oOne reader’s question really got Estherline excited this afternoon. The recent insults (probably not the last) that Donald Trump spit out toward Haiti was very offensive. That’s the biggest topic of conversation lately around our neighborhood. Here is an example of how you can assure your Haitian friends that Trump’s statements are not cool with […]
Creole Color Names
If you’ve studied French, then most of the color names in Haitian Creole will be familiar to you. Use the audio below to practice your pronunciation: Article for colors 💕 Wòse – red 🧡 Jòne abriko – yellow (with orange tent)💚 Vère – green💙 Ble syèl – sky blue💜 Mòv – purple🖤nwa – back Colors […]
Sa ou plante se li ou rekolte (You reap what you sow)
Sa ou plante se li ou rekolte. You reap what you sow. The meaning of this one is clear, even if you don’t have a background in farming. You get what you give – or – what goes around comes around. You might say this when commenting on something good (or bad) that’s happened to […]
Kreyon bondye pa gen gòm (God’s pencil doesn’t have an eraser)
Kreyon bondye pa gen gòm. God’s pencil doesn’t have an eraser. This is a traditional way to say, “God doesn’t make mistakes.” He’s in charge and things happen according to his plan – i.e. God is writing this story and doesn’t need your second guessing his plot twists. You might say this when reflecting on […]
Piti piti, zwazo fè nich (Little by little, the bird builds its nest)
Piti piti, zwazo fè nich. Little by little, the bird builds its nest. Memorizing this simple phrase in Creole will amaze your friends in Haiti and give you something to say – especially when sharing in a group conversation. The meaning is plain, small tasks are the reliable way to accomplish big goals. We used this kind […]
Mining Gold (Leve lò) or Carrying Water (Leve dlo)
How can you say mining gold in Haitian Creole? Leve lò — Mining (raising) gold Leve dyaman – Mining (raising) diamonds Leve dlo – Carrying water The verb leve is very common and basically means picking something up. If you dropped your telephone you might ask someone to pick it up. Leve telefon mwen tanpri – Pickup […]