple zewo (zero).
It can be traumatizing!
Have you ever gotten a zewo bare on an exam in Haiti?
How did you feel about the instructor who took the special extra time to slash the bar through the zero?
Were you ever bullied because of this :(
what does "mwen" mean?
Mwen → I, me, my
Mwen konprann.
I understand.
Mwen wè ou.
I see you.
Gade mwen.
Gade mwen.
Look at me.
Reponn mwen.
Answer me.
Papa mwen
My father
Kay mwen
My house
What are fabrication & baseless in Creole?
Fabrication → manti, istwa envante
baseless → san fondasyon
baseless → san fondasyon
All my wishes!
All my wishes! (as in All my best!) → Mwen swete w siksè ak kè kontan!
Happy Birthday! → Bòn fèt!
I wish you all the best! → Mwen swete w siksè, bonè ak kè kontan! (literally: I wish you success, joy and happiness!)
I brought you a gift. → Mwen pote yon kado pou ou.
Happy Birthday! → Bòn fèt!
I wish you all the best! → Mwen swete w siksè, bonè ak kè kontan! (literally: I wish you success, joy and happiness!)
I brought you a gift. → Mwen pote yon kado pou ou.
Labels:
best wishes,
birthday,
happy birthday
anchor (v.)
kore (v.) → anchor, implant, embed, protect
I am well anchored.
Mwen byen kore.
The cow feet stew fortified me. I feel I have the strength of 10,000 men.
Bouyon pye bèf la byen kore m. Mwen santi m dimil òm. (popular saying in Haiti)
He strenghtens me so that I don't fall.
Li kore m pou m pa tonbe.
You are well rooted in Christianity.
Ou byen kore nan Levanjil la.
Does anyone remember this song? (Wane, Carrefour 1978 kay sè Lamontay :)
Chè Senyè, Chè Senyè!
Dear Lord, Dear Lord!
Kore m pou m pa tonbe!
Anchor me so that I don't fall!
Tè Ayiti se tè glise.
Haiti's land is a slippery land.
Kore m pou m pa tonbe!
Anchor me so that I don't fall!
Tè Ayiti se tè modi.
Haiti's land is cursed land.
Kore m pou m pa tonbe!
Anchor me so that I don't fall!
I am well anchored.
Mwen byen kore.
The cow feet stew fortified me. I feel I have the strength of 10,000 men.
Bouyon pye bèf la byen kore m. Mwen santi m dimil òm. (popular saying in Haiti)
He strenghtens me so that I don't fall.
Li kore m pou m pa tonbe.
You are well rooted in Christianity.
Ou byen kore nan Levanjil la.
Does anyone remember this song? (Wane, Carrefour 1978 kay sè Lamontay :)
Chè Senyè, Chè Senyè!
Dear Lord, Dear Lord!
Kore m pou m pa tonbe!
Anchor me so that I don't fall!
Tè Ayiti se tè glise.
Haiti's land is a slippery land.
Kore m pou m pa tonbe!
Anchor me so that I don't fall!
Tè Ayiti se tè modi.
Haiti's land is cursed land.
Kore m pou m pa tonbe!
Anchor me so that I don't fall!
Men M devan w, I'm listening. Do you have anything you want to say.
Here I am before you, I'm listening. Do you have anything to say?
Men m devan w, M'ap koute. Kisa ou gen pou w di?
I will tell him that.
I will tell him that.
Mwen va di li sa. (uncontracted form)
Ma di'l sa. (contracted form and most popularly used)
Mwen va di li sa. (uncontracted form)
Ma di'l sa. (contracted form and most popularly used)
Men li devan w.
Men li* devan w.
Here it is in front of you.
Here he/she is before you.
Here it is right in front of you.
Here he/she is before you.
Here it is right in front of you.
*li could be either he, she, or it.
_________________________________________
Here we have the same sentence, and different pronouns.
Men m devan w.
Here I am before you.
Men n devan w.
Here we are before you.
_________________________________________
Here we have the same sentence, and different pronouns.
Men m devan w.
Here I am before you.
Men n devan w.
Here we are before you.
Michel Martelly admistration is based on job creation, education, security, reconstruction and health.
Administrasyon Prezidan Michel Martelly a baze sou devlopman travay, edikasyon, sekirite, rekonstriksyon ak lasante.
"dare" or "can't bring self to" as "No one dares to ask him where he was"
Dare ( as in take a risk, attempt) → fouti
I couldn't bring myself to look at her.
Mwen pa't fouti gade l.
No one dares to ask him where he was.
Okenn moun pa fouti mande l kote li te ye.
I couldn't even stand up.
Mwen pa't fouti leve.
I couldn't bring myself to look at her.
Mwen pa't fouti gade l.
No one dares to ask him where he was.
Okenn moun pa fouti mande l kote li te ye.
I couldn't even stand up.
Mwen pa't fouti leve.
yon nouvèl Ayiti, yon nouvèl mantalite...Everything else is in French
Yon nouvèl Ayiti.
A new Haiti.
Yon nouvèl mantalite.
A new mindset.
If everything else is in French, then it may not be a new Haiti after all ☻
i'm listening to President Michel Martelly Joseph speech in asanble Jeneral nasyonzini an.. i saw "te Prennesans" come on the screen.. i kind of have an idea what it means, but i am sure.
He may have been talking about a movement, an idea, or a crusade that was born...
What is that mean "te prannesans"
te prannesans (from the French: avait pris naissance) - was born
The best way to say this in Creole is "te fèt". It's more ...native.
He was born yesterday.
Li te fèt yè.
I was born in Nevada.
Mwen te fèt Nevada.
"so that" or "in order to" - Would that be "pou"? As in, "Give me your number so that I can call you."
Yes, you are correct. It would be pou.
Sometimes you will see a variation of "so that I can" → "pou m ka", "pou m kapab"
1. Give me your number so that I can call you.
Ban m nimewo w pou m ka rele w.
2. Put your shoes on so that we can go.
Mete soulye w pou nou ale.
3. Hurry up so that we're not late.
Prese vit pou nou pa anreta.
4. Move away so that we can get through.
Rale kò w pou nou ka pase.
5. Take your clothes off so that the doctor may examine you.
Retire rad ou pou doktè a egzaminen ou.
6. Close your eyes so that I may kiss you.
Fèmen zye w pou m anbrase w.
7. Put your glasses on so that you can see better.
Mete linèt ou pou ou ka wè mye.
8. Turn on the light so that I can see where I'm going.
Limen limyè a pou m ka wè kote m prale.
Note: I have used a lot of contractions in these sentences.
m contraction for mwen.
w contraction for ou
Labels:
in order to,
kisses,
so that
Take care of yourself
Take care of yourself.
Pran swen tèt ou.
Pran swen tèt ou.
Labels:
get well take care,
pran swen,
take care of
"I'm so hungry I could eat a whole cow." Do I sometimes hear a variation in the parallel Creole expression? Is it a different meaning?
I'm so hungry I could eat a whole cow.
Mwen si tèlman grangou, mwen ta manje yon bèf ak tout kòn.
The general meaning is the same, but the Creole one says specifically: "I'm so hungry I could eat a cow along with its horns"
Mwen si tèlman grangou, mwen ta manje yon bèf ak tout kòn.
The general meaning is the same, but the Creole one says specifically: "I'm so hungry I could eat a cow along with its horns"
Labels:
hungry
THATS A GOOD DEAL
It's a good deal.
Se yon bon okazyon.
Se yon bon opòtinite.
Se yon bon zafè.
Se yon bon lavant.
To give → ba,ban, bay
The verb "to give" is translated in Creole as "ba, ban, or bay"
To give → ba, ban, bay
"Ban" used before a nasally sounding pronouns MWEN & NOU.
You will say:
ban mwen → give me
ban nou → give us
ban nou (plural) → give you all
Examples:
1. Ban mwen yon ti dlo tanpri.
Ban m yon ti dlo tanpri. (even when the pronoun is contracted, continue to follow this rule)
Give me some water please.
2. Pou fèt mwen, Nadine te ban mwen yon kado.
Pou fèt mwen, Nadine te ban m yon kado. (m is contracted form of mwen)
For my birthday, Nadine gave me a gift.
3. Li ban nou lavi.
Li ban n lavi. (n is contraced form of nou)
He gives us life.
4. Ban mwen yon ti moso.
Ban m yon ti moso.
Give me a small piece.
Before the pronouns OU & YO, always use "ba"
Mwen ba ou → I give you
Do not say: Mwenbay ou.
Do not say: Mwenban ou.
Mwen ba yo → I give them.
Do not say: Mwenbay yo.
Do not say: Mwenban yo.
Examples:
1. I gave them everyhing I had.
Mwen ba yo tout sa m-te genyen.
2. Kisa mwen dwe ba ou?
Kisa mwen dwe ba w? (Expect that Creole speakers will use contractions. W is contracttion for ou)
What must I give you?
3. Nou ba yo tout manje a.
We gave them all he food.
Always use "bay" at the end of a sentence.
5. Konbyen pou m bay?
How much should I give?
6. It is not correct to say:
Konbyen pou mba?
Konbyen pou mban?
How much should I give?
(Don't use "ba" or "ban" at the end of a sentence.)
7. But, you could say:
Konbyen pou m ba ou?
How much should I give you?
Konbyen li te ban mwen?
How much did he/she give me?
Lastly, except in the above cases, you can interchangeably use "BA" or "BAY" everywhere else.
Examples:
You can say:
8. Mwen bay Jacques liv la. or
Mwen ba Jacques liv la.
I gave the book to Jacques.
9. An nou bay lanmen. or
An nou ba lanmen
Let's shake hands.
10. Nou te bay anpil liv gratis yè. or
Nou te ba anpil liv gratis yè.
We gave away a lot of free books yesterday.
In the following five sentences, use ba, ban, or bay.
11. I gave you a book.
Mwen _____ ou yon liv.
12. Give me your heart.
________ mwen kè ou.
13. I gave them what they asked for.
Mwen te ________ yo sa yo te mande a.
14. I gave blood today.
Mwen te _________ san jodi a.
15. I have no money to give.
Mwen pa gen lajan pou m _________
Answers: 11. ba 12. ban 13. ba 14. bay/ba 15. bay
To give → ba, ban, bay
"Ban" used before a nasally sounding pronouns MWEN & NOU.
You will say:
ban mwen → give me
ban nou → give us
ban nou (plural) → give you all
Examples:
1. Ban mwen yon ti dlo tanpri.
Ban m yon ti dlo tanpri. (even when the pronoun is contracted, continue to follow this rule)
Give me some water please.
2. Pou fèt mwen, Nadine te ban mwen yon kado.
Pou fèt mwen, Nadine te ban m yon kado. (m is contracted form of mwen)
For my birthday, Nadine gave me a gift.
3. Li ban nou lavi.
Li ban n lavi. (n is contraced form of nou)
He gives us life.
4. Ban mwen yon ti moso.
Ban m yon ti moso.
Give me a small piece.
Before the pronouns OU & YO, always use "ba"
Mwen ba ou → I give you
Do not say: Mwen
Do not say: Mwen
Mwen ba yo → I give them.
Do not say: Mwen
Do not say: Mwen
Examples:
1. I gave them everyhing I had.
Mwen ba yo tout sa m-te genyen.
2. Kisa mwen dwe ba ou?
Kisa mwen dwe ba w? (Expect that Creole speakers will use contractions. W is contracttion for ou)
What must I give you?
3. Nou ba yo tout manje a.
We gave them all he food.
Always use "bay" at the end of a sentence.
5. Konbyen pou m bay?
How much should I give?
6. It is not correct to say:
Konbyen pou m
Konbyen pou m
How much should I give?
(Don't use "ba" or "ban" at the end of a sentence.)
7. But, you could say:
Konbyen pou m ba ou?
How much should I give you?
Konbyen li te ban mwen?
How much did he/she give me?
Lastly, except in the above cases, you can interchangeably use "BA" or "BAY" everywhere else.
Examples:
You can say:
8. Mwen bay Jacques liv la. or
Mwen ba Jacques liv la.
I gave the book to Jacques.
9. An nou bay lanmen. or
An nou ba lanmen
Let's shake hands.
10. Nou te bay anpil liv gratis yè. or
Nou te ba anpil liv gratis yè.
We gave away a lot of free books yesterday.
In the following five sentences, use ba, ban, or bay.
11. I gave you a book.
Mwen _____ ou yon liv.
12. Give me your heart.
________ mwen kè ou.
13. I gave them what they asked for.
Mwen te ________ yo sa yo te mande a.
14. I gave blood today.
Mwen te _________ san jodi a.
15. I have no money to give.
Mwen pa gen lajan pou m _________
Answers: 11. ba 12. ban 13. ba 14. bay/ba 15. bay
He's watching over me.
Veye (v.) → to watch, examine, to scrutinize
He's watching over me.
L'ap veye sou mwen.
Mwen gen yon zye k'ap veye sou mwen.
I have an eye watching over me
Menm si mwen pa wè pèsòn.
Even if I don't see anyone.
Mwen pa bezwen ni pè ni doute
I don't need to be afraid or have any doubts
Paske sovè-m ap veye-m
Because my savior is watching over me
Li fè-m pwomès li avèk mwen
He promised that He'll be with me
Toulejou jiska la fen
Everyday until the end
Mwen gen yon zye k'ap veye sou mwen
I have an eye watching over me
Toulejou
Everyday
He's watching over me.
L'ap veye sou mwen.
Mwen gen yon zye k'ap veye sou mwen.
I have an eye watching over me
Menm si mwen pa wè pèsòn.
Even if I don't see anyone.
Mwen pa bezwen ni pè ni doute
I don't need to be afraid or have any doubts
Paske sovè-m ap veye-m
Because my savior is watching over me
Li fè-m pwomès li avèk mwen
He promised that He'll be with me
Toulejou jiska la fen
Everyday until the end
Mwen gen yon zye k'ap veye sou mwen
I have an eye watching over me
Toulejou
Everyday
Lage m bo dlo a.. To Do What? You want to drown yourself!
Maybe they just want to go for a swim.
Labels:
let go vs lage
swallow → vale
The Haitian Creole word "vale" means to "swallow".
Have you heard the term "Vale san kraze?
Vale san kraze → to swallow whole, to devour, to consume.
Isn't that what the wolf did to Little Red Riding Hood?
He swallowed her whole.
Li vale li san kraze.
A big hole in the ground engulfed the houses.
Yon gwo twou nan tè a te vale kay yo.
Have you heard the term "Vale san kraze?
Vale san kraze → to swallow whole, to devour, to consume.
Isn't that what the wolf did to Little Red Riding Hood?
He swallowed her whole.
Li vale li san kraze.
A big hole in the ground engulfed the houses.
Yon gwo twou nan tè a te vale kay yo.
Lage m bò dlo a
lage (v.) → to let go
Lage m bò dlo a.
Drop me by the water.
Lage m bò lekòl la.
Drop me off by the school.
Lage m la.
Drop me off right here.
or just...
Lage m!
Let me go!
Let go of me!
Lage m bò dlo a.
Drop me by the water.
Lage m bò lekòl la.
Drop me off by the school.
Lage m la.
Drop me off right here.
or just...
Lage m!
Let me go!
Let go of me!
Labels:
let go vs lage,
water
men pa kanbe sa papa di ka rive menn nan domi
Do you mean:
Mwen pap kenbe sa papa di ka rive mwen nan dòmi.
I won't keep to myself what papa say can happen to me while I sleep.
Is that close to the context?
Is that close to the context?
Labels:
go to sleep
Can you tell me how to get onto the puzzles? It says Java must be enables which I have Thank you.
You may have to either reinstall or update your version of Java. It's free at Java.com. Thanks.
Fe yon ti virerou.
virewon (with an "n" at the end) → roundabout
Fè yon ti virewon.
Go on a short outing.
Go out for a little while.
Go for a short drive.
Go out for a short trip (to the store maybe)
Mwen pral fè yon ti virewon la.
I'm going out for a little while.
dozado
dozado (adj.) → disagreeing, "back to back", not seeing eye to eye
Yo dozado.
They're not seeing eye to eye.
Nou pap reyisi ansanm si nou dozado.
You won't be successful together if you disagree with each other.
Yo dozado.
They're not seeing eye to eye.
Nou pap reyisi ansanm si nou dozado.
You won't be successful together if you disagree with each other.
Why do some haitian parents feel they have the right to "check" their daughters virginity?
It is an easy temptation that too many Haitian parents, fathers and mothers alike, fall in. They want their daughters to remain "pure". They can't read her diary, they can't hack into her facebook account, and they can't follow her around, but they'll do the next best thing: open her legs and check to see if her hymen is still intact. Whatever happen to trusting that your daughter would make the right choice? or Even trusting that she'll make a mistake that she can learn from?
It is a dreadful mistake that Haitians parents make to rape their daughters of that trust.
Why do they do it? Insecurity, lack of education, disrespect, or it could be that their parents did the same to them.
It is a dreadful mistake that Haitians parents make to rape their daughters of that trust.
Why do they do it? Insecurity, lack of education, disrespect, or it could be that their parents did the same to them.
What is the difference between "fot" and "defo"?
fòt (from the French "faute") → fault
Se fòt ou mwen an reta lekòl.
It's your fault that I'm late for school.
Tout se fòt ou!
It's all your fault!
Se pa fòt mwen, mwen pa't konnen.
It's not my fault, I didn't know.
San li ap retire tout fòt ou yo.
His blood will remove all your faults.
Defo (from the French "défaut") → bad habits, flaws, weaknesses
Pa moutre tout vye defo ou yo nan mitan moun.
Don't show all your bad habits in public.
Pitit li yo gen anpil defo.
His children have a lot of bad habits.
tankou te sek ki swaf lapli
Tankou tè sèk ki swaf lapli...
Menm jan ak tè swaf lapli ...
Literally: Like a parched land thirsty for rain.
Menm jan ak tè swaf lapli ...
Literally: Like a parched land thirsty for rain.
Meaning: Like a dry land in need of rain
Labels:
menm jan ak,
tankou
What is the strongest way to say "I love you" it is for a child that I lost.
I cannot think of a stronger way than Mwen renmen ou, if you mean to say I love you.
May this child's spirit remain with you forever like a beautiful melody :(
May this child's spirit remain with you forever like a beautiful melody :(
Labels:
love
What does a Haitian look like?
When I read your question, I thought, "Is this a joke?!"
But then again, if you are of the Haitian culture, you really do hear this a lot either as a question or declaration.
"A lot of Haitians think they are very good at spotting another Haitian"
How can you acquire that skill, you ask?
Well, if you're looking for a Haitian, just find the dude (or dudette) with two arms, two legs, one head, and a will to survive.
That's what I imagine a Haitian would look like ☺
But then again, if you are of the Haitian culture, you really do hear this a lot either as a question or declaration.
"A lot of Haitians think they are very good at spotting another Haitian"
How can you acquire that skill, you ask?
Well, if you're looking for a Haitian, just find the dude (or dudette) with two arms, two legs, one head, and a will to survive.
That's what I imagine a Haitian would look like ☺
how do you say, thanks daddy
Mèsi papi.
or
Mèsi papa.
That depends on the nickname you give to your dad.
or
Mèsi papa.
That depends on the nickname you give to your dad.
Haitians call their dads: papa, pa, papi, pè, monpè
Can you define Haitian Creole "kras"
Kras (n.) → residue, scum, scraps, sediment, dirt
Wash the plate to remove all the food residue.
Lave asyèt la pou retire tout kras manje yo.
Look all the soapscums on your walls. You really need a housekeeper.
Gade tout kras savon sou mi kay ou. Ou vrèman bezwen yon bòn.
Kras (n.) → tiny piece, bit, morsel, crumbs, small amount
Add a small amount of oil in the pan.
Mete yon ti kras luil nan chodyè a.
He gave me a morsel of bread daily.
Li ban m yon ti kras pen chak jou.
That little amount of food won't do anything for me.
Ti kras manje sa a pap fè anyen pou mwen.
Kras (adj.) → cheap, stingy, thrifty, penny-pinching
Your boyfriend is cheap. He gave you a ring that he bought at the flea market.
Menaj ou a kras. Li ba ou yon bag li achte nan mache a.
Wash the plate to remove all the food residue.
Lave asyèt la pou retire tout kras manje yo.
Look all the soapscums on your walls. You really need a housekeeper.
Gade tout kras savon sou mi kay ou. Ou vrèman bezwen yon bòn.
Kras (n.) → tiny piece, bit, morsel, crumbs, small amount
Add a small amount of oil in the pan.
Mete yon ti kras luil nan chodyè a.
He gave me a morsel of bread daily.
Li ban m yon ti kras pen chak jou.
That little amount of food won't do anything for me.
Ti kras manje sa a pap fè anyen pou mwen.
Kras (adj.) → cheap, stingy, thrifty, penny-pinching
Your boyfriend is cheap. He gave you a ring that he bought at the flea market.
Menaj ou a kras. Li ba ou yon bag li achte nan mache a.
Lamou se pa sa lye.
Did you mean
Lanmou se pa sa li ye.
Love is not what it is.
Does that make sense to you?
Maybe you meant:
Lanmou se pa sa w panse li ye a.
Love is not what you think it is.
I'm a little confused. I thought "I love you" was "Mwen renmen ou." But I keep seeing that this also means "I like you." I am looking for a strong way to say "I love you." What would you say to your son or daughter?
Yes, you are right.
To love, in Haitian Creole, is translated as: Renmen.
I love you.
Mwen renmen ou.
To like, in Haitian Creole, is also translated as: Renmen.
I like this chair.
Mwen renmen chèz sa.
Other ways to express love in Haitian Creole, as in English, are:
I love you (as in I'm fond of you).
Mwen gen afeksyon pou ou.
I care for you.
Mwen sousye m pou ou.
I'm in love with you.
Mwen damou pou ou.
He cherishes me.
Li dòlote mwen.
To cherish or caress → dòlote
I appreciate you.
Mwen apresye ou.
and others...
Twou manti pa fon (translate)
You are right!
Twou manti pa fon.
This expression literally means: "the hole of a lie is not too deep", so you will translate it as:
A lie will not get you far. or
If you dig deep enough you'll catch someone in a lie.
How far do you usually have to dig to catch someone in a lie ☺?
Next time someone lies to you, remember, "Twou manti pa fon"!
Twou manti pa fon.
This expression literally means: "the hole of a lie is not too deep", so you will translate it as:
A lie will not get you far. or
If you dig deep enough you'll catch someone in a lie.
How far do you usually have to dig to catch someone in a lie ☺?
Next time someone lies to you, remember, "Twou manti pa fon"!
Can you tell me what "Ti trip ap vale gwo trip" means?
Ti trip ap vale gwo trip → hungry
This is another way to say that you're hungry.
This expression literally means: "The small intestine is eating up the large intestine."
Ti trip mwen ap vale gwo trip mwen.
Literally: My small intestine is eating up my large intestine.
This means: I'm hungry.
Ti trip li ap vale gwo trip li.
Literally: His small intestine is eating up his large intestine.
This means: He's hungry.
This is another way to say that you're hungry.
This expression literally means: "The small intestine is eating up the large intestine."
Ti trip mwen ap vale gwo trip mwen.
Literally: My small intestine is eating up my large intestine.
This means: I'm hungry.
Ti trip li ap vale gwo trip li.
Literally: His small intestine is eating up his large intestine.
This means: He's hungry.
Labels:
hungry
Please translate: discern, discernment, transfer -Mesi anpil!
Discern (v.) - distenge, detekte, diferansye, jije, or dekouvri
Discernment (n.) - jijman, pèsepsyon, konprann
Transfer (v.) - deplase, transfere
Transfer (n.) - deplasman, chanjman, transfè
thank you brother i love you
Thank you brother, I love you.
Mèsi frè, mwen apresye ou.
Thank you my brother, I love you.
Mèsi frè m nan, mwen apresye ou.
Labels:
family members,
grateful,
love,
thank you,
thankful
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