Creole Phrases with Pronunciation

How old are you? Ki laj ou genyen? This phrase is how you would ask a person their age. Depending on context, it is somewhat forward to ask this question of an adult woman. However this is one way to show respect to children. Literal Meaning Ki – What laj – age ou – you […]

Did you eat? Eske ou te mange? This phrase is very common and typically the next thing said after a greeting. Asking of your friend or family has eaten is a cultural way to show concern. Literal Meaning Eske – (begins a question) ou – you te – have mange – eaten This phrase answers […]

I am praying for you M’ap priye pou ou This phrase is a promise that you will pray for someone. In many hard situations, that is the only promise you can make. This is often said when parting from a friend in need. The first word is a contraction in Creole. The personal pronoun “MWEN” […]

I miss you Mwen sonjie ou This phrase is common when sending messages to long distance friends and family. The word “sonjie” can also mean “to remember” in different context. Literal Meaning Mwen – I sonjie – miss ou – you This creole phrase answers the question: How do you say “I miss you” in […]

Good morning, my friend. Bonjou, zanmi pa m’. This phrase is a more familiar form of good morning, with the addition of my friend. This is how you would greet someone who is familiar to you. Literal Meaning Bonjou – Good morning zanmi – friend pa – [shows possession] m’ – mine (common abbreviation of […]

Happy Birthday bòn Fèt (an kreyòl) bòn Fèt Happy Birthday Bonn anniversaire (French) In Haiti, we love to celebrate birthdays. These phrases are how you can wish someone a joyful birthday. I’m including the French version (aka the other Haitian language) because it is often used in this context. Just like Merry Christmas, the French slogan […]