What You Will Learn
In this lesson, you will learn the following:
1. Saying basic greetings such as hi or hello
2. Asking how someone is doing
3. Saying goodbye
How to Say 'Hi' or 'Hello'
- Two common Haitian Creole greetings for hi or hello are bonjou and bonswa.
- Say bonjou in the morning and bonswa in the afternoon or evening.
A simple guideline is to say bonjou before 12:00 p.m. and bonswa from 12:00 p.m. onward.
The exact transition may vary, but using bonjou in the morning and bonswa in the afternoon or evening is a helpful rule for beginners.
1. Bonjou tout moun.
Good morning, everyone.
2. Bonswa frè mwen.
Good evening, my brother.
How to Say 'How Are You?'
- To ask how someone is doing in Haitian Creole, say Kòman ou ye? or Ki jan ou ye?
- If someone asks you this question, respond by saying Mwen byen, which means I am well.
You can shorten ou to w by saying Kòman w ye? or Ki jan w ye?
1. Sa k pase? (What's up?)
N ap boule. (We're doing well.)
2. Sa k ap fèt? (What's happening?)
Mwen pa pi mal kounye a. (I am not too bad right now.)
How to Say 'Goodbye'
- To say goodbye in Haitian Creole, say orevwa.
*Babay is pronounced “bah-bye.”
1. Pote ou byen (Take care.)
2. Babay* (Bye-bye.)
3. Na wè pita (See you later.)
The More You Greet, the Faster You Learn Creole
A good conversation often starts with a greeting. A warm greeting can be especially meaningful when it comes from someone who is excited to learn Haitian Creole.
Therefore, as someone who is learning Haitian Creole, make an effort to greet others in Creole. This may spark a good conversation, which, in turn, will allow you to practice your Creole-speaking skills.