Language
Kreyòl Basics: 20 Everyday Haitian Creole Phrases
Greet, thank and connect — 20 everyday Haitian Creole phrases for beginners and second-generation learners.
Magloire55 mpl
Haitian Creole — Kreyòl ayisyen — is spoken by virtually all Haitians and, together with French, is one of Haiti’s two official languages under the 1987 Constitution. Whether you are visiting Haiti, reconnecting with your roots or talking with Haitian neighbors, these phrases are a great place to start.
| Kreyòl | English |
|---|---|
| Bonjou | Good morning / Hello |
| Bonswa | Good afternoon / Good evening |
| Sak pase? — N ap boule! | What’s up? — We’re doing fine! |
| Kijan ou ye? — M byen, mèsi. | How are you? — I’m fine, thank you. |
| Kòman ou rele? | What’s your name? |
| Mwen rele… | My name is… |
| Mèsi / Mèsi anpil | Thank you / Thank you very much |
| Souple | Please |
| Padon | Excuse me / Sorry |
| Wi / Non | Yes / No |
| Mwen pa konprann | I don’t understand |
| Pale pi dousman, souple | Please speak more slowly |
| Konbyen sa a koute? | How much does this cost? |
| Kote … ye? | Where is …? |
| Pa gen pwoblèm | No problem |
| Byenveni | Welcome |
| Bon apeti | Enjoy your meal |
| N a wè pita | See you later |
| Orevwa | Goodbye |
| Bòn nwit | Good night |
Pronunciation tips
- Kreyòl is written the way it sounds — every letter is pronounced.
- è sounds like the “e” in “bed”; ò like the “o” in “or”.
- ou sounds like the “oo” in “food”.
- an, en and on are nasal sounds, as in French.
Want more? Read Pawòl Granmoun: Sayings From the Elderly.