Bonjou! Learn to Speak Haitian Creole

Bonjou! ...Mèsi! ...E Orevwa! Search for English or Haitian Creole words translation. Also search the whole site for expressions, idioms and grammar rules. And ask questions about the language in the ASK QUESTIONS HERE section.

Most requested translations added here for your convenience: I love you → Mwen renmen w. I miss you → Mwen sonje w. My love!Lanmou mwen!

"bay yon replik", doesn't replik mean "reply"? But in creole bay yon replik seems to mean to give a bad answer. why BAD ANSWER?

Bay yon replik to talk back.

You might have heard bay yon replik as in to give a corresponding reply, or showing affront by talking back especially when it comes to children.


Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

When can I expect the next set of audio ?

I am working on that.  Sorry for the delay.  The laptop that I use for editing broke (this laptop has my editing applications and the group of audio I was working on in the hard drive) - I brought it to the seller to be fixed, but they had to ship it out.....  Give it a couple more weeks :) 

Ps: This laptop is my favorite.  It's an HP which I named Henry Paul :)   It's got many many documents of mine which I did not save on a flash drive....sigh.

So... a couple of weeks :)

Kenbe la.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

I like sound of that....Please translate that, M

Unfortunately we cannot translate this literally:

You might say:
M renmen lide sa a.
M renmen sijesyon sa a.
M pa fin rayi l non.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

sak "malfrendeng" lan vle di? Mwen pa kwe ke mwen te ekri mo a byen, mèsi!

malfrendeng (malfwendeng) -  good for nothing, shameless scumbag

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

what does tre prop mean

how would you say in hc "to seduce"

What is cuddle (v) in kreyol?

what does manke dega mean?

manke dega - to show lack of respect toward someone, to be rude to, to sass

1.  Ou pa respekte papa w.  W'ap manke l dega.
      You don't respect your father.  You're being rude to him.

2. W'ap manke m dega.
    You're being disrespectful to me.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Kote ou ye konsa? / Kote ou ye? / ki kote ou ye? are the same question?

Yes, they all mean the same thing.

Kote yo ye konsa? → So, where are they?
Kote yo ye menm*? → Where are they anyway?
Kote yo ye or Ki kote yo ye? → Where are they?
and also...
Kibò yo ye? → Where are they?

*Other ways to use MENM (which seems to mean ANYWAY)
Kijan ou ye menm? - How are you anyway?
Sa ou fè menm? - What's you been up to anyway?

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Madanm, when I heard the sentence (Nou pral ale Jacmel demen maten avek ou." The speaker actually says sound-wise, "prale" for "pral ale". I know this is a spoken contraction, but is not this confususing to the listener? Instead, I pronounced it "pral ale". Also, if one were to say in spoken context, "prale ale", would it sound all right or sound funny? Mesi.

No, It would not sound funny.
When using the verb "ale" and the future marker "pral" we tend to do that.
Most of the time we do say "prale"; but once in a while we'd say "pral ale"

You will hear it most often when someone is referring to some "event" that is going to be happening soon.
Mwen pral ale talè.
I'm going to be going soon.
I'm going to be leaving soon.

as opposed to:

Mwen prale talè.
I'm leaving soon.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

  

kijan ou di 'immature', 'grow up' 'get your life together' ak 'welfare (like foodstamps)' an kreyol

immaturekannannan, krebete, anfanten
grow up (stop acting like a child)sispann aji tankou yon timoun; sipann fè kannannan; sispann fè nayif; mete granmoun sou ou.
Get your life together (Get your act together?) Òganize tèt ou; Ranje lavi w; Mete lòd nan lavi w; Ranmase kò w.

food stamps (welfare) → equivalent to èd leta, or sinistre
food stamps - foudstanp
welfare - wèlfè


Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Is this a good translation for the song "Give Thanks"? I couldn't find it online so I made it myself, and my Creole is not very good. Thank you!


"Bay gras avek kè kontan
Bay gras a Papa Bondye
Bay gras paske Li te bay Jezikri, piti Li
Bay gras avek kè kontan
Bay gras a Papa Bondye
Bay gras paske Li te bay Jezikri, piti Li
Epi se pou fèb la di “mwen fò”
Se pou pòv la di “Mwen rich”
Poutèt bagay Seyè te fè pou nou
Epi se pou fèb la di “mwen fò”
Se pou pòv la di “Mwen rich”
Poutèt bagay Seyè te fè pou nou ..."


I find it to be an great translation.
The only thing I would change is line 9 and 12.

I would translate it as: Pou bagay Seyè a fè pou nou.
So it would be POU instead of POUTÈT

Dakò :)



Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

what does it mean to "remet demisyon"

Yon lot keksyon anko souple - konsenan mo " vre " pafwa nou jwenn li ak accent : vrè e pafwa san accent eske w kapab eksplike nou pouki e komen aprann ki lè nou dwe sevi ak accent e ki lè accent pa nesesè ? Men kek egsanp kote nou pa konnen si se bon ou non. . .mesi anko pou ede nou nan translasyon n ap fè la. Yon ti reg nou jwenn (si se bon ou non ?) se lè yon nom vini aprè mo "vre" se ak accent nou sèvi men si se yon nom avan mo "vre" a se san accent - eske nou korek lè nou fè konsa?


Yon lot keksyon anko souple - konsenan mo " vre " pafwa nou jwenn li ak accent : vrè e pafwa san accent eske w kapab eksplike nou pouki e komen aprann ki lè nou dwe sevi ak accent e ki lè accent pa nesesè ?
 
Men kek egsanp kote nou pa konnen si se bon ou non. . .mesi anko pou ede nou nan translasyon n ap fè la.
Yon ti reg nou jwenn (si se bon ou non ?) se lè yon nom vini aprè mo "vre" se ak accent nou sèvi men si se yon nom avan mo "vre" a se san accent - eske nou korek lè nou fè konsa? 

Men kek egsanp kote nou pa konnen si se bon ou non. . .mesi anko pou ede nou nan translasyon n ap fè la.
Yon ti reg nou jwenn (si se bon ou non ?) se lè yon nom vini aprè mo "vre" se ak accent nou sèvi men si se yon nom avan mo "vre" a se san accent - eske nou korek lè nou fè konsa? 
 
 
Examples of Vre with or without accent
1 - Jezi te fèt kot yo bay bèt manje, Pou moutre  nou yon vrè imilite.

2 - Ann sede lavi pou swiv Li, Ak yon kè e chwa ki vrè.

3 - Poukisa ou pa te kriye E chache lapè vre

4 - Libète nou, Li te peye, Si nou repanti tou vre.

5 - “Vini swiv Mwen,” L’ap rele nou, “Mwen, sèl vrè chemen an;

6 - Plètil, koute pawòl Jezi, L’ap ba ou vre repo:

7 - E lavi m’,  san rezèv,  mwen te ba Li. Paske Jezi te renmen mwen vrè,

8 - Richès yo ki dire lontan, Jezi sèl ka bay sa vre.


ANSWER:


"Vrè" and "vre" have the same meaning.
"vrè" with the accent is imitating the French pronounciation "vrai".

"vrè" and "vre" are atributes. and they mean "TRUE" or "REAL"

example (from your #1 and #2 examples):
1. "...ak yon kè e chwa ki vrè."with a heart and choice that is true
or
2. "...pou montre nou yon vrè imilite"to show us true humility.

But we tend to use "vre" without the accent as an adverb too.
example (from your #3, #4,  and #8 examples)
3. Poukisa ou pa te kriye E chache lapè vre? → Why didn't you cry and truly seek peace?

4. "... Jezi sèl ka bay sa vre" Only Jesu can truly give it

5. "...Si nou repanti tou bon vre." → I you truly repent


Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Mandaly, after constructing a sentence in Kreyol "Enben, ou pa ka achte yon jilet aswe a.", I find out that I was not supposed to include "yon" in this sentence. By including "yon", does this not sound like good Kreyol? Or, does this not matter? Mesi anpil.

It sounds correct with "...yon jilèt ..."
Actually, you can write it with or without "yon".
Whether you have "yon" or not, it will refer to a nonspecific "jilèt"... as opposed to "jilèt la"

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words


Tanpri,eske ou kapab di mwen si genyen yon diferans avek eskandalez ak wowoy?

Men wi m kapab di w :)
Yo toulede se menm bagay la.
Lè yo di eskandalèz, sa vle di yon fanm ki renmen fè eskandal, ki pa disiplinen, ki woywoy, ki toujou sou chòk.

Nan lang Angle a yo rele sa: ROWDY, LOUDMOUTHED

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Bonswa, nou gen yon keksyon ki sa ki pi bon: m ap osinon map ??? w ap osinon wap ??? Nan Diksyone par Bryant C Freeman li ekri map e wap men non nouvou Bib Kreyol La Nouvo Testaman par Bibles International yo ekri m ap e w ap. men paj isit ekri yo tankou m'ap e w'ap. Mwen te panse apostroph yo se pa sevi anko ? Mesi pou repons rapid.

Mwen panse "M ap" pi bon pase "Map" paske li elimine konfizyon.  Paske "M" se yon mo (MWEN) ki separe ak "ap" ki se yon modifier.  Donk lè yo separe, sa montre nou genyen de (2) mo diferan.

Gen moun ki ekri li avèk yon tirè - pa egzanp M-ap.
E
Gen moun ki ekri li ak yon apostwòf - pa egzanp M'ap.
E
Gen moun ki ekri li san anyen ditou - pa egzanp M ap.

Kounye a yo tout akseptab, men tirè yo ak apostwòf yo pa nesesè.
Nan nouvo òtograf Kreyòl la (Se li menm ou jwenn nan Bib la), Ayisyen yo koumanse alèz nèt lè yo ekri san tirè, ak san apostwòf la.  Mwen panse se sa ki va fiti lang Kreyòl la.

Dakò.



Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Mandaly, I recently ordered a DVD of the Defense Language Institute's Haitian Language instruction. It contained five volumes of text with accompanying audio. However, the audio, which was originally recorded in the 1970's, has degraded and I have been unable to find a usable copy. The audio is free on line, but after the twelfth of fifty lessons, it becomes totally indecipherable and the early lessons are muddy. The Defense Language Institute tells me they do not sell the DVD and they no longer have the original materials, as tons of things were dumped to make room for new stuff in their warehouse. It's sad! Can you put out the word for me, I'm searching for a good copy of the audio portion. I already printed up the text of the five volumes - but it's much better for me to study with an audio component! THANKS, and regards, DORY DICKSON, Haitian Migrant Worker Outreach

The word is out Dory : )

I hope you can find a good copy of the audio.  I wish that someone had thought to preserve the recording digitally.
.......................
Dory wrote:

 Mandaly,  I recently ordered a DVD of the Defense Language 
Institute's Haitian Language instruction.  It contained five volumes of text 
with accompanying audio.  However, the audio, which was originally recorded in 
the 1970's, has degraded and I have been unable to find a usable copy.  The 
audio is free on line, but after the twelfth of fifty lessons, it becomes 
totally indecipherable and the early lessons are muddy.  The Defense Language 
Institute tells me they do not sell the DVD and they no longer have the original 
materials, as tons of things were dumped to make room for new stuff in their 
warehouse.  It's sad!  Can you put out the word for me, I'm searching for a good 
copy of the audio portion.  I already printed up the text of the five volumes - 
but it's much better for me to study with an audio component!  THANKS, and 
regards, DORY DICKSON, Haitian Migrant Worker Outreach


Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

 

Can you explain the difference with rantre and retounen ? (kamsa hamnida)

RANTRE (sometimes used in place of ANTRE) → to come, to come in, to come back in, to return, to insert, to bring in, to retract (to draw back)

Some examples:
1. Lè lapli a te koumanse tonbe, tou moun te rantre anndan. (to come)

2. Avyon an rantre kawoutyou yo lè li te pran vòl. (to retract)

3. Kilè w'ap rantre? (to come back)

4. Koulèv la te rantre nan yon twou. (go inside)

5. M'ap rantre lakay ta aswè a, ou pa bezwen tann mwen. (to return)

6. Nou toude ansanm rantre apeprè $1500.00 pa mwan nan kay la. (to bring in)

7. Mezanmi! Pitit la rantre yon gwo kiyè nan bouch li.  Bouch lan chire yan! (to insert)



RETOUNEN (or TOUNEN) - to return, to come back, to bring back

Some examples:
8. Li retounen vin jwenn mwen.
   She came back to me.

9. Pote monnen an retounen ban mwen tande.
    Bring me back the change you hear.





Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

what does the phrase " pa enkyetew" mean in hc, thanks!

Mandaly, this is like second message with same content...I don't want to be impolite or anything like that, so please don't be offended...I just wanna your subtle help in writing some witty or normal birthday greeting card for one year old boy, but in kreyol fashion.... Mesi davans, bel Manda

Happy birthday - bòn fèt

Today you turn one, I wish you many more birthdays.
Jodi a ou gen ennan, mwen swete ou anpil lòt anivèsè ankò.

I hope you had a good year.
M'espere premye ane ou te anfòm.

First birthday is always the best, but you'll never remember it.
Premye anivèsè nesans yo toujou pi bon, men ou p'ap janm sonje l.


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what does grigole and kalou mean?

Sounds like "rigole (to joke around)" and "kalalou (okra)"..... Is it?
I do not recognize the ones that you wrote ...without a context.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Is there a rule for when to use "w" and when to use "ou" for you? I notice that "w" is used sometimes even when the sound is still "ou," like: "M renmen w." Are they completely interchangeable?

w is the contracted form of ou (as a pronoun and possessive adj)
For many foreigners the difference between the two (when you listen to them) is very subtle.  But if you listen to the H. Creole language long enough you'll soon be able to distinguish between the two sounds.

Yes there are rules.
When used as an object pronoun or possessive adjective, it follows the vowels not the consonants.
example:
you can say:
Mwen renmen w. ("w" follows nasal vowel "en" in "renmen")
Nou sonje w. ("w" follows vwayèl-bouch "e" in "sonje")
Papa w pa pè. ("w" follows vwayèl-bouch "a" in "papa")

But you cannot say:
M'ap tann w. ("w" cannot follow the consonant "n" in "tann")
Li bat w. ("w" cannot follow the consonant "t" in "bat")
Nou fè lwanj w chaj jou. ("w" cannot follow the consonant "j" in "lwanj")
Eske sa se kay w? ("w" cannot follow the consonant "y" in kay)

We'll say instead:
M'ap tann ou.
Li bat ou.
Nou fè lwanj ou chak jou.
Eske sa se kay ou?

When in doubt, you can always use "ou".

FYI:  In Northern Haiti, however, this rule goes out the window.  The "w" will sounds like "a ou" or "aww"
The Northerner will say:
Nou fè lwanj w chak jou.
And it will sound like:
Nou fè lwanj aww chak jou.

Check out these posts:  OU and W

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What is mizik angaje?

It's a voudou-type of music, it can be political with voudou terms and much complaints, denouncements and insinuations.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

what is koutlang? can be used as verb?

kout lang - malicious gossip or backbiting
bay kout lang - to badmouth, to backstab

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how would you say "from...to...". I want to say "from here to there" and also give a time frame (from 7 to 8). Can I say "de la a la"? I hear that sometimes.

Yes, people sometimes do say de isit la a laba a, or de setè a twazè, de Miami a New York.

From ... to... → depi .... jouk/jiska...

From here to there → depi isit jouk laba a
From 7 to 8 → depi setè jouk uitè
From sunrise to sunset → depi solè leve jouk solèy kouche

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Can you tell me how you would translate "kina yo." I know it is hard to answer this without knowing the context. In context it sounds something like "the locals." But can you perhaps elaborate or be any more precise for me about its meanings and connotations? I am doing a translation of an oral history of an elderly Haitian from 1987. Thanks!

You will hear this type  of expression in Northern Haiti.

1. kina yo (kinan yo) - theirs, or it can be their family

   Sa se kinan m - This is mine; This is my race, my family

    Sa se kinan nou - This is ours


2. Northerners tend to "an" or "a" before their possessive adj.
    for example:
   We usually say:
Liv mwen.
OR
Sa se liv mwen.
   A person from the North might say:
Liv an mwen.
OR
Sa se liv an mwen.

3. Here's another example:
    We usually say:
Sa se papa li.
    But the Northerner might say:
Sa se papa a li.

4. And one more example:
   We usually say:
Ayiti se peyi nou.
   The Northerner might say:
Ayiti se peyi an nou.

So, when you see "kin an yo" or "kin an mwen", it's as if they were saying:  kin an yotheir kin (their own) or kin an mwen my kin (my own)

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Is there any place I can find some good info on Haitian culture? More than just the stuff about conservative, women do housework, etc...?

Kansas University, Haitian studies website is a good source.
If you have a chance,  do visit some Haitian bookstores in person or online (educavision.com)
And if your area offers it, check the cultural centers or public libraries for upcoming exhibits of 'Haitian Folklife' so rich in tradition and history.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Is tot the same as totot?

No.

tòt (adv.) - firm, solid, unyielding
1. Li kenbe pye manmna l tòt.
    She stayed close to her mother.

tòtòt - as a verb to suck; as a noun it can be a nipple or anything you suck on.
egzanp:
2. L'ap fè tòtòt ak mango a.
    He's sucking on the mango. (in Haiti we often suck on a ripe mango to draw the juice out before we eat it)

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What is the difference between 'nèke' and 'dèke'? (I put the accents this time yay! :)

nèke - adv: only, just, merely, barely, once, as soon as
egzanp:

1. Moun yo tèlman pè mesye a, li nèke pale yo tout pran tranble.
    People are so afraid of the man, he barely speaks and they all start trembling.

2.  Nèg la nèke manyen bra fanm nan, e fanm nan di misye ba l yon kout pwen.
     The man barely touched the woman's arm and she said he punched her.

3.  Nou te gen chans yè, nou nèke rive nan estasyon bis la epi li vini.  Dabitid, bis la toujou anreta
      We were lucky yesterday, as soon as we arrived at the bus station it came.  Usually the bus is always late. 

dèke - as soon as, once
egzanp

4. Dèke ou peye kontravansyon an yo va retabli pèmi kondui ou.
    Once you pay the fine they will reinstate you driver's license.

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what does the word "dekabes" mean I hear it a lot in Haiti, thanks!

Dekabès (in game of dominoes) - you got a winning hand.

See this post: DEKABEST

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

to say 'to live a life' - do you say 'viv yon vi' ORR 'viv yon lavi'?

Toulede bon.
Ou kapab di toude si w vle.
Ou kapab di tou, 'mennen yon lavi'.

kèk egzanp
1. L'ap viv yon movèz vi.
2. Mwen vle w viv yon lavi ki san repwòch devan lèzòm ak devan Bondye.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Kafe msye koule ak tout ma???

O O!  Msye nan tout sa ki ba bon.  Li nan ka.
He's in trouble.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Mandaly, I was wondering if the African board game "Mancala / Mankala" is played extensively in the Haitian Creole culture? It is a staple of board games in my family. Mesi.

Yes it is.  The wari board game is very much loved in Haiti.  If they don't have a carved wooden game, kids may dig a holes in the ground to play it. Haitians call it jwèt kay.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

I am trying to find a proverb related to people who pretend to be something they're not. Or people who are hypocrites or an apostate (someone who renounces their religion or faith). You have any ideas? I remember one about "Fey Mapou vs Fey Manyok", but it escapes me. Thanks Mandaly

Fèy mapou sanble ak fèy manyòk.
The oak leaf looks like the manioc leaf (Only their product will tell the difference between them... according to the proverb)

Joumou pa donnen kalbas.
Squash tree does not yield 'Calebasse' (gourd)

Ti Jezi nan po krab
Someone who pretends to be what he/she is not.
How to use this expression:
Mesye a mete l dou tankou ti Jezi nan po krab pou li ka vin zanmi nou.
The man pretended to be humble and meek in order to gain our friendship.


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I'm am trying to figure out what this phrase means: "Kado (yon?) koze." (It sounded like "Kado on koze" but I assumed it was a yon in the middle.

It's Gade yon koze! or contracted Gad 'on koze! literally meaning look at a thing (look at this thing)
It's an interjection (indicating a range of emotion from mild surprise to disbelief or impatience), that can mean Oh dear look at this!, or Would you look at this! or What is this!

Sometimes we say Tande yon koze! or Tand'on koze! too which means almost the same as Gad' on koze and it literally say Listen to this thing!

Examples:
1. Gad on koze!  Apa ou la toujou?
    What is this!  How come you're still here?

2. Gad on koze!  Poukisa w'ap anniye m konsa?
    What is this!  Why are you bugging me?

3.  Tand 'on koze!  Ti pitit la fèk sot joure m. 
      Would you listen to this!  The kid just cursed at me.

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

What is gyobe? to burp?

Could you also give us the lyrics and translation to this children's song? It goes something like this: "Ti sourit?, pletil., kote ou ale?, lekòl, ...aprann?, A, B, C, D, E, F, G..." -

“Ti sourit!”
 “Plètil!”
“Sa w ap manje?”
“Grenn pwa!”
“Ban m ti kal!”
“Jamè!”
“Fè sèman!”
“Vyèj pete kouraj mwen, doupendoup!”

"Ti sourit!"
"Plètil!"
"Kote ou prale?"
"lekòl!"
"lakay kimoun?"
"Madan Aman."
"Sa w pral aprann?"
"A B  C  D  E  F G..."


Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Can you write out and translate the lyrics to a children's song that we hear? It's something like this: "Maria nan soley, ti poul, ti poul. Ti poul la, kanpe, leve." Thanks so much!


 Mayi a nan solèy: Chi poul! Chi poul! (The corn is in the sun.  Shoo chicken!  Shoo chicken!)
Mayi a nan solèy: Chi poul! Chi poul!
Ay! De men anlè! (both hands up)
De men sou kote! (both hands on the side)
Tonbe, leve, chita! (Fall, get up, stand up)
Ay! tonbe, leve, chita!
Bay piyay!
Bay piyay!
Piyay! manman piyay!


Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

Goosebumps - chèdepoul

Is there a rule that some verbs need pou in front of them while nothin other cases. Like tan pou ale but mwen vle fe yon bagay? James

usually "pou" after a verb will translate "to" or "in order to", "so that "....

1. Nou manje anpil pou n ka grandi.
    We eat a lot so that we can grow.

2.  Mwen pote li pou ou pou w ka wè ak de je w.
    I brought it to you so that you can see with your own eyes.

3. Mwen vle pou w ale kounye a.
    I need you to go now.

but "tan pou" → instead of

4. Tan pou w ale anba lapli a, poukisa ou pa ret tann.
     Instead of leaving under the rain, why don't you wait a while.

5. Joann sou anba tafya. Tan pou m ta monte machin avè l, m pito mache.
    Joann is drunk.  I rather walk than drive in a car with her.

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It seems that sèvi by itself means serve. Like "Nap sèvi Bondye." But sèvi ak means use. Like "Pa sèvi ak bik sa." Is that correct? Do you have to use ak to make sèvi mean use? Also how would you translate sèvi in this verse: "Mwen menm, mwen sèten m'a viv pou m' wè jan Bondye sèvi byen ak pèp li a."


Yes.
Sèvi - to serve, to worship, to serve as
egzanp:

1. N'ap sèvi Bondye.
    We worship God.
or
2. Ou pa ka sèvi de Bondye alafwa.
    You can't serve two masters at once.

sèvi or sèvi kòm or sèvi pou - to serve as, to use as

3.  Li pran m sèvi bòn li.
     He used me as his maid.

4.  Mwen pa t janm di sa.  Ou kapab sèvi m temwen.
     I never said that.  You can serve as my witness.

5. Li pran chemiz nèf mwen sèvi tòchon.
    Li pran chemiz nèf mwen sèvi kòm tòchon.
    He took my new shirt and used it as rag.

sèvi ak - to use, to make use of, to have to do with
egzanp:
6. Nou pa sèvi ak kiyè nan kay sa a.
   We do not use spoons in this house.

in your example:
sèvi byen ak to treat well

7. "Mwen menm, mwen sèten m'a viv pou m wè jan Bondye sèvi byen ak pèp li a."
   "As for me, I'm sure I'll live to see how God treat his people well.:

other similar examples:

8. Li sèvi byen ak mwen.
   He treated me well.

9. Mwen va toujou gen madan Janot rekonesans.  Lè pitit mwen yo te rete lakay li, li te sèvi byen ak yo.
   I'll always be grateful to Mrs Janot.  When my kids stayed over at her house, she treated them well.


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I am going on a medical mission to Haiti. What would be 20 important phrases for me to know?

It's kind of hard to predict the type of cases you are going to see, and what the patients' responses would be to the questions you might ask them.   Do you have a questionnaire with the types of questions you want to ask?  Is it a 'clinic' type of setting?
There's a Medical Dictionary that you might find online, English / Haitian Creole Medical Dictionary by Maude Heurtelou and Fequière Vilsaint, it's published by EDUCA VISION
There's also a free medical dictionary and other free resources on the Kansas University (Haitian Studies) website: http://languages.ku.edu/haitian; it touches on the subject of cultural sensitivity too.  So that might be helpful.

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how do you say dull as in not sharp in kreyol?

What is the meaning of the word DIGDANTAN as in the expression: Paske se depi DIGDANTAN Ayisyen sa yo tande sa?

DIGDANTAN (or DIKDANTAN) means a very long time ago

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Excuse me, but do you know what does wa mange gro pousou mean, please? Thanks

W'a manje gwo pous ou?
to be regretful, remorseful

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What does Feme bou shou mean? My spelling is probably incorrect :/ but it is pronounced like "fem me boo shoo"

The correct spelling is "fèmen bouch ou."
and it means to be quiet,or  to shut up

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How would one say 'sisterhood' in creole?

sisterhood - sororite, solidarite oubyen tèt ansanm nan mitan fanm
brotherhood - fratènite

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i discovered this page a few days ago and was super excited because there is almost no free resources on learning kreyol and did two lessons quickly i came back today to find your audio posts from the didn't play anymore i know it may be a bit of hassle but it'd be really cool if you could try to fix them or keep them up somehow thanks for putting together such a great internet resource

Sorry about that.
It should be able to play now :)
Will post new audio this weekend.

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i discovered this page a few days ago and was super excited because there is almost no free resources on learning kreyol and did two lessons quickly i came back today to find your audio posts from the didn't play anymore i know it may be a bit of hassle but it'd be really cool if you could try to fix them or keep them up somehow thanks for putting together such a great internet resource

Sorry about that.
It should be able to play now :)

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How do you say "please excuse my poor creole"? I learned it as Tanpri, eskize mwen, mwen pale Krèyol mal. Is that correct?

Yes. It's not a literal translation, but it communicates what you want to say.

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what does fwaye, jemi, and ekilibre mean?

fwaye (from French foyer)  means home, family home, also hearth
jemi - to moan (in anguish)
ekilibre - to be well balanced

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What are the ways of saying "come from" as in "I come from Haiti" or other sayings similar? I've seen soti ak and soti nan. James

yes, you are right.  Usually you will see the the word soti (sot) is used and it means to come from, to be originated from, or to just come from (or just (adv): very recently)

Mwen soti Ayiti. - I come from Haiti.
Mwen fèk soti Ayiti. - I just came from Haiti.
Nou soti legliz. - We come from church
Ki kote ou soti? - Where do you come from?

also, sot or soti as JUST adv.
Nou sot manje. - We just ate.
Nou sot wè yo sou plaj la. - We just saw them at the beach.

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What is the difference in using "isit" or "la" when meaning here? James

isi, isi a, isit, isit la, they all translate here
isi or isit sometimes point to being present
and isi a or isit la is more specific about location
But they can be interchangeable.

1. Mwen pa't vin nan nòs la paske mwen pa't isi.
    I didn't come to the wedding because I was away. 

2. Bò isit la moun pa mache nan lari lèswa.
    Around here people do not walk the streets at night.

3. Veye kò w ak moun isit.  Yo trèt.
    Beware of people from around here.  They are hypocrites.


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Madanm, kijan ou di 'throat, bruise, dehydrate' an creole

throat - gòj, (and sometimes gagann)
bruise - blese, blesi
dehydrate - dezidrate (de-zee-dra-tay)

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I have seen several Haitian men who have very long pinkie finger fingernails and was wondering if this has any significance or meaning in Haiti? I asked one of them and he was very vague in his answer.

Yeah, most of the Haitian men in my family (on my dad side especially) do wear their fingernail pinky up to half of a cm long :)  .. and my husband too.  I think it's an image choice.  Some people will tell you that it's a great tool for scratching their nares and ear canals, lol!  But they do take great care of keeping it healthy, long and strong.  Also, it is not uncommon for Haitians men to wear clear nail polish on their nails (their toes especially).

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What is the proper Haitian Kreyol spelling of the name George?? Is it Jorj, Jorje or Jorge I have seen it written all these 3 ways. I think the first one looks correct to me phonetically???

Something on the pulpit of the church is referred to as 'che'? Which is it exactly? My dictionary only has 'che' as expensive. Thanks.

1.
chè is the pulpit itself.
Pastè a te kanpe sou chè a pou li preche.
The pastor stood in the pulpit to preach.

2.
chè (or lachè)  also translate flesh.
Nou se chè e zo.
We are flesh and bones.

3.
Chè also means precious, dear.
chè manman mwen
my dear mother

Si ou kontinye konsa, sa va koute ou trè chè.
If you keep this up, it will cost you dearly.

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How do I tell the difference between 'pa' to make things negative and 'pa' to make pronouns possessive?

Frame of reference, ... context.

Here are a couple of sentences.  Can you tell which "pa" is negative and which is possessive?

1. Mwen pa malad.
2. Nou kouri  san nou pa bouke.
3. Si ou kontinye anniye m, mwen pa prale nan sinema ak ou.
4. Eske valiz sa a se pa ou?
5. Ayiti se peyi pa m. M'ap toujou sonje li nenpòt kote mwen ye.

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Madanm, ki jan ou konnen an Kreyol ki le sevi ak "anpil" anvan oswa apre yon mo? Egzanp: "Gazolin la che anpil." oubyen, "Mete anpil gazolin." Ki gen reg sou sa a? Tanpri reponn nan lang angle silvouple. Mesi anpil.

Ou mande mwen kesyon an an Kreyòl. Mwen ta renmen reponn li an Kreyòl.
Mwen sèten ou va konprann sa mwen di.
Si ou pa konprann kite m konnen :)

1.
anpil se yo adjektif, pwonon, oubyen yon "determiner" lè ou plase li devan yon non.  Li vle di many, a lot of.

pa egzanp:
anpil moun
a lot of people

Genyen anpil bèl kay nan zòn sa a.
There are many beautiful houses in this area.

2.
anpil se yon advèb lè ou plase li dèyè yon vèb oubyen dèyè yon adjektif
pa egzanp:
Mwen renmen w anpil.
I like you a lot.

Li kontan anpil.
She 's very happy.

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Mandaly, M ap gade Fim Ayisyen an "I Love You Anne" soti nan FilmHaiti.com. Tout pawol nan li se egzak tande. M ka konprann tout pawol menm si mwen pa konnen siyifikasyon yo nan tout. M rekomande sa a fim pou deboutan an Kreyol Ayisyen. Yon fim vreman gwo yo aprann le yo. KOUNYE A, how bad have I mangled the Kreyol here? Maybe a couple of hints? Mesi. Jan Rachal

Not too too bad :)
I would have written it by removing and adding a couple of words.  Like this:


Mandaly, M ap gade Fim Ayisyen an "I Love You Anne" soti nan 
FilmHaiti.com.  Tout pawol nan li se
egzak tande byen klè.  M ka konprann tout pawol menm si
mwen pa konnen siyifikasyon yo nan tout.  M 
rekomande sa a fim sa a pou deboutan debitan an nan Kreyol Ayisyen.
Yon gran fim vreman gwo yo ki ede w aprann le yo

Bon travay Rachal.


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What is "te asorosi" in English. I hear it's very good for your health. I would like to get more info on the plant.

fèy asosi, scientific name Momordica charantia L.
It's my mom's cure for everything :)

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I found these questions in one of your exercises, but I don't understand what they mean. "Ki kote ou moun? Ki bò papa ou moun?" Can you help? Thanks!

In that type of sentence moun translates into ... 'to be from'

Ki kote ou moun?
Where are you from? / Where do you originate from?

Kibò papa w moun?
Where's your father from?

Kibò manman w moun?
Where's your mom from?

Mwen se moun New York.
I am from New york.

Papa m se moun Kanada.
My father is from Canada.

Epi manman m se moun Kiba.
And my mom's from Cuba.

Mwen se moun lavil.
I am from the city.

Li se moun nan mòn.
She is from the countryside.

Nou pa moun isit.
We are not from here.

Nou pa moun bò isit.  Kay nou anwo nan syèl la.
We are not from around here.  Our home is up in heaven.

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I was asking a Haitian friend about the word malonet. Literally it seems that this word should mean dishonest, but in context it seems to be more like "hypocritical" or "representing oneself as something you are not." I asked this friend if the word was the same as ipokrizi. She said it was, just more intense than ipokrizi. Can you shed any more light on this?

1.
malonèt adj:
I think the English words that best translate the Haitian Creole malonèt is unscrupulous, despicable, unrespectable, impertinent, ...
We often use the word malonèt to describe someone who is disrespectful.
So "yon moun malonèt" may be a hypocrite, a dishonest person,  and more.

example:
Nanpwen moun malonèt pase madan Manno.
There's no one more despicable than Mrs. Manno.

or

Mesye a fè yon zak malonèt.
The guy did something really shameful.


2.
fè malonèt intransitive verb
Yon moun ap fè malonèt.
Someone is being uncivil (or disrespectful)


And

3.
Fè malonèt transitive verb
Fè yon moun malonèt.
To rebuff someone
To give someone a cold shoulder.

example:
Mwen te mande Joe pou l ede m netwaye legliz la, men olye l ede m li te fè m malonèt.
I asked Joe to help me clean the church, but instead of helping me he rebuffed me.

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"Peyi mwen an nan detrès" - Why is "an" and nan" needed? And why do some possessive phrases have a definite article at the end? (eg: Did you see my bag? -Eske ou te wè valiz mwen an?)

The definite article together with “mwen” make up the possessive adjective.

1.
peyi mwen an
Or
peyi m nan
my country


2.
peyi ou a
Or
peyi w la
your country

3.
peyi li a
Or
peyi  l la
his/her country
 

4.
peyi nou an
Or
peyi n nan
our country


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Madanm, I have been trying to find the Kreyol word for "carousel" for two days now. It’s not in my dictionary that I can find. I know it starts with a "K". The stupid online translator acts like it does not know the word I am trying to find; it just repeats the English word for it. Anyway, PLEASE help me! Also, "kanaval e kannaval" are both in my dictionary Which one of these words is more prevalent in usage? I'm thinking the first word. I am about one month out for completion of the Pimsleur HC 30 lesson course I am using. It has been great! I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about learning HC. I plan to use your learning website to "finish off" my Kreyol Ayisyen when I am done. Mesi anpil. Jan Rachal

It's kawousèl, or mannèj, in Creole.

As for "kanaval", you're right, the first one is used more, but some people do say kan-na-val also.

Yes, I have heard great reviews from people who've used the Pimsleur method for learning H. Creole. I'm glad that you find it helpful.  Do you get to practice Creole conversation with other Creole speakers?

Dakò :)
Kontinye konsa.

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do haitian people usually pronounce r as Americans do or do they say it with a w, sorry beginners question lol

Sounds more like a "w" when placed before the letter "o".
Otherwise it sounds like the French 'R'.

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what does blayi mean and please list the ways it is used if there are any

blayi  - to be knocked down, to knock someone down
Li bay fanm nan yon kalòt, enpi fanm nan blayi atè a.
He slapped the woman, and the woman was knocked down to the floor
or
Li blayi fanm nan atè a ak yon kout pwen.
He knocked the woman to the floor with one punch.

blayi - to spread
Li choute panye a enpi tout fwi yo te blayi atè a.
He kicked the basket and all the fruits fell all over the floor.
or

Machann nan bite, li tonbe.  Tout machandiz li yo blayi atè a.
The merchant stumbled, he fell.  All his merchandises fell all over the floor.

blayi n. - pile of rocks people use to dry laundered clothes

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what does se ras ki fe yon neg ap kenbe mean?

Sounds like a proverb.
Se ras ki fè yon nèg ap kenbe.
It is race that makes (keeps) a man holding on (literally)
A man hangs on thanks to his heritage / parentage 

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definition of resisite

Mandaly, you know "M se (yon) Kreyol Lwizyan." Is one able to put in "yon" in this sentence, or can it be both ways? Also, would you say "M se (yon) Kreyol Ayiti." for "I am Haiti Creole?" I know I hear Kreyol Ayisyen for the language and the people, but if "Kreyol Lwizyan" describes the country of origin, then it seems that "Kreyol Ayiti" would do the same, but I never hear it this way. Thanks for all your help with my Kreyol. Jan Rachal.

Yes you are definitely able to add YON in that type of sentence.

As a matter of fact it is one of the instances where you can use the Creole verb to be 'SE': before a NOUN:
Mwen se yon Kreyòl Lwiziyen.
Mwen se yon Ayisyen. (I am a Haitian)
Mwen se yon fanm Kreyòl. (I am a Creole)
Mwen se yon nèg lakay. (I am a native)
Mwen se yon natif natal. (I am a native)

As opposed to NOT being able to add SE before attributes and adjectives:
Mwen malad. (I'm ill)
Mwen bouke. (I'm tired)
Mwen enève. (I'm pissed)


Usually people say Mwen se yon Aysiyen rather than Mwen se yon Kreyòl Ayiti.

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I often hear a word in Haitian gospel songs that sounds like chela with a strong emphasis on the ch (or maybe it is a sh?) Love many songs, trying to learn a few words here and there. Thank you.

I haven't been able to figure it out yet :)
It might be part of another word like chèCHE la or something similar.

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what does plere mean?

does fleri mean bloom?

fennen and plotonnen?

fennen - to fade, to become discolored, to lose luster
Flè a fennen.
The flower has faded.

plòtonnen - to snuggle, to wrap around, to curl up
Ti fi a plòtonnen kò l nan kabann nan.
The little girl curled up (her body) in the bed.

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Can you explain this phrase that was thrown around a lot on a recent trip to Haiti: "Wap swe la!" I guess it was from a movie or show or something, and I understood it as "You're sweating!" but I don't understand why the "la" is there at the end.

In this sentence it means now, right now, or there (as in the action is happening in this moment)


We tend to put la or la a at the end of similar sentences:
1.
Ou bouke la a?
You must be tired right now?

2.
M grangou la a.
I'm hungry.

3.
Ou dwe prese la .
You must be in a hurry.


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When Haitians say machwa gonfle, do they refer to someone being mad?

It may refer to someone who's pouting.
L'ap gonfle machwè l.
He's pouting.

or if you've seen the term in the expression: Pale anpil fè machwa gonfle (Too much babbling will puff up your cheeks), it means Stop wasting time and act.  Pretty much the same as the expressions: Chita pa bay (sitting around don't give), or Twòp lapriyè fè jounou kwochi (Too many prayers make the knee crooked)

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Since Creole does not have male or female words, can i use scandalèz for males too.

Mandaly, how do you say gang in HC, thanks for all your help, you're doing a great thing

Mandaly, Is "Tann yon minit fi yo." the way to say "Wait a minute girls." (Hold on girls.). Maybe you could give another example of this? Mesi anpil.

When you say fi yo (the girls), it's being specific.
Tann yon minit fi yo.
Wait a minute the girls.

We could say instead:
Tann yon minit medam.
Wait a minit ladies.
or
Tann yon minit timoun. (if you're dealing with kids)

It's okay to omit the Creole definite article "yo" when using "zero article" in English.  Creole speakers will know that your noun is plural nevertheless.


Other examples:
1.
Bonjou mesye.
Hello guys.
(It's not necessary to say Bonjou mesye yo)

2.
Fanm pa renmen gason timid.
Women don't like shy men.

3.
Chen pa chache zo devan pòt kay tayè.  
Dogs don't look for bones in front of the tailor's door.  

4.
Se devan kay bouche chen chache zo.
Dogs look for bones in front of the butcher's door.

5.
Li pi pito chat.  Li pa renmen chen menm.
She prefers cats.  She doesn't like dogs at all.


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What is the rule for sounding out the N at the end of words. For example: VIN, MOUN, PEN, PAN...etc

We do not sound out the N sounds with the nasal vowels AN, EN, ON
such as
men (hand)
marengwen (mosquito)
maten (morning)
bonbon (cookie, cake)
pon (bridge)
tan (time)

But we do sound it out if there's an accent on the letter "A, E, or O" or a double "n" at the end.
such as:
pàn (trouble, car trouble)
avwàn (oatmeal)
mòn (hill)
siklòn (hurricane)
lasirèn (mermaid)
larèn (queen)

tann (to wait)
detenn (to fade)
wonn (circle)

We always sound out the "n" in "in"
such as in:
machin (car)
min (demeanor, mannerism)
sadin (sardines)

 We always sound it out in any words with the vowel "OUN" also
such
moun (people)
youn (one)
houngan (voodoo priest)

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Mandaly, I am sorry, but I forgot to ask the most important question in my last posting. In French and Spanish when you are addressing both boys and girls you use the masculine form such as "los muchachos" and "les garcons". How is it in Kreyol with this narrative? There really is no masculine and feminine in Kreyol per se. Mesi anpil.

In Creole we say mesyedam, or mesyezedam when addressing both males and females.

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How would u say fe kreten in english

fè kreten - to be a slow learner, to act like an idiot

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HELLO! I am in a play called "Ragtime." There are two Haitian speaking parts that I am trying to find the translation for- we are immigrants coming to America:: 1. Gran mesi, Washington! 2. Ki ba nou Lamerik! Thank you for your time!

gran mesi (or granmèsi, gremèsi) → thanks to
Gran mèsi Washington! → Thanks to Washington!

LamerikAmerica
Ki ban nou Lamerik!who gave us America!

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what is the word 'plede' when used before a verb. I use the verb 'to plead' but it doe not fit.

plede (pede) - to keep on

1. Poukisa w;ap plede kriye konsa?
    Why do you keep crying so much?

2.  Mwen kalote l paske l t'ap plede anniye m.
     I slapped him because he kept bugging me.

3.  Si lapli ap plede tonbe konsa, nou pral gen inondasyon.
      If it keeps raining like that, we'll have flood.

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Hi Mandaly! I heard some words and phrases that I was unsure of yesterday at church. I wish I had gotten more phrases and context for you, but would you help me understand these, if you can make sense of them? Yon raj Vye flo lakay li Pa plenyen so ave li Sisite eprev yo Li sisite yon anvi lakay kretyen yo Rega (like regard maybe?) Nou vin rabi Thanks so much!

yon raj - a rage, frenzy, madness

vye flo lakay li - old torment within him (depending on context)
flo - torrent, tide, suffering, anguish
yon flo touman - a cascade of torment (pa egzanp)
Tout flo li te pase sou mwen - All his wrath was on me

pa plenyen sò (w?) avè li - Do not lament (your?) circumstance with him/her
- circumstance, fate, luck, karma

sisite eprèv yo - to resurrect the trials and tribulations
eprèv (or zeprèv) - trials and tribulations, grief, affliction
sisite (resisite) - resurrect, to bring to life

rega - a look

nou vin rabi - we've become incorrigible (depending on context)
rabi - said of of clothes that cannot be cleaned thoroughly.  
For example, some white clothes lose their 'whiteness' and no matter how much you bleach them they remain yellowish.  These clothes are said to be 'rabi' in Creole.
Also a meat that remains tough no matter how much you cook or boil it.  It cannot get tender.  The meat is said to be 'rabi' in Creole
And also a fruit that never reaches ripeness or maturity is said to be 'rabi' in Creole.

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Eske babako vle di barbecue?

Wi yo itilize l mo sa a lè y'ap pale osijè yon gwo festen anplennè kote k gen anpil manje.
Donk ou kapab itilize babako tou pou di anpil, yon bann, yon latriye, etc....

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kijan ou itilize pawol GRANN iGRANN

Ou kapab di; "....depi sou grann igrann..."

pa egzanp
Sa se kalite rad moun te konn mete depi sou grann igrann.
oubyen
Depi sou grann igrann m poko janm wè yon bagay parèy.

Ekpresyon sa a se menm bagay avèk depi dikdantan, ak depi ti konkonm t ap goumen ak berejèn

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words

I know that BON MACHe means cheap, but someone told me I could also use the word "tchip" in Creole?

Kondoleyans (AUDIO)

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Mezanmi! Ou konnen, kè m fè m mal pou madan Paul ak timoun li yo.
You know I feel bad for Mrs Paul and her kids.

Wi, lanmò mari l se yon gwo sezisman pou tout moun. 
Yes, her husband's death is a big shock to everyone.

What was wrong with the husband exactly?

Li te fè yon kriz kadyak.  Li mouri sibitman.
He had a heart attack.  He died suddenly.

Podyab timoun yo, kounye a yo san papa!
Poor kids, now they're without a father.

Lavi sa a kout.  Se pou sa nou dwe viv li abondamman
Life is short.  That's why we should live it to the fullest.

A wi, ou pa janm konnen ki lè jou pa w la va rive.  Sa se vre.
Yes,  you never know when your time will come. That is true.

E kòman fè ou poko al vizite yo toujou?
And how come you have not gone to visit them yet?

Nan sikonstans sa yo, mwen twouve li difisil pou m jwenn sa pou m di yon moun ki nan lapenn konsa.
In these circumstances, I find it hard to find what to say to someone in such sorrow.

E byen, ale wè yo non. Mwen sèten prezans ou sèlman va sifi.  Petèt ou te ka ede madan Paul ak timoun yo tou pandan li okipe ap resevwa moun ki vin swete l kondoleyans. Oubyen ou ta ka pote yon ti goute pou bay etranje ki vin wè li.
Well, go see them.  I'm sure your presence only will be enough.  Perhaps you could help Mrs Paul with the kids also while she's busy receiving guests that are coming to say their condolences.   You could bring snacks for her guests.

Ah wi se yon bon lide.  Mwen va ale wè li toutalè.
Yes that is a good idea.  I will go to see her soon.

M panse li va apresye sa.
I think she'll appreciate it.

Wi sa w di a se sa. Mwen va fè l konnen ke kè m byen atriste pou tande sa ki pase a, e pa genyen yon mo ki sifi pou retire lapenn ni, men m’a kenbe l nan lapriyè. 
Yes you are right.  I will let her know that I'm sad to learn about what happened, and that there are no words enough to remove her pain, but I'll keep her in my prayers.

Pafwa nou pa konn sa pou n di pou n konsole yon moun ki nan chagren, men zanj yo konnen.
Sometimes you don't know what to say to comfort a person who's grieving, but the angels know.

M kwè jodi a se yon bon jou pou m di w m apresye tout sa ou fè.
I think today is a good day to tell you that I appreciate all that you do.

Wi, nou pa di sa ase.  Nou pa di li souvan.  Li pa bon lò nou tann jouk li twò ta.  Mwen apresye ou tou.
Yes, we don't say it enough.  We don't say it often.  It's not good to wait until it's too late. I appreciate you too.

Track # 10 - from The good news is the bad news was wrong.
Mèsi Bémòl :)

Haitian Creole ↔ English Reference, Look up Haitian Creole and English Words