How to Use the Creole Verb 'Bay'
Intermediate Lesson- The Creole verb bay means to give. Unlike most verbs in Haitian Creole, the verb bay changes depending on the situation.
- Depending on what you are saying, bay can be used in the form of ba or ban.
- Here are the key rules to using the Creole verb bay correctly:
- 1. Always say ban before mwen or nou.
- 2. Always say ba before ou and yo.
- 3. Always say bay at the end of a phrase.
What You Will Learn
1 - Before 'Mwen' and 'Nou'
- 1. Say ban mwen or ban nou in situations you would normally say give me or give us.
- 2. You can also contract ban mwen and ban nou as ban m and ban n.
Key Points

Consider These Examples
- Give me a box of chocolate.
- - Ban mwen yon bwat chokola.
- - Ban m yon bwat chokola.
- x Bay mwen yon bwat chokola.
2 - Before 'Ou' and 'Yo'
- 1. Say ba ou or ba yo in situations you would normally say give(s) you or give them.
- 2. You can also contract ba ou as ba w. You cannot contract ba yo.
Key Points

Consider These Examples
- I will give you a box of candy.
- - M ap ba ou yon bwat sirèt.
- - M ap ba w yon bwat sirèt.
- x M ap bay ou yon bwat sirèt.
3 - 'Bay' at the End of a Statement
- 1. Always say bay at the end of a sentence, phrase, question, etc.
- 2. Avoid saying ban and ba at the end of a sentence.
- This also applies to their contracted form ban m and ba w.
Key Points
Consider These Examples
- How many did you give?
- - Konbyen ou te bay?
- x Konbyen ou te ba?