Fun Facts

Like many other cultures in the world, salt is a cherised ingredient in Haitian food.

Therefore, the popularity of salt of as a staple ingredient in Haitian food likely led this proverb to develop overtime.

The lesson of this saying is to not brag about your abilties, accomplishment or status. Rather, such things should be proven by what you do.

Fun Facts

The expression sanble tèt koupe is simple to use. As long as the people you are referring to look reasonably alike, you can use it.

It is particularly effective when you use this expression when speaking with Haitian parents to express just how much their children look like them. This pleases the parents, because their children mean a lot to them

Fun Facts

Before plastic bags became common, people in Haiti mostly used sacks, which are made out of clothlike materials.

Those bags are heavier than plastic bags and are even more likely to collapse to the ground when they are empty compared to plastic bags

Since Haitians in former times used sacks extensively to store harvested grains, fruits and household items, they were quite familiar with what happened when a sack was empty.

Therefore, it is not surprising sak vid pa kanpe developed over time.

Fun Facts

Although the exact origin of this expression is uncertain, there's an outside chance that kokennchenn has the following origins:

1. It may come frrom the French words Qu'aucune chaîne, which mean no chain. The deeper meaning is no limit or without restraints

So, it is not surprising this Haitian Creole expression means something that is of seemingly impossible size or significance.

2. It may also come from the French words coquin and chêne. The French word coquin means mischievous, defiant or sly, and the French word chêne means an oak tree, which can be quite large.

So, when taken literally, it's not surprising that the Creole expression kokennchenn (coquinchenne) can mean a defiantly or unbelieveably large oak tree.

The deeper meaning of course is something of great siginifcance or size.

Fun Facts

The Haitian Creole expresion anba chal possibly originated from the French words en bas châle, which means under shawl in English.

A shawl is a piece of cloth that is often used to cover the head and shoulders. It was very common in former times, and it is still common in some cultures today.

Since it covers the head and shoulders, it makes it easier for someone to conceal his or her identity. This is why the expression anba chal means to behave in secrecy.

An Easy Expression to Use

This expression is like the twin sibling of the English expression under the table.

In virtually any situation you would normally say under table in English, you can use the Haitian Creole expression anba tab.

It is a common expression that Haitians use in daily life. So, it will be easy for them to relate to what you are saying.

Who is the Coward?

The word kapon or coward comes from the fact that some people may think you are weak or a coward when you are careful and don't take unecessary risks.

Of course, in reality, being cautious or a "coward" is a protection.

A key lesson of this proverb is that being cautious and recognizing your limits is not a sign of weakness, but is instead a protection.

A Simple Expression to Use

This expression is fairly straightfroward. In any situation you would normally say Ow! or Ouch! in Englich, you can use the Creole expression Wouch!

Therefore, you will have many opportunities to use this expression.

Hot Tip: Prolong the ch ("sh" in English) to create a more dramatic effect when using this expression. Such lively way of using this expression shows you are speaking from the heart and makes it easier for native speakers to bond with you.

Fun Facts

In Haiti, it's not uncommon to see stray dogs tirelessly walking about along the streets in search of an easy meal.

Threfore, it is possible this proverb was inspired by the locals observing the dog's four-footed means of transport.

The key lesson of this saying is to keep razor sharp focus on your goals, not constantly swaying to the left or right.

A Simple Expression to Use

The expression Ki mirak is very similar to its English counterpart, What a miracle

Thus in most situations where you would normally say What a miracle in English, you can use the Creole expression Ki mirak.

Because of this, you can easily incorporate this expression into your conversations when speaking Haitian Creole with others. Of course, say it from the heart and with emotions for a greater impact.

Fun Facts

This expression has an interesting origin. In Haiti, it was common for "kola" or soda to cost only about 15 cents.

Drinking a 15-cent soda, especially in the hot humid environment, was refreshing.

Overtime, this concept developed into a expression that also reflects how someone looks good and refreshing.

Fun Facts

As you can see, this expression literally means to take your blood. The exact origin of it is not entirely clear.

But, this expression does convey the idea of being careful, not to rush when doing something. Thus, the literal meaning of this expression makes sense when considering the fact that blood plays a crucial role in bodily functions.

Fun Facts

You can use the saying Sa ou fè se li wè to show the outcome of good and bad actions

Therefore, you are quite flexible in how and when you decide to use it.

Another version of this proverb is Sa ou fè se li jwenn, which means what you do is what you receive. Both variations convey the same idea.

Fun Facts

The expression mache s-s comes from the idea of someone getting repeated orders to "go left" and "go right," which results in S or zigzag pattern.

Because walking in this way is repetitive, it shows submission and compliance from the one who is constantly getting orders to go left and right.

Fun Facts

The expression gadon koze is actually a shorter, contracted version of the Haitian Creole phrase Gade yon koze.

This shortening of the words gade and yon possibly happened naturally as this phrase began to be used frequently as an expression.

Something similar occurs in English and other languages. For instance, the English colloquial term gonna comes from the words going to.

Fun Facts

This proverb is likely inspired from manual, agricultural labor that was more common in former times in Haiti.

In such an environment, being inactive or 'sitting down' meant zero productivity.

Overtime, this likely gave rise to the proverb Chita pa bay. Now the meaning transcends beyond meaning working hard with your hands. You can even use it as a way to show the need to actually follow through with plans.

Fun Facts

The expression fè bèbèl emphasizes cuteness and prettiness, and it is often used for women making themselves pretty.

You will have many occasions to use this expression, because women find joy in adorning themselves with beautiful dresses, makeup and so on.

Fun Facts

This experession also exists in French, and it has the same meaning. The French version of this experession is 24 sur 24. As you can see, it looks similar to its Haitian Creole counterpart.

Overall, feel free to use the expression 24 sou 24 in any situation you would typically say 24/7 in English. It's a simple expression to include in your converstions, since there many times you will have to emphasize that something is done all the time.

An Easy Saying to Use

You are able use this proverb in many different situations. For example...

1. You can use it as a funny joke or remark to show that someone lost interest in something something.

2. You can use it to show the need to be content with what we have now instead of always seeking the latest craze.

So, go ahead and use it! This saying is a great way to make deeper connection with Haitians when you are having conversations.

This Expression is Everywhere

If you are around people who speak Creole, you will likely hear the expresion O! O! several times during the day.

Since this is the case, use it whenever possible. You will sound more fluent, more relatable and Haitians will feel more connected to you.

Two Things to Remember

1. This expression is not limited just men, but also applies to women. (Example 2)

2. While the exact origin of this expression is uncertain, it may come from the idea of two men who are a lost cause or who have nothing to lose. As a result their enmity towards each other has no restraint.

What is a "Nat"?

In Haitian Creole, a nat is a foldable and portable bedding that is often made out of simple materials such as plaintain stalks.

Because it is portable and foldable, it's very useful if you don't have much space in your house. To make space during daytime when you're not sleeping, you can simply fold it and put it in a corner.

The usefulness of the nat bedding is also a lesson in everyday life: we need to make good use of the space and resources we have.

Fun Facts

The Haitian Creole expression Anmwe is likely derived from the French words âme moi, which mean my soul.

Therefore, when someone screamed, anmwe, it signified distress and the urgent need to come by his or her side for support.

Overtime, the expression anmwe became not just a literal, desperate cry for help, but a more flexible expression that shows an intense reaction of shock, agony or fear.

If you are learning Haitian Creole, inrcoprate this expression into your vocabularly. You are not restricted to using it in only life-or-death situations, you can use it as a reaction to many situations that causes you to feel terrified or tormented.

Fun Facts

Like other expressions in Haitian Creole, you can also the use expression ret nan wòl ou from other perspectives

For instance, you can also say ret nan wòl...[mwen, li, nou, yo] depending on who you are talking about.

It doesn't alwasys have to strictly be ret nan wòl ou.

Fun Facts

The Haitian Creole expression mezanmi comes from the french words mes amis, which actually mean my friends.

Like many other cultures, socializing with a group of friends is very common among Haitians, especially before the rise of social media.

Though not certain, it is possible that this experession came from the perspective of someone announcing to his or her close friends something shocking or surprising.

Overtime, this trend became a habit among the people, giving rise to the expression mezanmi.

So, How Do I Actually Say 'Dry Eyes' in Creole?

Now if you want to say "dry eyes" in Haitian Creole without referring to deceit, you can still say je chèch.

It depends on the context. You can show what you mean by your emotions and the words you use before and after je chèch. So, don't worry too much about using it correctly.

Fun Facts

Sometimes the saying pran poul is used as a joke to show that you think something is worth imitating.

For example, if you like how someone dresses, you can say something like this in Haitian Creole:

"Mwen renmen fason ou abiye. M pral pran poul sou ou."

In English this means, "I like the way you dress. I am going to imitate (or copy ) you."

Fun Facts

The Haitian Creole saying chape poul doesn't always mean exactly the same thing as the English expression "chicken out."

This is because chape poul doesn't necessarily mean the person who is escaping is a coward.

It means running away from any dangerous situation, not always a situation that implies the escapee is a coward. (see example 2).

Fun Facts

Okras are soft and gooey in the inside. As such, the last thing you would expect to find in them is a piece of bone.

This proverb shows how trivial it can be when someone is nosing around to find out personal information.