Do you mean visye → greedy ?
I'm happy for this day because it is thanksgiving and I am thankful for you in my life. (in Creole please)
Mwen kontan pou jou sa a, paske se Thanksgiving. E M'ap bay remèsiman paske ou nan lavi m.
Thankful
Give thanks → Bay remèsiman.
I'm thankful for...
M'ap bay remèsiman pou...
I'm thankful for the life you gave us.
M'ap bay remèsiman pou lavi ou ban nou.
I'm thankful for my family.
M'ap bay remèsiman pou fanmi m.
A thankful heart is a happy heart.
Yon kè plen ak gratitid, se yon kè ki kontan.
I'm thankful for...
M'ap bay remèsiman pou...
I'm thankful for the life you gave us.
M'ap bay remèsiman pou lavi ou ban nou.
I'm thankful for my family.
M'ap bay remèsiman pou fanmi m.
A thankful heart is a happy heart.
Yon kè plen ak gratitid, se yon kè ki kontan.
Love is so complicated (Creole)
Sometimes it is.
Sometimes it's not.
What's so complicated about loving a puppy? YOU love IT, and IT loves YOU back.
Love is so complicated.
Lanmou si tèlman konplike.
Sometimes it's not.
What's so complicated about loving a puppy? YOU love IT, and IT loves YOU back.
Love is so complicated.
Lanmou si tèlman konplike.
is there a rule for when i should abbreviate the pronoun after a noun and when not to? For example, my friend corrects me and says that I should say lakay MWEN, not lakay m.
Yes, there's a rule.
Contractions don't follow consonants.
They only come after vowels (nasal and non nasal → a, an, e, è, en, i, o, ò, ou)
Follow this link about CONTRACTIONS: http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2011/11/contractions-contracting-haitian-creole.html
hi, can you tell me the difference of these two? men M gen yon bel santiman. men M gen w bel santiman.
The first one is grammatically correct.
The second one does not make much sense.
The first one says: But I have a beautiful feeling.
The second one says: But I have you a beautiful feeling.
how do you say in creole you make me feel so good
define "feel so good".
That's probably a general term for "happy". Is that what you mean?
You make me feel so good.
Ou fè m santi m kontan.
Merite pa mande.
Not always true.
I've never lived by that rule.
Men sa m panse:
Merite pa mande.
Men sa m panse:
Merite pa mande.
Merite pa ka apresye.
Mande apresye plis :)
Moin gin yoin rum m, map rale de tan an tan nan gorge moin chaque soir, li fe m, pa ka dormi
To be grammatically correct in Creole, you should write this as:
Mwen gen yon rim m'ap rale nan gòj mwen detanzantan chak swa. Li fè m paka dòmi.
Mwen gen yon rim m'ap rale nan gòj mwen detanzantan chak swa. Li fè m paka dòmi.
I get increased nasal secretions continually creeping up my throat at night. It keeps me from getting any sleep.
Ou sanble gripe.
Chache wout kay doktè tande!
MWEN RENMEN MADANN MWEN SE LI KI SEL FANM MWEN LANMOU SA PAP JANM FINI MWEN RENMEN JUJU M BABY SE POW W
Okay.... I like that :)
Your wife must be very special.
Mwen renmen madanm mwen. Se li sèl fanm mwen.
I love my wife. She's the only woman for me.
Lanmou sa p'ap janm fini.
This love will never end.
Mwen renmen Joujou. Bebe m se pa w.
I love Juju. Baby I am yours.
all my .... (creole)
All my... → Tout ... mwen
all my friends → tout zanmi mwen yo
All my friends have come to see me.
Tout zanmi mwen yo vin wè mwen.
Tout zanmi m yo vin wè m. (contracted form)
all my hope → tout espwa mwen
All my hope is in you.
Tout espwa mwen se nan ou.
Tout espwa m se nan ou. (contracted form)
all my life → tout lavi mwen
All my life I've been waiting.
Tout lavi mwen mwen t'ap tann.
Tout lavi m mwen t'ap tann. (contracted form)
all my needs → tout bezwen mwen yo
All my needs are taken care of.
Tout bezwen mwen yo regle.
Tout bezwen m yo regle. (contracted form follows nasal vowel "en")
all my dreams → tout rèv mwen yo
All my dreams have become reality.
Tout rèv mwen yo vini reyalite.
cannot contract "mwen" because it follows a consonant "v".
all your efforts → tout zefò ou yo
All your efforts were not in vain.
Tout zefò ou yo pa't anven.
Tout zefò w yo pa't anven.
all his children → tout pitit li yo
All his children have left him.
Tout pitit li yo kite l.
cannot contract "li" because it follows consonant "t".
all our children → tout pitit nou yo
All our children are married.
Tout pitit nou yo marye.
cannot contract "nou" because it follows consonant "t".
all my friends → tout zanmi mwen yo
All my friends have come to see me.
Tout zanmi mwen yo vin wè mwen.
Tout zanmi m yo vin wè m. (contracted form)
all my hope → tout espwa mwen
All my hope is in you.
Tout espwa mwen se nan ou.
Tout espwa m se nan ou. (contracted form)
all my life → tout lavi mwen
All my life I've been waiting.
Tout lavi mwen mwen t'ap tann.
Tout lavi m mwen t'ap tann. (contracted form)
all my needs → tout bezwen mwen yo
All my needs are taken care of.
Tout bezwen mwen yo regle.
Tout bezwen m yo regle. (contracted form follows nasal vowel "en")
all my dreams → tout rèv mwen yo
All my dreams have become reality.
Tout rèv mwen yo vini reyalite.
cannot contract "mwen" because it follows a consonant "v".
all your efforts → tout zefò ou yo
All your efforts were not in vain.
Tout zefò ou yo pa't anven.
Tout zefò w yo pa't anven.
all his children → tout pitit li yo
All his children have left him.
Tout pitit li yo kite l.
cannot contract "li" because it follows consonant "t".
all our children → tout pitit nou yo
All our children are married.
Tout pitit nou yo marye.
cannot contract "nou" because it follows consonant "t".
How shameless, how rude! (help in translating that) is it "kijan wont!"?
Generally, you would say:
How shameless and/or rude!
Ala moun sanwont!
What shameless people!
Ala moun san prestij!
What reckless and foolish people!
Ala moun san zedikasyon!
What uneducated people!
Ala moun malelve!
Ala moun malonèt!
How rude!
If you're specifically talking about a man, you would say:
Ala nèg sanwont!
Ala nèg san zedikasyon!
etc...
Or if you're specifically talking about a woman!
Ala fanm sanwont!
Ala fanm malelve!
etc...
You could replace moun, nèg, or fanm with a pronoun.
Example:
Ala w sanwont! (You have no shame!)
Ala li malelve! (He's so rude!)
Ala yo san zedikasyon! (How uneducated they are!)
How shameless and/or rude!
Ala moun sanwont!
What shameless people!
Ala moun san prestij!
What reckless and foolish people!
Ala moun san zedikasyon!
What uneducated people!
Ala moun malelve!
Ala moun malonèt!
How rude!
If you're specifically talking about a man, you would say:
Ala nèg sanwont!
Ala nèg san zedikasyon!
etc...
Or if you're specifically talking about a woman!
Ala fanm sanwont!
Ala fanm malelve!
etc...
You could replace moun, nèg, or fanm with a pronoun.
Example:
Ala w sanwont! (You have no shame!)
Ala li malelve! (He's so rude!)
Ala yo san zedikasyon! (How uneducated they are!)
"Manage" - I managed to get out safely. (Mwen manaje soti siman)?
Manage (to succeed in) → rive or arive, resi or reyisi (to finally suceed)
To succeed → reyisi
Safely → an sekirite, sen e sof
I managed to get out safely.
Mwen te rive sòti sen e sof.
She managed to fit into the dress with no problems.
Li te resi antre nan rad la san pwoblèm.
How did you manage to quit smoking?
Kijan ou te resi kite fimen?
To succeed → reyisi
Safely → an sekirite, sen e sof
I managed to get out safely.
Mwen te rive sòti sen e sof.
She managed to fit into the dress with no problems.
Li te resi antre nan rad la san pwoblèm.
How did you manage to quit smoking?
Kijan ou te resi kite fimen?
When will you speak to .... about resolving our problem? (Best way to say)
When will you speak to ... about resolving our problem?
Kilè w'ap pale ak ... sou zafè règleman pwoblèm nou an?
Kilè w'ap pale ak ... sou zafè règleman pwoblèm nou an?
It was a pleasure to meet you yesterday (and still is) -- m kontan te fe konesans w? M te kontan fe konesans w.
Both versions are right actually.
I have heard both.
Can't use contraction after "konesans"
I have heard both.
Can't use contraction after "konesans"
Don't forget your accented characters.
It was a pleasure to meet you.
M te kontan fè konesans ou.
It was a pleasure to meet you yesterday.
M te kontan fè konesans ou yè.
It's about time... (expression in Creole)
It's about time...
Li te lè li te tan...
Li te lè l te tan... (you will mostly hear this contracted variant)
It's about time they left.
Li te lè l te tan pou yo te ale.
It was about time for a miracle.
Li te lè l te tan pou yon mirak.
It's about time you took care of that.
Li te lè l te tan pou w regle sa.
It's about time he proposed to you.
Li te lè l te tan pou li mande w maryaj.
Li te lè li te tan...
Li te lè l te tan... (you will mostly hear this contracted variant)
It's about time they left.
Li te lè l te tan pou yo te ale.
It was about time for a miracle.
Li te lè l te tan pou yon mirak.
It's about time you took care of that.
Li te lè l te tan pou w regle sa.
It's about time he proposed to you.
Li te lè l te tan pou li mande w maryaj.
"Grand opening for Winter Farmers' Market, January 8." "(corner of Washington & Norfolk Streets)"'Farm Fresh Produce!"
Gran inogirasyon pou Winter Farmers' Market,
8 Janvye
(Nan kafou riyèl Washington ak Norfolk)
"Vejetab ak fwi tou fre, ki fèt keyi!"
8 Janvye
(Nan kafou riyèl Washington ak Norfolk)
"Vejetab ak fwi tou fre, ki fèt keyi!"
Overnight, as in: Success doesn't happen overnight.
Overnight (suddenly) → sibitman, toudenkou, nan yon jou
Success → siksè, reyisit, pwogrè
Success doesn't happen overnight.
Pwogrè pa fèt nan yon jou.
Reyisit pa fèt toudenkou.
He became rich overnight.
Li vin rich toudenkou.
She became another person overnight.
Li vin chanje sibitman.
Success → siksè, reyisit, pwogrè
Success doesn't happen overnight.
Pwogrè pa fèt nan yon jou.
Reyisit pa fèt toudenkou.
He became rich overnight.
Li vin rich toudenkou.
She became another person overnight.
Li vin chanje sibitman.
Whether you're this or that, etc... (Creole)
Whether you're this or that
Ke w te sa, ke w pat sa
Kit ou te sa, kit ou pat sa
Li mèt te sesi, li mèt te sela
whether you rich or poor
Ke w te rich, ke w te pòv
Kit ou te rich, kit ou te pòv
Ou mèt rich oubyen ou mèt pòv
whether you're black or white
Kit ou te nwa, kit ou te blan
Ke w te nwa, ke w te blan
Ou mèt nwa, oubyen ou mèt blan.
Whether they were native or foreigners
Ke yo te moun peyi, ke yo te etranje
Kit yo te moun peyi, kit yo te etranje
Ou mèt te moun peyi, oubyen ou mèt te etranje
Ke w te sa, ke w pat sa
Kit ou te sa, kit ou pat sa
Li mèt te sesi, li mèt te sela
whether you rich or poor
Ke w te rich, ke w te pòv
Kit ou te rich, kit ou te pòv
Ou mèt rich oubyen ou mèt pòv
whether you're black or white
Kit ou te nwa, kit ou te blan
Ke w te nwa, ke w te blan
Ou mèt nwa, oubyen ou mèt blan.
Whether they were native or foreigners
Ke yo te moun peyi, ke yo te etranje
Kit yo te moun peyi, kit yo te etranje
Ou mèt te moun peyi, oubyen ou mèt te etranje
what does fout mean? (I hope it is not a very bad word, I am sorry if it is)
Yeap it is. :( Grrrrrr...Follow this link: http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2011/07/fout.html
Batay la se pou L'eternel
Ah!... I get it :)
This is the Lord's fight.
Batay la se pou Letènèl.
Literally this says: The fight is the Lord's.
battle for God
Is it like a "fight for God" ? or a "battle that belongs to God"
battle for God
konba pou Bondye
God's fight
Konba Bondye a
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.
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?
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
or
Li kont.
I have enough problems.
Mwen gen ase pwoblèm.
or
Mwen gen pwoblèm mwen.
Is it enough?
Eske li ase?
or
Eske li kont?
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?"
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?
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 genyen?
or
Sa'k genyen? (contracted)
Kisa ki ap fèt?
or
Sa k'ap fèt? (contracted)
or
Sa k'ap fèt? (contracted)
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
Watch out, you hear! (best Creole translation)
Watch out you hear!
Fè atansyon tande!
Veye zo tande!
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!
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.
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?
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?
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?
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
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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?
Eske apeti seksyèl ou diminye?
or
Eske ou manke apeti seksyèl?
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.
or
Se pou li ale kounye a.
He must go now.
or
Se pou Lilian ale kounye a.
Lilian must go now.
Check the following link:
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 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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
or
Kè ou sou biskèt
You're nervous. or
You're afraid.
swete ou gen
swete → to wish
gen → to have
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.
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 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.
Pase bon jounen.
Have a good day.
Have a nice day.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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....
etc....
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
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
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!
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!
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!
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 %.
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 %.
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
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!
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.
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)
Krapo (Ma debat) → Frog (role play)
tire kont → tale telling
Krik krak (devinèt) → guessing a riddle
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...
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.
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.
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)
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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)
How can I make my haitian boyfriend happy?
The only way to make your Haitian boyfriend happy is to make yourself unconditionally happy :-)
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?
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.
1. Figi li mare.
He's angry.
2. Poukisa figi ou mare konsa?
2. Poukisa figi ou mare konsa?
Why are you so sad?
3. Chak kou li wè m, li mare figi li.
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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