Hello, we're happy to see you.
Bonjou, nou kontan wè w.
Goodbye, see you later.
Orevwa, na wè pita.
Bonjou, nou kontan wè w.
Goodbye, see you later.
Orevwa, na wè pita.
What's your Creole word for "Faded", "discolored", " dull or bland"
Blaze (pronounced blah-zay)
washed up
used up
wiped out
bland
dull
You can't wear this shirt to the interview. It's too washed up.
Ou pa ka mete chemiz sa pou al nan entèvyou a. Li twò blaze.
**********
Fennen
faded
to lose color
to lose luster
It's time to replace this flag. Its color has faded.
Li lè pou ranplase drapo sa. Koulè li fennen.
She is like a faded flower.
Li tankou yon flè ki fennen.
*************
detenn
to lose color
to rub off on
to influence
Do not wash this blue shirts with other clothes. Its color will run.
Pa lave chemiz ble a ak lòt rad. Koulè li ap detenn.
When you spend too much time in the company of corrupted people, sooner or later they rub off on you.
Lè ou pase twò tan ak moun koronpi, anvan yè yo detenn sou ou.
washed up
used up
wiped out
bland
dull
You can't wear this shirt to the interview. It's too washed up.
Ou pa ka mete chemiz sa pou al nan entèvyou a. Li twò blaze.
**********
Fennen
faded
to lose color
to lose luster
It's time to replace this flag. Its color has faded.
Li lè pou ranplase drapo sa. Koulè li fennen.
She is like a faded flower.
Li tankou yon flè ki fennen.
*************
detenn
to lose color
to rub off on
to influence
Do not wash this blue shirts with other clothes. Its color will run.
Pa lave chemiz ble a ak lòt rad. Koulè li ap detenn.
When you spend too much time in the company of corrupted people, sooner or later they rub off on you.
Lè ou pase twò tan ak moun koronpi, anvan yè yo detenn sou ou.
If you wait, good things will come to you, it is true!
If you wait, good things will come to you. It is true!
Si ou gen pasyans, w'ap jwenn bon bagay. Sa se la verite!
sleeves (for clothing)
sleeve → manch (pronounced manh-sh)
long sleeve → manch long
short sleeve → manch kout
sleeveless → san manch
a sleeveless blouse
yon kòsaj san manch.
Wear a long sleeve shirt.
Mete you chemiz manch long.
This short sleeve dress is pretty.
Rad manch kout sa bèl.
long sleeve → manch long
short sleeve → manch kout
sleeveless → san manch
a sleeveless blouse
yon kòsaj san manch.
Wear a long sleeve shirt.
Mete you chemiz manch long.
This short sleeve dress is pretty.
Rad manch kout sa bèl.
Another way to say "what's up?" in Creole
Sa ki genyen? (uncontracted)
Sa'k genyen? (contracted)
What's up?
What's happening?
What's going on?
Sa ou genyen? (uncontracted)
Sa'w genyen? (contracted)
What's wrong?
What's up with you?
What's going on with you?
Sa li genyen? (uncontracted)
Sa'l genyen? (contracted)
What's wrong with him?
What's going on with him?
Sa John genyen?
What's wrong with John?
Mwen pa gen anyen.
Nothing wrong with me.
Li pa gen anyen.
Nothing wrong with him.
Sa'w fout genyen?
What the hell is wrong with you?
Sa'k genyen? (contracted)
What's up?
What's happening?
What's going on?
Sa ou genyen? (uncontracted)
Sa'w genyen? (contracted)
What's wrong?
What's up with you?
What's going on with you?
Sa li genyen? (uncontracted)
Sa'l genyen? (contracted)
What's wrong with him?
What's going on with him?
Sa John genyen?
What's wrong with John?
Mwen pa gen anyen.
Nothing wrong with me.
Li pa gen anyen.
Nothing wrong with him.
Sa'w fout genyen?
What the hell is wrong with you?
depi fe klas Haiti ou pa ka pa pale franse.E daye tout liv nap sevi yo ekri en franse.
Depi fe klas Haiti ou pa ka pa pale franse.
Once you're teaching a class in Haiti you can't speak French.
E daye tout liv nap sevi yo ekri en franse.
And all the books we use are written in French.
mwen vle ou anpil
Mwen vle ou anpil.
I really want you.
Mwen bezwen anpil.
I really need you.
Mwen sonje anpil.
I really miss you.
or
I miss you a lot.
Mwen renmen ou anpil.
I really love you.
or
I love you a lot.
what does sak gen la tonton wap byen fel mean?
Sa'k gen la tonton?
What's happening man?
W'ap byen fè-l.
You're doing it well.
what does Gade koze mezanmi..mean in english
Mezanmi! (expression) - Wow! Oh my God! Oh man! Man!
"Gade koze mezanmi!" is an expression that may be synonymous with expressions like: "what a mess!", "gee whiz!", and even "gosh!"
"Gade koze mezanmi!" is an expression that may be synonymous with expressions like: "what a mess!", "gee whiz!", and even "gosh!"
This sentence doesn't translate literally.
Here are other variations of that sentence that you'll hear quite often.
Gade yon koze! → What the heck!, What in the world!
Gade tenten mezanmi! → what a nuisance!
Gade yon tèt chaje mezanmi! → what a dilemma!
Gade yon mizè! → what a misery!
Gade pwoblèm mezanmi! → what a headache!
You may also replace the word "Gade" with "Ala", and the meaning of the sentence will not change.
Example:
Ala tenten mezanmi! → what a nuisance!
Ala yon tèt chaje mezanmi! → what a dilemma!
Ala yon mizè! → what a misery!
Ala pwoblèm mezanmi! → what a headache!
Ala yon bèl ti fi! → What a pretty little girl!
Ala yon lavi! → What a life!
Ask me anything
Here are other variations of that sentence that you'll hear quite often.
Gade yon koze! → What the heck!, What in the world!
Gade tenten mezanmi! → what a nuisance!
Gade yon tèt chaje mezanmi! → what a dilemma!
Gade yon mizè! → what a misery!
Gade pwoblèm mezanmi! → what a headache!
You may also replace the word "Gade" with "Ala", and the meaning of the sentence will not change.
Example:
Ala tenten mezanmi! → what a nuisance!
Ala yon tèt chaje mezanmi! → what a dilemma!
Ala yon mizè! → what a misery!
Ala pwoblèm mezanmi! → what a headache!
Ala yon bèl ti fi! → What a pretty little girl!
Ala yon lavi! → What a life!
Ask me anything
how much are those shoes
How much are those shoes?
Pou konbyen soulye sa yo ye?
or
Konbyen soulye sa yo koute?
How much are those books?
Pou konbyen live sa yo ye?
or
Konbyen liv sa yo koute?
How much is this?
Pou konbyen sa a ye?
or
Konbyen sa a koute?
Never forget (in Creole)
1. Never forget
Pa janm bliye
2. We will never forget.
Nou pap janm bliye
3. I will never forget.
Mwen pap janm bliye.
4. You should never forget.
Ou pa dwe janm bliye.
5. Don't forget to buy bread and milk.
Pa bliye achte pen ak lèt.
6. Don't forget that there's no class tomorrow.
Pa bliye, pa gen klas demen.
7. Don't forget to turn off the stove.
Pa bliye etenn dife fou a.
Remember! → Sonje!
8. Remember where you came from.
Sonje kote ou sòti.
9. Remember who your true friends are.
Sonje kilès ki vrè zanmi ou.
10. Remember to bring chokolate.
Sonje pote chokola.
11. Remember to bring cash with you.
Sonje mache ak lajan.
12. Remember to wash your hands.
Sonje lave men w.
13. Remember to drink lots of water.
Sonje bwè anpil dlo.
14.Remember to give thanks.
Sonje bay remèsiman
15. Remember to always smile :)
Sonje pou toujou souri :)
16. Remember to look both ways before you cross the streets.
Sonje gade adwat agoch anvan ou travèse lari a.
Pa janm bliye
2. We will never forget.
Nou pap janm bliye
3. I will never forget.
Mwen pap janm bliye.
4. You should never forget.
Ou pa dwe janm bliye.
5. Don't forget to buy bread and milk.
Pa bliye achte pen ak lèt.
6. Don't forget that there's no class tomorrow.
Pa bliye, pa gen klas demen.
7. Don't forget to turn off the stove.
Pa bliye etenn dife fou a.
Remember! → Sonje!
8. Remember where you came from.
Sonje kote ou sòti.
9. Remember who your true friends are.
Sonje kilès ki vrè zanmi ou.
10. Remember to bring chokolate.
Sonje pote chokola.
11. Remember to bring cash with you.
Sonje mache ak lajan.
12. Remember to wash your hands.
Sonje lave men w.
13. Remember to drink lots of water.
Sonje bwè anpil dlo.
14.Remember to give thanks.
Sonje bay remèsiman
15. Remember to always smile :)
Sonje pou toujou souri :)
16. Remember to look both ways before you cross the streets.
Sonje gade adwat agoch anvan ou travèse lari a.
what is the best way to begin learning this language, I have no experience
There are some great resources on this site. Go through the list on the right of the screen.
Listen to the language: Listen to Haitian radios programs, TV programs, music, eavesdrop on your Creole speaker friends :)
Speak, listen, and repeat: Speak creole to your friends. Ask them question in creole. Listen to their tone and diction when they speak and imitate them.
Read a Haitian Creole book, newspaper, or magazine.
Listen to the language: Listen to Haitian radios programs, TV programs, music, eavesdrop on your Creole speaker friends :)
Speak, listen, and repeat: Speak creole to your friends. Ask them question in creole. Listen to their tone and diction when they speak and imitate them.
Read a Haitian Creole book, newspaper, or magazine.
Take a Creole class.
night, tonight, last night, tomorrow night
night → swa, sware, nuit
at night → nan aswè, leswa, lannuit or nan nuit
tonight → aswè a
last night → yèswa
tomorrow night → demen swa
for one night → pou yon sware
every night → chak swa
all night long → tout nuit la, pandan tout nuit la, pandan tout sware a
How was your night?
Kijan nwit ou te ye?
Kijan ou te pase nuit la?
Have a good evening.
Pase yon bòn sware.
Good night.
Bòn nwit
http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2011/11/last-night.html
at night → nan aswè, leswa, lannuit or nan nuit
tonight → aswè a
last night → yèswa
tomorrow night → demen swa
for one night → pou yon sware
every night → chak swa
all night long → tout nuit la, pandan tout nuit la, pandan tout sware a
How was your night?
Kijan nwit ou te ye?
Kijan ou te pase nuit la?
Have a good evening.
Pase yon bòn sware.
Good night.
Bòn nwit
http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2011/11/last-night.html
Ou tande. epi ou pa soti deyo a.
Ou tande. → You hear
Epi ou pa soti deyò a → And then you don't go outside
Mwen manke ou. Sa se tout moun
Do you mean:
Mwen manke ou. Sa se tout bon.
I miss you. That's the truth.
I am going to the Bahamas in December where I have already brought Creole bibles to Haitian people living there. They are asking me if I can bring them Creole Hymnals this time. Any ideas where I can find such a thing? Or if I can just print up a bunch of
It is easy to find Creole Hymnals. But they are so expensive, no one could afford to give them away. If you could compile together the most popular Creole Hymns into a booklet or something, that would be a sensible idea. The site http://chantsdesperanceonline.com/ is a good place to start. You can find most of the Creole hymns there.
Let me know how else I can help.
Kenbe la!
Keep it up!
How did you get your name? Did your parents name you after someone they knew?
My godmother, Bebe, gave me that name. I remember her dying when I was very young. I never got to know what inspired that name. But I recently learned that the name may be a derivative of Magdalena, or Magdalene.
http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-does-mandaly-mean.html
http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-does-mandaly-mean.html
As the deer panteth for the waters, so my soul longeth after thee (lyrics in Creole)
As the deer panteth for the waters
As the deer panteth for the waters
So my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship thee
You alone are my strength my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart desire
And I long to worship thee
Menm jan plant nan jaden bezwen dlo
Se konsa mwen swaf prezans ou
Ou se jwa nan kè mwen
E mwen pap janm sispann chante glwa ou
Nan ou sèl nanm mwen jwenn refij
Nan ou sèl nanm mwen jwenn sekou
Ou se jwa nan kè mwen,
E mwen pap janm sispann chante glwa ou
As the deer panteth for the waters
So my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship thee
You alone are my strength my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart desire
And I long to worship thee
Menm jan plant nan jaden bezwen dlo
Se konsa mwen swaf prezans ou
Ou se jwa nan kè mwen
E mwen pap janm sispann chante glwa ou
Nan ou sèl nanm mwen jwenn refij
Nan ou sèl nanm mwen jwenn sekou
Ou se jwa nan kè mwen,
E mwen pap janm sispann chante glwa ou
Come home, I need you. (Creole)
Come home.
Vin lakay ou.
Rantre lakay ou.
Baby, come home, I need you.
Cheri, rantre lakay ou, mwen bezwen w.
i miss you baby
I miss you baby.
Mwen sonje w cheri.
Baby can be translated in many different ways.
Check out the link for "endearing names for a sweetheart":
http://sweetcoconuts.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-are-some-endearing-names-to-call.html
tan'n mwen fini. Tan'n mwen fin'n benyen ma ale ave'w.
Tan'm mwen fini.
Wait until I'm done.
Wait for me to finish.
Tan'n mwen fin benyen, ma ale avè'w.
Wait until I'm done showering, I'll go with you.
I guess that seems silly to ask for the English translation of Philippians 1:9-10 because I can see it in various versions of our English bibles but the actual English translation you can give me is very helpful to me as I learn Creole. Mesi anpil :)
Pa gen pwoblèm.
I figured you had a reason for asking :)
I figured you had a reason for asking :)
The following is my own translation/understanding from the exact Creole words that you gave me.
"Lè m'ap lapriyè Bondye,
"When I'm praying to God,
mwen mande l pou nou gen plis renmen toujou,
I ask Him for us to have even more love,
ak bonkou konesans pou nou ka rive konprann tout bagay
and a lot of knowledge so that we can start understanding many things,
pou nou ka toujou chawzi sa ki pi bon.
So that we may always make the best choices.
Konsa, n'a mennen yon lavi ki pwop,
Thus, we will lead a pious/clean life,
yo p'ap jwenn anyen pou repwoche nou le Kris la va vini."
we will be without reproach when the Christ comes (back)."
:) I'm sorry I meant to ask if you could give me the English translation of Philippians 1:9-10 and yes I pray this blessing over you Mandaly!
Oh thanks!
Ok then, there it is :)
Phillipians 1: 9-10 - I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return.
nan
nan → Haitian Creole adverb and preposition
Nan → in, inside
It's in the box.
Li nan bwat la.
She's in the room
Li nan chanm nan.
The car is in the garage.
Machin nan nan garaj la.
Nan → among, of
One of them
One among them
youn nan yo
Two of them
Two among them
de nan yo
A lot of them
many among them
anpil nan yo
Many of the girls did not come back.
Anpil nan fi yo pat tounen.
Nan → at
She's at work.
Li nan travay.
Come pick us up. We're at the airport.
Vin chache nou. Nou nan aewopò a.
She's at a better place now.
Li nan yon pi bon plas kounye a.
I'll see you at the library.
Ma wè ou nan bibliyotèk la.
We were at the park when this happenned.
Nou te nan pak la lè sa te pase.
Nan → in amount of time
In two hours, we will see the results.
Nan dezèdtan, na wè rezilta yo.
We'll get married in six months.
N'ap marye nan six mwa.
Meet me in one hour.
Vin rankontre m nan inèdtan.
Nan → to
Nan → to
The last straw (Creole expression)
The last straw
denye kou a
It's the last straw that breaks the camel's back.
Dènye kou ki touye koukou a.
(it's a Creole pun and expression)
denye kou a
It's the last straw that breaks the camel's back.
Dènye kou ki touye koukou a.
(it's a Creole pun and expression)
Let (in Creole). Is it "an" or "kite"
Let → kite, lèse (from the French "laissez". You may be familliar with the term "Laissez Faire")
Let me in.
Kite m antre. or
Lèse m antre.
Let me watch this.
Kite m gade sa.
Let me go.
Kite m ale.
Let me help you.
Kite m ede ou.
Let us help you.
Kite nou ede ou. or
Kite n ede ou.
She let him do whatever he wants.
Li kite l fè nenpòt sa li vle.
They let us eat whatever we want.
Yo kite nou manje nenpòt sa nou vle.
I will not let you go.
Mwen pap kite w ale.
Don't let anyone bring you down.
Pa kite okenn moun atriste w.
Don't let that bother you.
Pa kite sa anniye w.
Don't let him see you.
Pa kite l wè w.
Let us or Let's...
Let's → an nou, ann, or an'n. (ann or an'n are contractions for "an nou")
Let's walk.
An nou mache. (uncontracted)
Ann mache. (contracted form. Sometimes you'll see "ann" or "an'n)
Let's go.
Ann ale.
Let's hurry.
An nou fè vit.
Let's talk.
An'n koze.
Let's not tell him about that.
An nou pa di l sa.
Let's not leave that alone.
Ann kite sa.
Let me in.
Kite m antre. or
Lèse m antre.
Let me watch this.
Kite m gade sa.
Let me go.
Kite m ale.
Let me help you.
Kite m ede ou.
Let us help you.
Kite nou ede ou. or
Kite n ede ou.
She let him do whatever he wants.
Li kite l fè nenpòt sa li vle.
They let us eat whatever we want.
Yo kite nou manje nenpòt sa nou vle.
I will not let you go.
Mwen pap kite w ale.
Don't let anyone bring you down.
Pa kite okenn moun atriste w.
Don't let that bother you.
Pa kite sa anniye w.
Don't let him see you.
Pa kite l wè w.
Let us or Let's...
Let's → an nou, ann, or an'n. (ann or an'n are contractions for "an nou")
Let's walk.
An nou mache. (uncontracted)
Ann mache. (contracted form. Sometimes you'll see "ann" or "an'n)
Let's go.
Ann ale.
Let's hurry.
An nou fè vit.
Let's talk.
An'n koze.
Let's not tell him about that.
An nou pa di l sa.
Let's not leave that alone.
Ann kite sa.
Out-of-the-way (as in far-off, distant) - I can't give you a ride home, it's too far off my path (in Creole)
Out-of-the-way → lwen, pa sou wout.
It's out of my way.
Li lwen mwen.
Li pa sou wout mwen.
I can' t give you a ride home. It's too far off my path.
Mwen pa ka mennen w lakay ou. Li pa sou wout mwen.
It's far.
Li lwen.
It's far from us.
Li lwen nou.
Do you live near here? No, I live far.
Eske ou rete pre la? Non, mwen rete lwen.
You live far from me.
Ou rete lwen mwen.
I must leave early. I have far to go.
Fòk mwen kite bonè. Mwen prale lwen.
It's out of my way.
Li lwen mwen.
Li pa sou wout mwen.
I can' t give you a ride home. It's too far off my path.
Mwen pa ka mennen w lakay ou. Li pa sou wout mwen.
It's far.
Li lwen.
It's far from us.
Li lwen nou.
Do you live near here? No, I live far.
Eske ou rete pre la? Non, mwen rete lwen.
You live far from me.
Ou rete lwen mwen.
I must leave early. I have far to go.
Fòk mwen kite bonè. Mwen prale lwen.
illustration of that is
illustration → imaj, foto, ilistrasyon
An illustration of that is...
Yon imaj kòm egzanp se...
how do you say"Clean the wound and put this on the burned area."
Clean the wound, and put this on the burned area.
Netwaye blesi a, e mete sa sou pati ki boule a.
MALOUK? UNPLEASANT?
Malouk → grouchy, rude, unpleasant, ill-mannered, irritable
Nuizib (Nwizib, degoutan) → irritating, annoying, unpleasant, troublesome
Why are always so irritable?
Nuizib (Nwizib, degoutan) → irritating, annoying, unpleasant, troublesome
Why are always so irritable?
Poukisa ou toujou malouk konsa?
What a grouchy baby!
Gade jan yon ti bebe malouk!
"Malouk" is also used to describe a deteriorating situation, tense, critical, on edge, uptight
My wife has not spoken to me in two days. Things are critical at home.
Madanm mwen pa pale avè m depi de jou. Bagay yo malouk nan kay la.
Our team is losing the game. The fans are restless. Things are tense.
Ekip nou an ap pèdi jwèt la. Fanatik yo fin debòde. Bagay yo malouk.
The rioters are on one side of the street, the police are on the others. The atmosphere is tense.
Moun k'ap pwoteste yo yon bò lari a, polis yo sou lòt bò a. Anbyans lan malouk.
scribbling, squiggling, or illegible handwriting (creole)
Squiggling - madigridji
I can't understand what you wrote. All I see is a bunch of squiggles.
M pa ka konprann sa ou ekri. Tout sa mwen wè se madigridji.
I can't understand what you wrote. All I see is a bunch of squiggles.
M pa ka konprann sa ou ekri. Tout sa mwen wè se madigridji.
Sa a bèl. renmen tounen bonjou
☺
Sa bèl. Renmen tounen bonjou.
That's awesome. Love turns into hello.
It's an expression. Do you know what it means :)?
ti pa ti pa
Ti pa ti pa
Little by little
Other expressions for "little by little"
ti kal pa ti kal
ti kras pa ti kras
piti piti
piti a piti
Piti piti zwazo fè nich li.
Little by little the bird makes its nest.
Little by little
Other expressions for "little by little"
ti kal pa ti kal
ti kras pa ti kras
piti piti
piti a piti
Piti piti zwazo fè nich li.
Little by little the bird makes its nest.
Booby trap (Creole)
Booby trap (trap, ambush)
pyèj
Be careful, it's a trap!
Fè atansyon, se yon pyèj!
pyèj
Be careful, it's a trap!
Fè atansyon, se yon pyèj!
To copy someone (to say everything he says), to annoy someone by imitating them
To copy (to imitate someone) - chare
He's copying me - L'ap chare m.
He's copying me - L'ap chare m.
Mwenn pap .janm sispann renmen ou pitit mwen eske li kote Bon Die di sa se pitit mwen renmen ampil la .
Mwen pap janm sispann renmen ou pitit mwen.
I will never stop loving you my child.
Ki kote Bondye di, "Sa se pitit mwen renmen anpil la"?
Where does God say: "This is the child that I love very much"?
He wants to have his cake and eat it too.
Li vle pou yo ba li manje a, epi pou yo mete l nan bouch li tou.
Gen ampil moun kap felicity
Do you mean:
Gen anpil moun k'ap felisite w.
There's a lot of people congratulating you.
I am broke. (Creole expression)
I'm broke.
Mwen razè.
Mwen sou po bouda m. (expression, literally "I am sitting on the skin of my buttocks" ....hint: without the cushion of a fat wallet in my back pocket.)
We're broke.
Nou razè.
Nou sou po bouda' n. (expression)
Mwen razè.
Mwen sou po bouda m. (expression, literally "I am sitting on the skin of my buttocks" ....hint: without the cushion of a fat wallet in my back pocket.)
We're broke.
Nou razè.
Nou sou po bouda' n. (expression)
sweet peas
The flowers or the vegetables?
Sweet peas (the vegetable) → pwa frans, pwa kongo vèt, pwa vèt
Best way to say "Look both ways before crossing the street." in Creole
Gade a dwat, gade a goch
Literally: Look to the right, look to the left
Meaning: Look both ways
Gade anwo, gade anba
Literally: Look up, look down
meaning: Look both ways
Look both ways before crossing the streets.
Gade anwo, gade anba anvan ou travèse lari a.
Literally: Look to the right, look to the left
Meaning: Look both ways
Gade anwo, gade anba
Literally: Look up, look down
meaning: Look both ways
Look both ways before crossing the streets.
Gade anwo, gade anba anvan ou travèse lari a.
I'm screwed
I'm screwed.
Mwen antrave.
Mwen pran nan twa rwa.
Mwen pran nan moulen.
Mwen pran nan pèlen.
Mwen pran nan mera.
Mwen pran nan pèlen.
Mwen pran nan mera.
I worked on the railroad with some black dudes who spoke creole here.Ton Ton Macoute meant to them scarecrow. They have this word here. I am Louisiana.
Bonjou my Louisiana friend!
In Haiti, we are glad that the Tonton Makout Era is over.
We're working hard so history doesn't repeat itself.
I wonder if the expression "TonTon Macoute" in your area
means the same as in Haiti...
Great to hear from you :)
Pase bon jounen ☺
In Haiti, we are glad that the Tonton Makout Era is over.
We're working hard so history doesn't repeat itself.
I wonder if the expression "TonTon Macoute" in your area
means the same as in Haiti...
Great to hear from you :)
Pase bon jounen ☺
Have a nice day!
get
To get (to have) → genyen, or gen
I got a car.
Mwen gen yon machin.
To get (to receive) → resevwa
I got a watch for my birthday.
Mwen resevwa yon mont pou fèt mwen,
To get (to find) → jwenn
You don't need to look for it anymore, I got it.
Ou pa bezwen chache l ankò, mwen jwenn li.
To get (to understand) → konprann.
Ok, I got it.
Dakò, mwen konprann.
I'm concerned
I'm concerned.
Mwen enkyete.
I'm concerned about her.
Mwen enkyete pou li.
I'm concerned about you.
Mwen enkyete pou ou.
I care for you.
Mwen sousye m pou ou.
I care a lot for you.
Mwen sousye m anpil pou ou.
I don't want to see anything happen to you.
Mwen pa vle anyen rive ou.
Mwen enkyete.
I'm concerned about her.
Mwen enkyete pou li.
I'm concerned about you.
Mwen enkyete pou ou.
I care for you.
Mwen sousye m pou ou.
I care a lot for you.
Mwen sousye m anpil pou ou.
I don't want to see anything happen to you.
Mwen pa vle anyen rive ou.
how can i say"best bargain"in creole?
best bargain → pi bon lavant
best bargain → pi bon acha
best bargain → pi bon biznis
What is "zanno Creole"
 |
| Zanno kreyòl |
Zanno → earring
Zanno kreyòl → large hoop earrings
literally called "Creole earrings"
WHAT does"you are a freak"translate to?
"Freak" in which sense?
Do you mean "freak" as abnormal? odd? addict? maniac?
Depending on what you want to say exactly, the translation could be different.
You are a freak (maniac) → Ou anraje.
Do you mean "freak" as abnormal? odd? addict? maniac?
Depending on what you want to say exactly, the translation could be different.
You are a freak (maniac) → Ou anraje.
You are freak (odd) → Ou s'on lamayòt.
You are a freak (abnormal, grotesque) → Ou s'on malsòti. or Ou s'on malfòme
etc...
You are a freak (abnormal, grotesque) → Ou s'on malsòti. or Ou s'on malfòme
etc...
what does "J'adore Chéri." mean?
"j'adore cheri" is French, not Creole.
And, something is missing from that sentence.
J'adore cheri → I admire sweetie.
Je t'adore cheri. → I admire you sweetie.
Je t'adore cheri. → I admire you sweetie.
how can i say don't be fresh with me in creole?
Fresh → frekan, radi
Don't be fresh with me.
Pa fè frekan w avè m.
or
Pa fè radiyès ou avè m.
how can i say in creole I'm a freak?
Freak (as in weirdo) → madigra, lamayòt, malsòti, bègwè, krebete, abitan dekore, petevi, mangousa, etc....
Do I have to use the contraction "w" or can I always use "ou?"
No, you don't have to always use the contraction "w".You can always use "ou" if you feel safe with it for now.
If you hang around Creole speakers, listening to their diction all the time, you'll automatically pick up the usage of "w" and "ou", eventually.
Kenbe la!
Keep it up!
☺
how do you write do you understand this
Do you understand this?
Eske ou konprann sa?
Do you understand it?
Eske ou konprann li?
Fè respè w non!
Fè respè w non! (this expression comes out as a warning)
Fè respè w wi! (this expression comes out as an advice)
Behave!
Be good!
Mind your manners!
Mind your reputation!
Be accountable!
Fè respè w wi! (this expression comes out as an advice)
Behave!
Be good!
Mind your manners!
Mind your reputation!
Be accountable!
Sa sèlman!
Sa sèlman (contraction for "Se sa sèlman") → literally means "is that only"
Sa sèlman!
That's it!
That's all!
That's the only thing!
Sa sèlman?!
Is that it?
Sa sèlman ou achte?
Is that all you bought?
Sa sèlman ou pote?
Is that all you brought?
Sa sèlman ou genyen?
Is that all you have?
Sa sèlman mwen genyen.
That's all I have.
Sa sèlman li ka fè.
That's the only thing it/he/she can do.
That's the only thing it/he/she is good for.
Other definitions for Sa Sèlman
Sa sèlman!
That's it!
That's all!
That's the only thing!
Sa sèlman?!
Is that it?
Sa sèlman ou achte?
Is that all you bought?
Sa sèlman ou pote?
Is that all you brought?
Sa sèlman ou genyen?
Is that all you have?
Sa sèlman mwen genyen.
That's all I have.
Sa sèlman li ka fè.
That's the only thing it/he/she can do.
That's the only thing it/he/she is good for.
Other definitions for Sa Sèlman
going through hardship, going through a torment or afflictions (in Creole)
going through a hardship
pase tray
pase mizè
pase peripesi
I went through a bad ordeal while leaving at her house.
Mwen pase mizè pandan mwen t'ap viv lakay li.
She made me go through hell.
Li fè m pase tray.
I went through some hardships.
Mwen te pase yon tray.
Why are you giving me so much grief?
Poukisa w'ap fè m pase mizè konsa?
pase tray
pase mizè
pase peripesi
I went through a bad ordeal while leaving at her house.
Mwen pase mizè pandan mwen t'ap viv lakay li.
She made me go through hell.
Li fè m pase tray.
I went through some hardships.
Mwen te pase yon tray.
Why are you giving me so much grief?
Poukisa w'ap fè m pase mizè konsa?
Kote w jwenn ak Creole sa yo?
Kote w jwenn ak Creole sa yo?
Where did you get these Creole words from?
Where did you get these Creole words from?
really...as in I really want something
really → reyèlman, tout bon
I really miss you.
Mwen vrèman sonje ou.
Mwen sonje w tout bon
Mwen sonje w tout bon
I really want to go home.
Mwen reyèlman vle ale lakay mwen.
I'm really tired.
Mwen vrèman fatige.
Mwen fatige tout bon.
Mwen fatige tout bon.
They have really touched my heart.
Yo reyèlman touche kè m.
Those jokes are really funny.
Blag sa yo vrèman komik.
san fason
expression: San fason
literally: without manners (do not mistake with "having no good
manners")
manners")
meaning: amiable, kind, sympathetic, courteous,
hospitable
hospitable
Example:
Dina is a good person. She's very sympathetic and approachable.
Dina se yon bon moun. Li san fason.
Claude was a good man. He gave me a place to stay when I didn't have a home. He was always hospitable.
Claude te yon bon moun. Li te ban m yon kote pou m rete lè m pa't gen kay. Li te san fason.
Get well
Get well.
Pòte ou byen.
I hope you get better.
Mwen espere ou fè mye.
Take care of yourself.
Pran swen tèt ou.
Pòte ou byen.
I hope you get better.
Mwen espere ou fè mye.
Take care of yourself.
Pran swen tèt ou.
Do you know of a good way to ship things to Haiti from the US?
Oh! here's a disappointing and very frustrating experience.
I (my family) have shipped cars by boat.
I have shipped books by FedEx.
I have shipped items of all sizes, and used pretty much all methods of shipment. I've had nothing but disappointment.
The workers at Haiti's customs have their own rules.
It's all about extortion.
Sending your package is one thing. Getting it from Haiti's customs is another. You'll be succesfull with getting your package depending on how bad you want your shipment and how much you're willing to pay to get it.
If you are sending a small package, send it with a trusted company (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc...) and insure it.
I once paid about $250 to ship a package via Fedex to Haiti. The package was supposed to arrive within 5 days. The package got lost and resurfaced in three weeks all torn! I didn't insure the package, And worse, I had listed everything in there at a lower value so that the recipient could only pay the $150.00 Customs duty. Big error on my part!
If you are sending a big package like a car, meds for hospitals, clothes for a church, school supplies, or other similar things, I suggest you google a company that would deliver to your chosen city. I, personally, have shipped to Port-de-Paix only because I knew someone at Customs there who made it less of a headache to get my shipment (still has to pay something on the side to each person who handles your shipment).
On top of that, there's always the chance of workers going through your shipment. If they see something they like, they take it without shame.
One trick that most Haitians use when they ship to Haiti:
If you're shipping a bike, disassemble the bike. Send the body of the bike in one shipment. Then send the wheels through another shipment at a different date. That goes for bedding, dining room sets, dolls (poor toys!), and lots more.
Do not send new, pretty, or expensive items unless it's via a trusted method of shipment.
We once shipped a newly bought propane tank to Port-de-Paix, Haiti. My husband usually travels to Haiti at the time his shipments are due to arrive at Customs so that he would make his disputes in person and with receipt in hands (as there's always a dispute about an item that didn't make it! & There's nothing worse than disputing your lost item over a very staticky international phone connection!) This time, Customs did deliver the propane tank; a very rusty, old propane tank of a different color than the one we sent!
I (my family) have shipped cars by boat.
I have shipped books by FedEx.
I have shipped items of all sizes, and used pretty much all methods of shipment. I've had nothing but disappointment.
The workers at Haiti's customs have their own rules.
It's all about extortion.
Sending your package is one thing. Getting it from Haiti's customs is another. You'll be succesfull with getting your package depending on how bad you want your shipment and how much you're willing to pay to get it.
If you are sending a small package, send it with a trusted company (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc...) and insure it.
I once paid about $250 to ship a package via Fedex to Haiti. The package was supposed to arrive within 5 days. The package got lost and resurfaced in three weeks all torn! I didn't insure the package, And worse, I had listed everything in there at a lower value so that the recipient could only pay the $150.00 Customs duty. Big error on my part!
If you are sending a big package like a car, meds for hospitals, clothes for a church, school supplies, or other similar things, I suggest you google a company that would deliver to your chosen city. I, personally, have shipped to Port-de-Paix only because I knew someone at Customs there who made it less of a headache to get my shipment (still has to pay something on the side to each person who handles your shipment).
On top of that, there's always the chance of workers going through your shipment. If they see something they like, they take it without shame.
One trick that most Haitians use when they ship to Haiti:
If you're shipping a bike, disassemble the bike. Send the body of the bike in one shipment. Then send the wheels through another shipment at a different date. That goes for bedding, dining room sets, dolls (poor toys!), and lots more.
Do not send new, pretty, or expensive items unless it's via a trusted method of shipment.
We once shipped a newly bought propane tank to Port-de-Paix, Haiti. My husband usually travels to Haiti at the time his shipments are due to arrive at Customs so that he would make his disputes in person and with receipt in hands (as there's always a dispute about an item that didn't make it! & There's nothing worse than disputing your lost item over a very staticky international phone connection!) This time, Customs did deliver the propane tank; a very rusty, old propane tank of a different color than the one we sent!
what is mezanmi gade in English?
Mezanmi*, gade!
Oh God, look!
*Mezanmi → interjection (Oh God, Oh dear, Geez! etc...)
Se kan w pran ou konnen wi!
Mè wi pitit! Lè ou pran nan twa rwa!
That's why you should always read the fine prints, however disguised they are :)
What is "piyay"
Piyay (pee-yah-y) (n.) → freebie, giveaway, handout
Fè piyay (v.) → to invade, to loot, to plunder, to pillage
The words "piyay" comes from the French "pillage" which means looting, free-for-all, pillaging.
Examples:
The man offered me $500 for the car. He must have thought that this is a freebie.
Mesye a mande m $500 pou machin nan. Li te panse se piyay.
During the riot they looted the store. There's nothing left.
Pandan dezòd la yo fè piyay sou magazen an. Pa gen anyen ki rete.
You'll hear these expressions often.
This is not a handout!
Sa se pa piyay non!
Haiti is not there for the taking.
Ayiti pa pou piyay.
The thieves plundered the house.
Vòlè yo fè piyay sou kay la.
They raped the girl.
Yo fè piyay sou tifi a.
Fè piyay (v.) → to invade, to loot, to plunder, to pillage
The words "piyay" comes from the French "pillage" which means looting, free-for-all, pillaging.
Examples:
The man offered me $500 for the car. He must have thought that this is a freebie.
Mesye a mande m $500 pou machin nan. Li te panse se piyay.
During the riot they looted the store. There's nothing left.
Pandan dezòd la yo fè piyay sou magazen an. Pa gen anyen ki rete.
You'll hear these expressions often.
This is not a handout!
Sa se pa piyay non!
Haiti is not there for the taking.
Ayiti pa pou piyay.
The thieves plundered the house.
Vòlè yo fè piyay sou kay la.
They raped the girl.
Yo fè piyay sou tifi a.
Pitit mwen se bo fi, mwen bon papa tou.
bofi → stepson, son-in-law
bòpè → stepfather, father-in-law
I'm not sure I understand what you mean here. This sentence, just as you have it, translates in English as:
Pitit mwen se bo fi, mwen bon papa tou.
My child is handsome/pretty girl, I am good father too.
Did you mean?
Piti mwen se bofi, mwen se bòpè tou.
My child is a stepson/son-in-law, I am a stepfather/father-in-law too.
My child is handsome/pretty girl, I am good father too.
Did you mean?
Piti mwen se bofi, mwen se bòpè tou.
My child is a stepson/son-in-law, I am a stepfather/father-in-law too.
"Mezi lajan w, mezi wanga w", Is that about voodoo?
No. (well, maybe for some people)
It is an Haitian Creole expression which is about doing the best with what you've got.
Expression: Mezi lajan w, mezi wanga w.
Literal meaning: The measure of your money, the measure of
your voodoo/witchcraft/sorcery.
Meaning: Your success is as deep as your pockets.
It is an Haitian Creole expression which is about doing the best with what you've got.
Expression: Mezi lajan w, mezi wanga w.
Literal meaning: The measure of your money, the measure of
your voodoo/witchcraft/sorcery.
Meaning: Your success is as deep as your pockets.
to say I did not...is it, mwen pa te fe or pat fe?
Both are correct.
One sentence is uncontracted: (Mwen pa te fè)
And the other is contracted: (Mwen pa t fè)
One little note*
Do you mean "I did not do." or "I did not do it"?
I did not do.
Mwen pa te fè. (uncontracted)
Mwen pa t fè. (contracted)
I did not do it.
Mwen pa te fè li. (uncontracted)
Mwen pat fè li. (contracted)
When "I did not" is used as an auxillary, it doesn't translate in Creole.
Examples:
I did not undestand.
Mwen pa te konprann. (uncontracted)
Mwen pa t konprann. (contracted)
I did not go.
Mwen pa te ale. (uncontracted)
Mwen pa t ale. (contracted)
One sentence is uncontracted: (Mwen pa te fè)
And the other is contracted: (Mwen pa t fè)
One little note*
Do you mean "I did not do." or "I did not do it"?
I did not do.
Mwen pa te fè. (uncontracted)
Mwen pa t fè. (contracted)
I did not do it.
Mwen pa te fè li. (uncontracted)
Mwen pat fè li. (contracted)
When "I did not" is used as an auxillary, it doesn't translate in Creole.
Examples:
I did not undestand.
Mwen pa te konprann. (uncontracted)
Mwen pa t konprann. (contracted)
I did not go.
Mwen pa te ale. (uncontracted)
Mwen pa t ale. (contracted)
I did not sleep at all last night.
Mwen pa te dòmi menm yè swa. (uncontracted)
Mwen pa't dòmi men yèswa. (contracted)
What's the lowdown on "dirt"? When do you use "kras", "salte", or "pousyè"
To be specific, the following Haitian Creole words for "dirt" are translated in English in this manner:
Salte → impurity, filth, filthiness, sleaze, slime
kras → grime, gook, gunk, smudge, stain
Pousyè → dust, soot, smut, dust bunnies
labou → mud, sludge, silt
pouriti → rottenness, decay, pollution, spoliation, foulness
"To prevent" in Creole
Prevent (to keep from happening) → anpeche
The barricades prevent me from going through.
Barikad yo anpeche m pase.
The noise is preventing me from falling asleep.
Bri a anpeche m dòmi.
The medications are preventing me from loosing any weight.
Medikaman yo anpeche m pèdi pwa.
His bad conduct is preventing him from passing the class.
Move kondwit li anpeche li pase klas la.
Prevent (get protection from) → evite
Prevent heart disease by eating right.
Evite maladi kè lè ou manje byen.
She documented everything well. That prevented a lawsuit.
Li te byen dokimante tout bagay. Sa te evite yon pwosè.
Do you know how to prevent skin cancer?
Eske ou konnen kijan pou evite kansè nan po?
The barricades prevent me from going through.
Barikad yo anpeche m pase.
The noise is preventing me from falling asleep.
Bri a anpeche m dòmi.
The medications are preventing me from loosing any weight.
Medikaman yo anpeche m pèdi pwa.
His bad conduct is preventing him from passing the class.
Move kondwit li anpeche li pase klas la.
Prevent (get protection from) → evite
Prevent heart disease by eating right.
Evite maladi kè lè ou manje byen.
She documented everything well. That prevented a lawsuit.
Li te byen dokimante tout bagay. Sa te evite yon pwosè.
Do you know how to prevent skin cancer?
Eske ou konnen kijan pou evite kansè nan po?
Using the word "PRETEND" in a Creole sentence.
To pretend → fè kòmsi, pran pòz, fè sanblan
1. She's pretending to be sick.
L'ap fè kòmsi li malad.
L'ap pran pòz li malad.
2. You are pretending to work.
W'ap fè kòmsi w'ap travay.
W'ap pran pòz w'ap travay.
3. He pretended to eat.
Li te fè kòmsi l'ap manje.
Li t'ap pran pòz l'ap manje.
4. She is pretending to be my mom.
Li fè kòmsi li se manman m.
Li pran pòz li se manman m.
5. He is pretending to read.
Li fè kòmsi l'ap li.
L'ap pran pòz l'ap li.
6. Pretend you are walking.
Fè kòmsi w'ap mache.
Pran pòz w'ap mache.
7. Pretend you are lost, so you could talk to her.
Fè kòmsi ou pèdi, pou ou ka pale avè li.
Pran pòz ou pèdi, pou ou ka pale avè li
8. Don't pretend you didn't hear me!
Pa fè kòmsi ou pa't tande m non!
Pa pran pòz ou pa't tande non!
9. Don't pretend you didn't know about this!
Pa fè kòmsi ou pa't konnen sa!
Pa pran pòz ou pa't konnen sa!
1. She's pretending to be sick.
L'ap fè kòmsi li malad.
L'ap pran pòz li malad.
2. You are pretending to work.
W'ap fè kòmsi w'ap travay.
W'ap pran pòz w'ap travay.
3. He pretended to eat.
Li te fè kòmsi l'ap manje.
Li t'ap pran pòz l'ap manje.
4. She is pretending to be my mom.
Li fè kòmsi li se manman m.
Li pran pòz li se manman m.
5. He is pretending to read.
Li fè kòmsi l'ap li.
L'ap pran pòz l'ap li.
6. Pretend you are walking.
Fè kòmsi w'ap mache.
Pran pòz w'ap mache.
7. Pretend you are lost, so you could talk to her.
Fè kòmsi ou pèdi, pou ou ka pale avè li.
Pran pòz ou pèdi, pou ou ka pale avè li
8. Don't pretend you didn't hear me!
Pa fè kòmsi ou pa't tande m non!
Pa pran pòz ou pa't tande non!
9. Don't pretend you didn't know about this!
Pa fè kòmsi ou pa't konnen sa!
Pa pran pòz ou pa't konnen sa!
What's the best way to say, "run an errand?"
errand → komisyon, ale vini, monte desann
run an errand
fè yon komisyon
regle yon bagay
regle yon zafè
fè yon monte desann
1. I am going to run an errand.
Mwen pral regle yon zafè.
Mwen pral regle yon bagay.
2. She went out to run an errand for me. She'll be back soon.
Li sòti ale fè yon komisyon pou mwen. L'ap tounen talè.
3. I went to run an errand for my Mom.
Mwen te ale fè yon komisyon pou manman m.
4. I'm going to run some errands downtown.
Mwen prale fè yon ti monte desann lavil.
5. I went out to take care of a few things.
Mwen t'ale fè yon ti ale vini.
run an errand
fè yon komisyon
regle yon bagay
regle yon zafè
fè yon monte desann
1. I am going to run an errand.
Mwen pral regle yon zafè.
Mwen pral regle yon bagay.
2. She went out to run an errand for me. She'll be back soon.
Li sòti ale fè yon komisyon pou mwen. L'ap tounen talè.
3. I went to run an errand for my Mom.
Mwen te ale fè yon komisyon pou manman m.
4. I'm going to run some errands downtown.
Mwen prale fè yon ti monte desann lavil.
5. I went out to take care of a few things.
Mwen t'ale fè yon ti ale vini.
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