Feb 17, 2010
(This is an excerpt from "SakPaseLearnHaitianCreole Textbook by Mr. J. Charles. Find more at http://sakpaselearnhaitiancreole.blogspot.com)
Ekspresyon Kréyòl Util / Useful Haitian Creole Expressions
****Ou Palé Kréyòl? (Do you speak Creole?) ****
Wi. M palé Kréyòl. Non. M pa palé Kréyòl (Yes, I speak Creole. No I do not speak Creole).
Cultural Notes: Haitians will never ask you whether you speak Haitian Creole. They will refer to Creole as if their Creole was the main and only Creole language that exists out there. To differentiate Haitian Creole from other types of Creole spoken in some other islands and countries, we will continue to refer to it as Haitian Creole. In some cases, Creole and Haitian Creole will be used interchangeably. ****
Bonjou - Good Morning (Haitians enjoy greeting others. It shows you were well raised and had a good education).
Bonswa - Good Afternoon (also used at night to greet others)
Bò-n Nwi / bò-n Nwit - Have a good night (said before going to bed or to wish a good night sleep!)
Pasé bon aprèmidi - Have a good afternoon
Pasé bò-n Jouné /Pasé bò-n jounen - Have a good day
Tanpri - Please
Silvouplè - Please
Tanpri Souplé - Please **You truly mean it and want the favor**
Ban mwen - Give me
Ban-m (shortened form) - Give me
Ban-m dlo - Give water; Ban-m kòb - Give me money
Bay - to give (Bay Manjé ak dlo - give food and water)
Distribiyé Manjé ak Dlo - Distribute food and water
Mèsi - Thanks
Mèsi anpil - Thaks very much, thank you very much
Ki jan ou yé Maten an? How are you this morning?
**M pa pi mal / M Byen (literally I am not worse..) - Well, Fine
E ou menm? And you?
Kòman ou yé la-a? How are you there?
Ki sa ou vlé? What do you want?
Ki sa ou ap manjé? Ki sa wap manjé? What are you eating?
Poukisa ou faché? Why are you mad?
Konbyen Jwèt ou bezwen? How many toys do you need?
Konbyen Timoun ki nan lékòl la? How many children are there at the school?
Kilès ki pi fò? Which one is more intelligent? Which one is stronger?
Ou mérité / Padkwa - You are welcome, Do not mention it
Find more Expressions at http://sakpaselearnhaitiancreole.blogspot.com