Haitian Creole

more than... as in:more than anything

more than... → plis pase...

More than anything → plis pase tout bagay

I love you more than anything
Mwen renmen w plis pase tout bagay.

more than ever
plis pase janmè

more than that
plis pase sa

more than you
plis pase w
plis pase ou menm

more than I can say
plis pase sa m ka di

more than me
plis pase m

King David had more than one wife
Wa David te gen plis pase yon madanm.

Holiday Greetings (Creole)

Mwen swete nou tout yon bèl Nwèl.E mwen swete nou yon nouvèl ane
plen ak lanmou, lajwa, e bòn sante

Are you making your Holiday Greeting cards in Haitian Creole this year?

Holiday Greetings Creole Vocabulary

When do you use 'ase' instead of 'kont' ?

"ase" is a synonym of "kont"You could use "ase" instead of "kont" as you please.

It's enough.

Li ase

Li kont.

I have enough problems.

Mwen gen ase pwoblèm.

Mwen gen pwoblèm mwen.

Is it enough?

Eske li ase?

Eske li kont?

Ask me anything

And you? E ou menm? Why is 'menm' there? Why not E ou?

You could say "E ou" if you want.

"Ou menm" is the expression for "yourself".

"E ou menm?" means "and yourself?" or "How about you?" or "How about yourself?"

Ask me anything

translate 'Sak Pase?' in different tenses

Present tense: Kisa ki pase?
Kisa | ki | pase?
Sa | k | pase? contracted
what | that/which/ who| happen
What's happened?
What's going on?

Also:
Past tense: Kisa ki te pase?
Kisa ki te pase la?
Sa'k te pase la? (contracted)
What happened there?

Future tense: kisa ki va pase? or kisa ki pral pase?
Kisa ki va pase lè ou rive lakay ou?
Sa k va pase lè w rive lakay ou? (contracted)
What will happen when you arrive home.

and also:
Present Progressive: Kisa ki ap pase?
Kisa ki ap pase Ayiti kounye a?
Sa k'ap pase Ayiti kounye a? (contracted)
What's happening in Haiti now?

and
Past progressive: Kisa ki te ap pase?
Kisa ki te ap pase nan lekòl ou a yè?
Sa k t'ap pase nan lekòl ou a yè? (contracted)
What was happening at your school yesterday?

Other ways to say What's going on / What's happening in Creole.
Kisa ki genyen?
or
Sa'k genyen? (contracted)

Kisa ki ap fèt?
or
Sa k'ap fèt? (contracted)

Ask me anything

Is there a difference between 'kalkile' and 'panse' ?

kalkile → ti estimate, to figure out

panse → to recall, to bring to mind, to reminisce

M'ap kalkile kijan pou m jwenn yon travay.

I'm trying to figure out how to find a job.

M'ap kalkile kouman pou m di l sa.

I'm figuring out a way to tell her about it.

N'ap kalkile yon fason pou sòti la.

We're figuring out a way to get out of here.

N'ap panse avè w.

We're thinking about you.

L'ap panse ak menaj li.

She thinking about her boyfriend.

Se sa w panse.

That's what you think.

Another Creole word that may be used for "kalkile" and sometimes "think" is "reflechi".

Reflechi → to consider, to mull over, to think about, to reflect

M'ap reflechi sou sa.

I'll think about it.

Ale reflechi sou sa.

Go and think about it.

Ask me anything

how do I express sympathy for someones child dying?

Do you mean: what to say in Creole to the parent?

For such a painful loss there's really not much to say, except something like "I'm sorry for your loss" and then, be there for them while you help them take comfort in their faith and God.

Haitians usually wish a mourner "courage".

You may say: Kouraj or Bon kouraj

Kouraj frè/zanmi mwen.

Have courage my brother/ friend.

Kouraj sè/zanmi mwen.

Have courage my sister / friend.

Mwen swete w ou kouraj in the name of our God.

I wish you courage nan non Bondye nou an.

Se pou lanmou Jezi soulaje w.

May the love of Jesus comfort you.

Soulaje w nan Bondye zanmi m.

Take comfort in God my friend.

Soulaje w anba zèl Bondye.

Take comfort under His wings.

Se pou lanmou Bondye soulaje w nan tout fason ke mwen menm pa kapab.

May the love of God comfort you in all the ways that I can't.

Ask me anything

"byen" - It does not always mean well, does it?

Byen (noun) → assets, inheritance, possessions

Mesye sa rich. Li gen anpil byen.
This man is rich. He has a lot of wealth (riches, valuables)

Papa m mouri. Li kite anpil byen pou mwen.
My father died. He left me a huge inheritance.

Tout byen ou yo p'ap ka ba ou lavi etènèl.
All your wealth can't give you eternal life.

Byen (verb) → to be friend with, to be on good terms with

Rose ak Filip pa lenmi an ankò. Yo byen.
Rose and Phillip are no longer enemies. They're friends.

Mwen konnen moun sa yo. Mwen byen ak yo.
I know these people. I'm friends with them.

Byen (adverb) → well, good, going well

Pa enkyete w pou li. Li byen.
Don't worry about him. He's fine.

Mwen santi m byen jodi a.
I feel well today.
I'm doing well today.

Ou danse byen.
You dance well.

Ou pale byen.
You speak with knowledge.

Kay la byen bati.
The house is well built.

Pwogram nan te byen òganize.
The show was well organized.

Li byen aji avè m.
She treated me well.

Ak nan syel translation

Akansyèl → rainbow

Ask me anything

are you going to help me

Eske w pral ede m?

and also:

Eske w'ap ede m?

Eske wa ede'm?

Ask me anything

Watch out, you hear! (best Creole translation)

Watch out you hear!
Fè atansyon tande!
Veye zo tande!

Haitian Creole word for "baby"

baby → bebe, ti bebe
crib → bèso
baby bottle → bibwon
diaper → kouchèt
to breastfeed → bay tete, alete
a nursing mom → nouris
to give birth → akouche

She gave birth to a baby boy.
Li akouche yon ti gason.

a new baby
yon nouvo bebe

It's a boy!
Se yon ti gason!

It's a girl!
Se yon ti fi!

miwo miba

miwo miba → expression for uneven, disproportionate, patchy, botched, mediocre

Rad li miwo miba.
Her dress is disorderly.
or
She looks disheveled.

The work you did on the patio is mediocre.
Travay ou fè sou galeri a miwo miba.

Live (as in live tv transmission) - Creole

live → andirèk.

We are live.
Nou andirèk.

We are live on the internet.
Nou branche andirèk sou Entènèt la.

We can talk live on Skype.
Nou kapab pale andirèk sou rezo Skype la.

Are we live?
Eske nou andirèk?

Is this program transmitted live?
Eske pwogram sa andirèk?

Are these images live?
Eske imaj sa yo andirèk?

DO YOU HAVE PAIN

Doulè → Pain

Kò kraze → body soreness
Kòfèmal (Kò fè mal) → body pain, body aches

Do you have pain?
Eske ou gen doulè?

Kijan doulè a ye?
How is the pain?

Eske doulè a miyò?
Is the pain better?

Ask me anything

How do you say...enjoy?

To enjoy → jwi, rejwi, pran plezi, anmize, fete
To party (to celebrate, to revel) → fete, selebre, banboche
To celebrate a birthday → fete yon fèt
To commemorate → komemore, fete, sonje

Enjoy yourself.

Pran plezi w.

He's enjoying life.

L'ap jwi lavi a.

We're just enjoying ourselves at the party. or

We're partying.

N'ap fete.

N'ap banboche.

How do you celebrate Independence Day?
Kouman nou fete Fèt Lendepandans?

When do you celebrate your birthday?
Kilè ou fete fèt ou?

Are you enjoying yourself?

Eske w'ap pran plezi w?

Eske ou kontan?

Eske w'ap pase yon bon tan?

Ask me anything

husband

husband → mari

Do you have a husband?

Eske ou gen yon mari?

Is this your husband?

Eske sa se mari ou?

He is my husband.

Li se mari mwen.

Ask me anything

manke dega

dega (n.) → mess, chaos, clutter

manke dega → expression for to disrespect, to dishonor, to put down

L'ap manke n dega.
He's being direspectful towards us.

W'ap manke m dega!
You're disrespecting me!

Elèv yo ap manke pwofesè yo dega.
The students are being rude to their teachers.

ou fe m souri pitit mwen tande tout moun konnnen sa ou ye pou mwen pitit mwen

Ou fè m souri pitit mwen, tande.
You make smile my child.

Tout moun konnen sa yo ye pou mwen pitit mwen.
Everyone knows what they mean to me my child.

Ask me anything

Is there any real difference between "fòk ou...", "ou dwe...", "ou fèt pou...", and "piga ou...", other than the last one is negative?

No, not much difference.
They're all about obligation, necessity, duty.

Pinga ou is also about giving a warning or advice.

Examples:

You must go talk to her. (can be accurately translated many ways in Creole)

Fòk ou al pale avè l.

Fò w al pale avè l.

Ou dwe al pale avè l.

Se pou w al pale avè l.

Ou fèt pou w al pale avè l.

Ou oblije al pale avè l.

Pinga ou pale ak moun ou pa konnen.

Don't talk to strangers.

Pinga w al dòmi san priye.

Don't go to bed without praying.

Pinga ou bliye m.

Don't you forget me.

Pinga ou ouvè bwat sa a.

Do not open this box.

Ask me anything

Is "vant" most accurately "belly" or "chest"?

Vant is definitely belly or abdomen

lestomak is chest

pwatrin is the anterior portion of the torso, ribcage

Ask me anything

I am sorry to...

I am sorry to hear that.
Mwen regret tande sa.

I am sorry to inform you...
Mwen regret enfòme w ....

I am sorry to interrupt you.
Mwen regret entewonp ou.
Eskize m deske mwen entewonp ou.

I am sorry to disturb you.
Mwen regret deranje w.
Eskize m deske mwen deranje w.

Give me strength (Creole)

Give me strength.
Ban m fòs.

Give me strength and power.
Ban m fòs ak pisans.

Give me the power.
Ban m pouvwa.
Ban m otorite.

What's Creole term for: Are you experiencing decreased libido?

Are you experiencing decreased libido?
Eske apeti seksyèl ou diminye?
or
Eske ou manke apeti seksyèl?

happy birthday lil princess

Bòn fèt ti prensès.

Ask me anything

Why do I see the term "Se pou nou" so much. What does it mean?

The expression is not just about "Se pou nou".

"Nou" is just one of the pronouns used with it.

The expression is about "Se pou... - must, to have to"

Remember, There might be other pronouns placed after "Se pou..."

Example:

Se pou nou → we must

Se pou yo → they must

Se pou li → he/she must

Check out the following examples:

Se pou nou ale kounye a.

We must go now.

Se pou li ale kounye a.

He must go now.

Se pou Lilian ale kounye a.

Lilian must go now.

Check the following link:

http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2011/11/se-pou-can-be-expression-or-it-can-be.html

Ask me anything

what is: epa yereswa

Yereswa or yè swa → last night

epa or apa → no equivalent English translation. It comes off as an acknowledgement.

Apa li.

There it is.

Epa yereswa ou pa't rele'm.

I see you didn't call me last night.

Or even:

How come you didn't call me last night.

Epa Kreyòl nou t'ap pale?
Weren't we speaking Creole?

Epa ou pa manje.

I see you 're not eating.

or even:

How come you're not eating.

Epa ou te achte machin nan.

I see that you bought the car.

Ask me anything

how to say nervous

Nervous → enkyete, sou tansyon, Kè sou biskèt

She's nervous.
Li enkyete.
Li sou tansyon.
Kè li sou biskèt.
Li gen enkyetid.

Don't be so nervous.
Ou pa bezwen enkyete w.

Are you nervous?
Ou sou tansyon?

Why are you so nervous?
Poukisa ou sou tansyon konsa?
Poukisa kè w sou biskèt konsa?

Ask me anything

OH MY GOSH MY HEAD HURTS

OH MY GOSH, MY HEAD HURTS!

Mezanmi, tèt mwen ap fè m mal!

Ask me anything

For whatever I did, I'm sorry. (Creole)

For whatever I did, I'm sorry.
Pou kèlkeswa sa m fè a, m'ap mande w padon.

"Kè m se An Ayiti" or "Kè m se nan Ayiti"? which is better?

Neither, if this is meant to translate My heart is in Haiti.

My heart is in Haiti.
Kè mwen Ayiti. or
Kè m Ayiti. or
Kè m se Ayiti li ye.

What do you mean by "(abstract)"?

Concerning the following previous post: http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2011/11/fyel-gist-core-innermost-center-of.html

example: biskèt

Even though "biskèt" is described as stomach or breastbone, sometimes it means more than that.

You'll hear these often:

Biskèt mwen tonbe.

which is most likely about having a broken back.

Kè ou sou biskèt

You're nervous. or

You're afraid.

Ask me anything

swete ou gen

swete → to wish
gen → to have

Creole speakers can also say:

Mwen swete w yon bon jounen. or

Mwen swete ou pase yon bon jounen

I wish you a good day.

Ask me anything

what does mwen swete ou gen yon gwo jou mean in american english?

Mwen swete ou gen yon gwo jou.
I wish you have a big day.

Mwen swete ou gen yon bon jou.
I wish you have a good day.

I wish you a good day

Pase bon jounen.
Have a good day.
Have a nice day.

Ask me anything

now let me ask you this "Do you know what wall street protester is all about."

The people (99%) versus the wealthy corporations (1%)
The people (99%) are tired of being controlled by the wealthy (1%).

They want equality, jobs, more control over their financial decision.

I think that's what it is...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_Wall_Street

Ask me anything

I see the phrase, "se nou pou", from time to time. Can you tell me what the expression is about. I even saw it on one of your posts; you said "se pou nou ale" means "we must go". Can you elaborate please?

Se pou can be an expression or it can be translated literally.
Se pou → indicates a duty, an obligation, or responsibility
In this case, the literal translation will not work here.

example:
1.
Se pou w etidye chak jou tande! (contracted)
Se pou ou etidye chak jou tande! (un-contracted)
You must study everyday, you hear!

2.
Se pou yo kanpe nan liy pou yo ka jwenn manje.
They must stand in line in order to get food.

3.
Se pou nou priye anvan nou manje.
We must pray before we eat.

4.
Se pou li pran medikaman an si li vle miyò.
He must take the medication if he wants to get better.

about some negative sentences:

5.
Se pa pou fè sa.
You must do that.

6.
Se pa pou pale konsa.
You must not talk like that.

7.
Se pa pou yo ranse konsa.
They must not joke around like that.

Se pou → is also used to say blessings, curse, wishful thinking
In this case, the literal translation will not work here.

Example:
8.
Se pou Bondye beni ou menm ak tout pitit ou yo.
May God bless you and all you children.

9.
Se pou maryaj ou beni.
May your marriage be blessed.

10.
Se pou malè tonbe sou li.
May grief fall upon him. or
May he be cursed.

11.
Se pou kay li kouvri ak wont.
May his home be covered with shame.

12.
Se pou l tonbe. ( or Se pou li tonbe)
I hope he falls.

13.
Mesye pa bon. Se pou Rachel, madanm li, kite l.
This guy's no good. I hope his wife Rachel leave him.

Se pou → literal meaning: it's for

example:
14.
Kado sa se pou ou.
This gift is for you.

15.
Se pou ou?
Is it for you? or
Is it yours?

16.
Wi, se pou mwen.
Yes, it's for me. or
Yes, it's mine.

17.
Non, se pa pou mwen.
No. it's not for me. or
No, it's not mine.

Ask me anything

Iran is arming themselves with nuclear weapons.

Peyi Iran ap ame tèt yo ak zam nikleyè.

Ask me anything

Fyèl. Dengou. Bègwè. Biskèt.

Fyèl → gist, core, innermost center of strength.

example:

Bagay sa ap pete fyèl ou wi.

This thing will kill you.

Travay sa fin pete fyèl mwen.

This job is killing me.

Dengou? Perhaps you meant "Dengonn"

Dengonn → (abstract) buttocks

example:

Li toujou la nan dengonn mwen, tankou yon pongongon.

She's there always up my butt, like a pain.

Poukisa ou toujou la nan dengonn mwen konsa?

Why you're always chewing my butt for?

Bègwè → naive, slowpoke, childlike

example:Toto pa konnen sa l'ap fè. Li tankou yon ti bègwè.

Toto doesn't know what he's doing. He's like a child.

Other Haitian Creole words for bègwè are: kannannan, kokobe, krebete, petevi, san nanm.

These words sometimes comes off very offensive. They are equivalent of calling someone a retard.

Biskèt → stomach (abstract) sometimes: bearing, core, or back.

example:
This suitcase is too heavy for you to carry. It'll break your back.

Malèt sa twò lou pou pote. L'ap kraze biskèt ou wi.

Travay sa fin kraze biskèt mwen.

This job is destroying me.

Ask me anything

how do you say medication in creole

medication → medikaman

Ask me anything

rele'm (Creole)

Rele'm.

Call me.

Ask me anything

Since when?

Since when ...?
Depi kilè ...?

Since when were you married?
Depi kilè ou te marye?

Since when were you into politics?
Depi kilè ou te nan politik?

Since when have you had that pain?
Depi kilè ou te gen doulè sa?

Since when have you had that lump in your breast?
Depi kilè ou te gen boul sa nan tete ou?

Since when did you have a boyfriend?
Depi kilè ou te gen menaj?

Since when did you get here?
Depi kilè ou rive la?

ki mo yo di nan pale kapwaz yo ki diferan de moun nan lwes

You'll know right away that you're speaking to a Northerner by their style of enunciation.

Here's a few examples about the difference in the Creole vocabulary between North and West.

This is FYI only.

mine

pa'm (west Haiti)

kinan'm (North)

iron

fè a repase (west Haiti)

Kawo (north)

Possessives

His car

machin li (West Haiti)

machin a li (North)

your dress

rad ou a (West Haiti)

Rad w la (North)

my child

pitit mwen (West)

pitit an mwen (North)

word endings

Example:

Why did you do it?

Poukisa ou te fè li? (West Haiti)

Poukisa ou te fèy? (North)
etc....

Ask me anything

what doe rwa means

Rwa or Wa → king

Wa dè wa → King of kings

Wa David → King David

Ask me anything

peace be with you

Peace be with you!

Lapè avè w!

Ask me anything

pete fyèl

pete fyèl (can be a verb or adjective)
As an adjective:
backbreaking
strenuous
torturous

As a verb, it could mean:
beat up
hammer
killing

Sa se yon travay pete fyèl wi.
This is strenuous work.

Pwofesè a pete fyèl nou ak devwa weekend sa.
The teacher hammered us with homework this weekend.

Maman m ap pete fyèl mwen ak travay nan kay.
My mom is killing me with housework.

Other Creole synonyms for pete fyèl are: kraze kouraj, kraze biskèt

creole for i love jesus

I love Jesus.

Mwen renmen Jezi.

Ask me anything

When I taught school, I used high frequency word lists to introduce new vocabulary. The words were listed in order of frequency, with the most frequently used words at the top of the list. I have searched for something equivalent in Creole, but have not

I'll help you to look for it :)

When I find it, I'll probably include it as a link to this present post.

Pase bon jounen!

Ask me anything

Just a comment: I loved the question and list of activities of children, excluding school...!(-Dory, again.)

Thanks Dory :)

I hope there would be some children, at the Blueberry Migrant Camp this year, with whom you can play some of these games.
Love ya!

Ask me anything

English for Renmen Mwen

Renmen mwen → love me.

Ask me anything

i hope that kremas taste good.

Oh yes it did :-)

Ask me anything

Eske se yon bon lide pou fe kremas ak rhum barbancourt?

Eske Wonm Babancourt bon pou fè Kremas?

I do not know if it's a good idea...
I just tried it (not with these oranges, but with limes).

I found that the yellow tinge of the 5-star Barbancourt is too dark for my Kremas.
Where's that unrefined Haitian Kleren (clairin) when you need it :)

Maybe you could use half Barbancourt and half Vodka.
The percentage of alcohol in these two is about 35 to 45 %.

Ask me anything

Is there a lesson that teaches when you pronounce the letter 'n' and when you do not?

Did you try the lessons on the vowels?
It's the second (audio part), #2

Here's the link:
http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2010/02/haitian-creole-alphabet-vowels.html

e-mail me for additional help. Thanks

Ask me anything

Congratulations on a great show!

What kind of show?

The word "show" can be translated different ways:

Show (programs, pageant, fireworks) → spektak, pwogram

Show (exposition, display) → ekspozisyon, prezantasyon

Show (broadcast) → emisyon

Congratulations on a great show!

Konpliman pou yon si gran spektak!

Konpliman pou yon bèl pwogram!

Konpliman pou yon bèl prezantasyon!

Ask me anything

what is the english word for feye casse

Do you mean "fèy kase" as in "broken leaves"?

Ask me anything

Creole for: give enough rope to hang self

Give rope to hang self
Bay kòd pou pann tèt.

Be careful with these people. They just giving you enough rope to hang yourself.
Fè atansyon ak moun sa yo. Se kòd yap ba ou pou pann tèt ou wi.

What are some typical activities of Haitian children other than school?

You mean in Haiti? ... lots and lots :)

sote kòd → jump rope

jwe marèl → hopscotch

jwe woslè → jacks

jwe pens → jacks (with pebbles)

jwe lago → Hide and Seek

jwe kachkach liben → Hide and Seek an Object

jwe mab → Marbles

jwe fistibal → slingshots
Krapo (Ma debat) → Frog (role play)

tire kont → tale telling
Krik krak (devinèt) → guessing a riddle

jwe kay → count-and-capture

jwe zonbi mann mannan (ti poulèt sove) → similar to Hide and Seek

fè wonn → role playing, dancing and singing in a circle

voye wòch pou keyi fwi nan jaden :)

etc...

Ask me anything

fok ou pale ak mwen demen matin bon nuit (in English please)

Fòk ou pale ak mwen demen maten. Bòn nwi.

You must talk to me tomorrow morning. Good night.

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si mwen di mama ou pa kontan jodia lap fache anpil men le mama fache ou pap konnen fasil (in English please...mwen pa konprann kreole sa)

Si mwen di mama ou pa kontan jodi a, l'ap fache anpil.

If I tell mama you're not happy today, she'll be really angry.

Men lè mama fache, ou pa konnen fasil.

But when mama is angry, you can't really tell.

(that second fragment literally says: You don't know easily)

Ask me anything

kisa ki ka mete barier antre ou menm ak papa w (in English please)

Kisa ki ka mete you baryè ant ou menm ak papa w?

What (thing) can put a separation (barrier) between you and your father?

Ask me anything

kisa ki drapo senkant zetwal la?

The American flag.

Yes it is called:
Drapo Ameriken → American flag.

Or nicknamed:
Drapo senkant zetwal la → the 50-star flag

nan lang Kreyòl la.

When Haitians ask "what's your name?" Sometimes they add "se" at the beginning of the question. Right?

Right.

They often add "se" before other questions too.

Se kijan ou rele?

What's your name?

Se kimoun ou ye?

Who are you?

Se ki kote ou soti?

Where do you come from?

Se kisa sa ye?

What is this?

Se kimoun ou panse w ye la?

Who do you think you are?

Yes, this happens often. But you certainly don't have to learn it that way. Adding "Se" in front of the questions is not necessary

Ask me anything

Cranberry

The only time I had heard the word "cranberry" in Haiti was from my family when they visited from France.

Cranberries are not native of Haiti. I believe they are grown and cultivated in cooler regions.

French term: canneberges, airelles rouges

I haven't encountered the Haitian Creole term.

I'll continue to inquire about it.

Ask me anything

reschedule or rain date

to reschedule → ranvwaye

The meeting has been rescheduled for Monday.
Reyinyon an ranvwaye pou lendi.

The election has been rescheduled for next week.
Yo ranvwaye eleksyon yo pou semèm pwochèn.

Ask me anything

Thank you for caring. A thousands thanks!

Thank you → mèsi
To thank (v.) → remèsye
Thank you (n.) → remèsiman

Thank you for caring.
Mèsi pou atansyon ou.

A thousand thanks.
Mil mèsi.

I thank you.
Mwen remèsye w.

A thank you is not enough.
Yon remèsiman pa sifi.

How can I thank you?
Kijan pou m ta remèsye w?

I called to say thank you.
Mwen rele w pou m di w mèsi.

Sleeping with one eye open...do you have that expression?

sleeping with one eye open

dòmi on je ouvè on je fèmen

(in Creole the expression literally says: sleep one eye opened one eye closed)

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How can I make my haitian boyfriend happy?

The only way to make your Haitian boyfriend happy is to make yourself unconditionally happy :-)

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Si ou ta kapab retrete Ayiti, ki kote ou ta abite?

Si ou ta kapab retrete Ayiti, ki kote ou ta abite?

If you could retire in Haiti, where would you live?

Si ou ta kapab manje nenpòt bagay, kisa ou ta manje?

If you could eat anything, what would you eat?

Si ou ta kapab anbrase nenpòt moun, kimoun ou ta anbrase?

If you could kiss anyone, whom would you kiss?

Si ou ta kapab vole, ki kote ou ta vole ale?

If you could fly, where would you fly to?

Si ou ta kapab achte nenpòt bagay, kisa ou ta achte?

If you could buy anything, what would you buy?

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Please explain: mare figi. Thanx :)

Expression: Mare figi

literally: Having a tense face

meaning: be angry, to look angry

Expression: Dis min mare nan fwon
Literally: ten miens tied to forehead
meaning: to have a frown, to be angry

Example:

1. Figi li mare.

He's angry.

2. Poukisa figi ou mare konsa?

Why are you so sad?

3. Chak kou li wè m, li mare figi li.

Every time she sees me, she puts on an angry face.

Other Creole synonyms for mare figi are: fache, move, boude, gen dis min nan fwon

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Bonjou! How to Find What You're looking for on the Haitian Creole Blog

Bonjou zanmi, Mèsi anpil pou vizit ou!

Thank you for visiting the Haitian Creole blog.

If you're having difficulty finding some posts on this blog, here's a little information on where to start looking.

For basic GREETINGS & INTRODUCTION CLICK ON Greetings and Introduction, or Many ways to say HI or HELLO

Find GRAMMAR EXERCISES about verbs, adjectives, pronouns, demonstratives, contractions and more HERE. Or check the labels to the right side of the computer screen with overhead title "Lessons and Exercises on the Following Subjects".

For some listening and speaking skills, find some AUDIO POSTS HERE

There are so many ways to say "HONEY'" or "SWEETIE" or "I LOVE YOU" in Haitian Creole, And I get these questions a lot. So I've compiled most of these questions and answers HERE.

Another very helpful tool is the CUSTOM GOOGLE SEARCH rectangular window above. It SEARCHES THE ENTIRE BLOG. So enter a word or sentence to see if it was discussed previously.

Finally, you can ask questions in the ASK ME ANYTHING section above left. I especially love to have your questions because it does contribute to the available resources on this blog.

There are also some CROSSWORD PUZZLES (for beginners mostly) and other useful links to the left side of the computer screen as you scroll down..

Find ONLINE QUIZZES to test your knowledge HERE. No need to sign in.

And find some useful and interesting IDIOMS AND EXPRESSIONS HERE

Email: Limanecasimi@aol.com, belmandaly@gmail.com

Mèsi anpil!

Search the Haitian Creole blog. Thanks!

how to say hi in creole

bonjou, bon apremidi or bonswa (depending on the time of the day),

kout chapo,

onè respè,

salitasyon,

sali

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How would a man address a beloved mother-in-law?

Madam or Manmi.
Does this mother-in-law have other son or daughter in-laws?
If yes, what do they call her?

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What does mean?li pa anceint vre

Li pa ansent vre.

She's not really pregnant.

Really (for real) → vre, tout bon vre, tout bon (usually placed at the end of sentence)

Really (for real) → vrèman, reyèlman (usually placed after subjects and auxillaries)

1. Li pa fache vre.

Li pa reyèlman fache.

He's not really angry.

2. Nou pa gen lajan tout bon vre.

Nou vrèman pa gen lajan.

We really don't have any money.

3. Mwen pa te wè li vre.

Mwen pa te reyèlman wè li.

I didn't really see it/him/her.

4.Fwa sa a se vre.

This time it's for real.

5. Mwen sezi tout bon.

Mwen vrèman sezi.

I'm really shocked.

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Sali!Mandaly, please translate this. -Charm is a product of the unexpected.-Understand citizen, that the only thing white about me is color of my skin.*What a combination, romantic phrase with revolutionary.I hope i am not bothering you.Stay cool!

Sali a ou menm tou :)

This is beautiful.

Charm is a product of the unexpected. -Understand citizen, that the only thing white about me is color of my skin. *What a combination, romantic phrase with revolutionary.

Atirans se pwodwi yon bagay ou pa t'ap atann.

Konprann sa *mezanmi, se koulè po m sèlman ki fè m blan.

Ala yon melanj! Pawòl womantik ak *rebelyon

1. *mezanmi → you could use "mezanmi" or "sitwayen"..
I felt more confortable with "mezanmi"

2. *rebelyon → "rebelyon" or "revolisyon"

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Please don't tell me you will check on me in the morning but then not do it. (in Creole)

Tanpri pa di m w'ap tcheke avè m nan demen maten epi pou pa fè sa.

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Avek kisa mwen ka ouvè yon cocotier?

Itilize yon mato pou kraze kokoye a.
Oubyen
Leve l e frape l atè byen fò sou pati atè a ki simante.
Oswa
Leve l e frape l byen fò sou wòch.

Bòn chans :-)

i dont love you

love/like → renmen

I don't love you.
Mwen pa renmen ou.

Ouch! That's a very sad thing to say to someone. I wonder if it needs to be said at all.

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her husband?

her husband - mari li

Her husband is an artist.

Mari li se yon atis.

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skill and knowledge

Abilite ak konesans

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"Mande yon kesyon" Or "Poze yon kesyon"?

Both.

1. Ki kesyon ou vle poze?

2. Eske ou gen yon kesyon pou mande m?

3. Sa se yon kesyon nou tout dwe poze.

4. Mwen te poze li de kesyon.

5. Li pa't renmen kesyon mwen te mande li.

Anfòm.

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koken, fè koken

koken (n) → trickster, bluff, chiseler

fè koken (or pete koken or leve koken) → to double-cross, to dupe, to trick

Nan dènye minit jwèt la, li wè l'ap pèdi, li tonbe pete koken.
At the last minute of the game, he noticed he was losing, he started cheating.

Can you please translate... thank you! Mwen tres bien mwen tande wap......

email: Limanecasimi@aol.com :)

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Mwen la map gade apre' ou kap fe' bel bagayMwen renmen sa le' yon moun ap fe' eforBel bagay

Mwen la, map gade apre ou k'ap fè bèl bagay. Mwen renmen sa lè yon moun ap fè zefò. Bèl bagay!

I am hanging in there just looking at you doing great things. It makes me happy to see people making efforts. Great!

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We Love you!

We love you!

Nou renmen ou!

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We are united

united → ini, fè youn

We are united
Nou ini
or
Nou fè youn

We were united like brothers and sisters
Nou te ini tankou frè ak sè.
or
Nou te fè youn tankou frè ak sè.

They are united together.
Yo ini ansanm
or
Yo fè youn ansanm

We are united in Christ.
Nou ini nan Kris.
or
Nou fè youn nan Kris.

Christmas Greetings / Holiday Greetings (Creole)

Merry Christmas → Jwaye Nowèl (sometimes: Jwaye Nwèl)
Happy New year → Bòn ane (sometimes: Bònn ane)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Jwaye Nowèl e Bòn ane

I wish you peace, health and prosperity.
Mwen swete w lapè, sante, e pwosperite.

Thank you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too.
Mèsi. Jwaye Nowèl e Bòn ane a ou menm tou.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Mwen swete nou tout yon Jwaye Nwèl e Bòn ane.

Wishing you a beautiful holiday season and a new year of peace and happiness.
Mwen swete w yon bèl sezon fèt ak yon nouvèl ane plen ak lapè e lajwa.

May the love of Christmas fill your hearts and your homes.
Se pou lanmou Nwèl la plen kè w ak kay ou. (To: singular person)
Se pou lanmou Nwèl la plen kè nou ak kay nou. (To: Plural people)

Wishing you peace, joy and love
M'ap swete w lapè, lajwa, ak lanmou.

Pase Bon Sezon Fèt!
Have a Happy Holiday!

May all the joys of the season be yours!
Mwen swete w tout lajwa sezon fèt la pote.

Holiday season
Sezon fèt

Happy Holidays
Pase yon bon sezon fèt. (literally: Have a good holiday season)

Christmas time
tan Nowèl
or
sezon Nowèl

Christmas Holiday
Fèt Nowèl

Christmas Day
Jou Nowèl

Christmas Eve
Lavèy Nwèl
or
Vennkat Desanm (Dec 24th)

New year's Day
Joudlan
or
Premye Janvye

New Years Eve
Lavèy joudlan
or
Tranteyen Desanm

Christmas party
Fèt Nowèl

Christmas card
kat Nowèl

Chritsmas gift
kado Nwèl

Christmas decorations
Dekorasyon Nowèl

To hang Chritsmas decorations
instale dekorasyon Nwèl

Christmas carols
chante Nowèl

Celebrate Christmas
Fete Nwèl.
or
Selebre Nwèl.

We won't celebrate Christmas this year.
Nou p'ap fete Nwèl ane sa.

Do you celebrate Christmas?
Eske ou selebre Nwèl?

Toys → Jwèt
angels → zanj
Santa → Tonton Nwèl or Tonton Nowèl
star → zetwal
candle → bouji
wreath → kouròn
gifts / presents → kado
bell → klòch
Nativity → nativite
crib (baby jesus in manger) → krèch
shepherds → bèje, gadò mouton
donkey → bourik
Bethleem → Bètleyèm
Jesus, Mary and Joseph → Jezi, Mari, ak Jozèf
A nativity play → yon pyès Nwèl
The three wise men → twa maj yo

Bon Lavi

Dakò :)

Bon lavi → good life :-|

Bèl lavi → beautiful life :-)

lavi dous → sweet life :-)

Lavi mizerab → miserable life :-(

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how do u say "Hello, how are you doing?"

Hello, how are you?
Hello, how are you doing?
Bonjou, kijan ou ye?

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Kijan ou ye - what is "ye"?

ye → to be (used often when asking question with verb "to be". Also used in combination with "se")

Kijan ou ye? → How are you?

Ki kote li ye? → Where is it?

Kisa li ye? → What is it?

Kilè li ye? → What time is it?

Kimoun ou ye? → Who are you?

Used in combination with "Se"

Se sa li ye. → That's what it is.

Se pa yon timoun ou ye. → You're not a child.

Se yon zwazo li ye. → It is a bird.

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save

Save → sere, sove, rezève, ekonomize, mete de kote

Save the money.

Sere lajan an.

Ekonomize lajan an.

Save the food for later.

Sere manje a pou pita.

Save it for later (put it aside)

Mete li de kote.

Save the children, don't let them perish.

Sove timoun yo, pa kite yo peri.

I am saved (freed or redeemed).
Mwen sove.

She's saving herself for marriage.

L'ap rezève tèt li pou lè li marye.

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In Kreyol, what do you call a person who drives you around in a car as well as provides safety for you (some carry guns)?

gadkò (from French garde de corps) → bodyguard

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Ti bout

Ti bout (pronounced tee-boot) → small amount, little

Yon ti bout tan.
A short amount of time.

Yon ti bout pen.
A small piece of bread.

Yon ti bout bwa
A small piece of wood.

Li ekri m sou yon ti bout papye.
He wrote to me on a tiny piece of paper.

Other Creole synonyms for ti bout are: ti kal, ti kras, ti zing, ti zong, t moso, ti zwit

Tiny → tou piti, tou piti piti

yon ti chèz tou piti
a tiny chair

yon ti kay tou piti
a tiny house

I paid her a lot of money and she gave a tiny amount of food.
Mwen peye anpil lajan epi li ban mwen yon ti manje tou piti.

She was screaming when she saw the bug. When I looked, it was a very tiny ant.
Li t'ap rele lè li wè bèt la. Lè m gade, se te yon fomi tou piti piti.

Small → ti (before noun), piti (place after noun and everywhere else)

I need a small car.
Mwen bezwen yon ti machin.
or
Mwen bezen yon machin tou piti.

This is a small thank you.
Sa se yon ti remèsiman.

She lives on a small island.
Li rete nan yon ti zile.

I only told a small lie.
Mwen sèlman bay yon ti manti.

The fire started small.
Dife a te koumanse tou piti.

I can't wear that skirt. It's too small.
Mwen paka mete jip sa. Li twò piti.
Don't say:
Mwen paka mete jip sa. ~~Li twò ti.~~

More on Ti vs Piti

Bonjou! Learn to Speak Haitian Creole