Haitian Creole vocabulary

Haitian Creole is a French-based creole spoken in Haiti, located on the western three-eighths of the island known as Hispaniola.[1][2] The façon de parler (manner of speaking) is a result of the gradual change of the French dialect of Franco-European colonists by African and Creole slaves (African slaves native to the island). This change includes the speaking of French vocabulary in an African (Fon) syntax.

Standard French Fongbe Haitian Creole
Ma poule (my chicken) Koklo che (Koklo = chicken / che = my) Poul mwen (Poul = chicken / mwen = my)

As well as the addition of a pluralization marker like the Fongbe word le.

Standard French Fongbe Haitian Creole
Mes bécanes (my bikes) Keke che le (my bikes) Bekann mwen yo (my bikes)

This practice of using a pluralizing marker can also be found in Jamaican (English) Patois.

Standard English Jamaican Patois
My friends Mi fren dem

The gradual abbreviation of the early French patois also included the shortening of certain French phrases into tense markers such as:

M'ape manje / M'ap manje - I'm eating (Which comes from the Old Phrase: Je suis après manger, creolized as Moi après manger, Then: Mouen apé manjé, also appearing as: M’ape manje, M’ap manje or Mwen ap manje). Ape comes from the phrase: être après; the abbreviated form ap is more common.

In addition to the African syntax and the use of tense and pluralizing markers, a practice of West African languages, Haitian Creole also has a considerable amount of lexical Items from many languages, most notably from various West African languages, Old and Norman French, Taino, Spanish and Portuguese amongst others (English, Arab etc.). These entered Creole through interaction between various people who spoke these languages from colonial times to modern time.

Numbers

# Haitian Creole # Haitian Creole # Haitian Creole # Haitian Creole # Haitian Creole # Haitian Creole # Haitian Creole # Haitian Creole # Haitian Creole # Haitian Creole
0 zero [zèwo] 10 dis 20 ven 30 trant 40 karant 50 senkant 60 swasant 70 swasanndis 80 katreven 90 katrevendis [katreven-dis]
1 en / yon 11 onz 21 venteyen 31 tranteyen 41 karanteyen 51 senkanteyen 61 swasanteyen 71 swasantonz 81 katreven en 91 katrevenonz
2 de 12 douz 22 vennde 32 trannde 42 karannde 52 senkannde 62 swasannde 72 swasanndouz 82 katrevende 92 katrevendouz
3 twa 13 trèz 23 venntwa 33 tranntwa 43 karanntwa 53 senkanntwa 63 swasanntwa 73 swasanntrèz 83 katreventwa 93 katreventrèz
4 kat 14 katòz 24 vennkat 34 trannkat 44 karannkat 54 senkannkat 64 swasannkat 74 swasannkatòz 84 katrevenkat 94 katrevenkatòz
5 senk 15 kenz 25 vennsenk 35 trannsenk 45 karannsenk 55 senkannsenk 65 swasannsenk 75 swasannkenz 85 katrevensenk 95 katrevenkenz
6 sis 16 sèz 26 vennsis 36 trannsis 46 karannsis 56 senkannsis 66 swasannsis 76 swasannsèz 86 katrevensis 96 katrevensèz
7 sèt 17 disèt 27 vennsèt 37 trannsèt 47 karannsèt 57 senkannsèt 67 swasannsèt 77 swasanndisèt 87 katrevensèt 97 katrevendisèt
8 uit [wit] / iwit [ywit] 18 dizuit [dizwit] 28 ventuit 38 trantuit 48 karantuit 58 senkantuit 68 swasantuit 78 swasanndizuit 88 katreven uit 98 katrevendizuit
9 nèf 19 diznèf 29 ventnèf 39 trantnèf 49 karantnèf 59 senkantnèf 69 swasantnèf 79 swasanndiznèf 89 katrevennèf 99 katrevendiznèf
# Haitian Creole
100 san
1.000 mil
10.000 dimil
100.000 sanmil
1'000.000 milyon [youn milyon]
1.000'000.000 milya
# nimewo / chif
# Haitian Creole
1st - first premyè [premye / pwemye]
2nd - second dezyèm
3rd - third twazyèm
4th - fourth katriyèm
5th - fifth senkyèm
# Haitian Creole
1/2 demi
1/3 yon tyè
1/4 yon ka
% pousan [pousantaj]

[]: another way of writing it, with a similar or identical pronunciation

Colours

Haitian CreoleEnglish
koulèColour
jònYellow
bleBlue
wouj [rouj]Red
vèt (vè)Green
vyolètPurple
oranj [zoranj]Orange
blanWhite
nwaBlack
woz / roz [ròz]Pink
mawonBrown
griGrey
bèjBeige
turkwazTurquoise
ble marenNavy blue
movMauve
krèmCream
vèt olivOlive
wouj grenaMaroon

(): short form

Time and Date

Time and Date

Haitian creole English
lè (è) / zè / tan / èdtan Hour, Time
dat Date
jounen Working day
semèn / senmenn Week
wikenn / fen semèn Weekend
ane (an) / lamen / lane Year
segonn [segond / sekond] Second
minit [minui] Minute
jodi a (jodi) / jodiya Today
ayè (yè) Yesterday
demen [denmen] Tomorrow
maten Morning
midi Noon
aprè Then
ta [reta / an reta] / apremidi [aprèmidi] Afternoon, Late
aswè / sware (swa) / leswa Evening
lannwit [lannuit] (nwit) / lanuit / lan nuit [nan nuit] Night, Night time
minwi [minui] Midnight
vakans Vacation
pita Later
kounye a [kounya] Now
lepase Past
avni Future
prezan / la Present
bone / bonè [byen bonè] / annavans Early
lè sa a / epi / alò / ebyen So
laj Age
kòmansman Beginning
fen End
toujou Forever
pa janm / janmen Never
ankò Yet, Still
fwa Time
pafwa Sometimes
souvan Often
tandiske / pandan / alòske While
byento / vit / rapid Soon
deseni Decade
syèk Century

Days of the week

Haitian creole English
jou Day
lendi Monday
madi Tuesday
mèkredi Wednesday
jedi Thursday
vandredi Friday
samdi Saturday
dimanch Sunday

Months of the year

Haitian creole English
mwa Month
janvye January
fevriye February
mas March
avril April
me May
jen June
jiyè July
out / dawou (daou) August
septanm September
oktòb October
novanm November
desanm December

Seasons

Haitian creole English
sezon Season
sezon sèk dry season
fevriye rainy season

Verbs

Haitian creole English
vèb verb
se to be (copula)
ye to be (only in the end of the sentence)
genyen (gen) / posede / fè lajan to have, to earn, to win
touche / manyen to touch
chita to sit
di to tell
malad to sick
manje to eat
rete (ret) to stop, to stay
kouri to run
kouche to lie down (to sleep)
vini (vin) / reveni to come, to become
ale (al) / prale (pral) to go
rete trankil to be quiet
pran to take
pase to pass
leve to get up
rekonèt to recognize
sede to give up
touye / tiye to kill
frape to hit
retounen to return
lave to wash
kwè to believe
louwe to praise
dwe to must
kache to hide
benyen to bath
melanje to mix
redwi to reduce
retire to remove
konnen (konn) to know, to know how
manti to lie (to say untruth)
respire to breathe
chanje to change
egzije [ekzije] to demand
ede to help
remèsye to thank
vote to vote
boule to be managing
santi to feel
gade to look, to watch
doule to hurt
choute to kick
koupe to cut
kwit manje / fè manje to cook (food), to prepare (food)
prepare to prepare
fimen to smoke
atake to attack
otorize to authorize
kriye to cry
achte to buy
rale to pull
pouse to push
rele to call
netwaye to clean
chwazi to choose
louvri to open
fèmen to close
gouvène to govern
fòse to coerce, to force
eseye / pwouve to try
fini (fin) to finish
obeyi to obey
pini to punish
fè konfyans / konfye to trust
konsole to comfort
priye to pray
pataje to share
pwofite to take advantage of
pati / kite to leave, to depart
mouri to die
fè desen / trase to draw, to sketch
bwè to drink
tonbe to drop, to fall
anbake to embark
chaje to load
desann to go down
monte to board
seche / sèk to dry
antoure to surround
kore to support, to reinforce
mande to ask
pale to speak
to see
fèt (fè) to do, to make, to be born
fabrike to make
padone to forgive
konprann to understand
vle to want
etidye to study
aprann to learn
bezwen to need
abite to live somewhere, to inhabit
viv to live
enprime to print
vann to sell
chache [chèche] to search, to look for
fatige to tire out
travay to work
aksepte to accept
vizite to visit
renmen / damou to like, to love
peye to pay
resevwa to receive
tande to hear
panse to think
ekri to write
bay / ban (ba) to give
jwi / jiwi / rejwi / benefisye to enjoy
dòmi to sleep
antre to enter
ri to laugh
manke to lack
manti to lie
move / fache to upset
vòlè to steal
vwayaje to travel
li to read
pèdi to lose
pote / mennen to bring
lave to wash
anpeche to forbid, to prevent
chante to sing
koze to cause
rive to arrive
repoze to rest
depanse to spend
tès to test
katyoule to calculate
kole to paste
rayi to hate
sove to save
sonje to remember
voye to send
boule to burn
soti to exit
dezire to wish
pwomèt to promise
reklame to request
blame / joure to blame
nye to denie
konsèy to advice
souri to smile
vole to fly
naje to swim
kenbe to hold, to be hanging on
swete to hope
jwenn / twouve / rankontre to find, to get
mòde to bite
kap / kapab (ka) to be able, to can
mete (met) to put, to insert
mache to walk
dòlote to pamper
jwe to play
kondwi to drive
tradwi to translate
kòmanse / stat to start
bwose to brush
efase to delete
koute to listen
plen to fill
swiv [suiv] / kontinye to follow
mezire to measure
kiltive to cultivate
grandi to grow
aji to act
touse to cough
ofri to offer
reponn to respond
refize [refise] to refuse

Adjectives

Opinion and personality

Haitian Creole English
adjektif adjective
bon good
move bad, groggy, sulky
fasil easy
difisil hard, difficult
vre [vrè] true
fo false
kòrèk right
kapab able
mal wrong
lis / mou soft
itil useful
lan / lant slow
initil useless
bonmache cheap
chè expensive
selèb famous
enkoni unknown
diferan different
enteresan interesting
amizan / taken funny, playful
anwiye boring, dull
neglijans / enpridan careless
atantif careful
malonèt dishonest
pesimism pessimistic
chich miserly
lach coward
egoyis selfish
parese lazy
enpasyan impatient
saf / anvi greedy, eager
rankinye resentful
anvye envious
jalou jealous
teti stubborn
nayif gullible
rechiya fussy
awogan [arogan] arrogant
pretansye conceited
posesif possessive
emab kind
anbisye ambitious
fèrvan fervent
atantif attentive
sòs saucy
avantur adventurous
file sharp
klè bright
entelijan cantankerous
prevnan thoughtful
mat blunt
san pitye callous
fèb weak
depann dependent
diskrè discreet
distan distant
ezite hesitant
poli polite
chaman charming
tripòt nosy
balanse balanced
boisterous
twou flaky
serye picky, serious
eksperyans experienced
sortan outgoing
konfyans reliable
jenere generous
imajinatif imaginative
entèlijan smart
san reflechi impulsive
anfans childish
sanzarè restless
malveyan spiteful
deplezan nasty
mechan mean
fyè proud
pasyone passionate
sasi sassy
pozitif positive
snobbi snobby
rechiya fussy
pèsuade confident
sansib sensible
siseptib sensitive
emosyone emotional
janti / zanmitay friendly
timid shy
maladwa clumsy
trankil quiet
vakabon naughty
brav brave
vif / vivan lively
sensè sincere
onèt honest
sonm somber
bon gou delicious
degoutan disgusting
pwòp / netwaye clean
sal dirty
bèl / joli / bo beautiful, nice, handsome
lèd ugly
espesyal special
etranj / ra strange, rare
fre fresh
pi bon best
pi mal worst
reyèl real
aktyèl current
sekrè secret
valab valuable
senp simple
efikas efficient
danjere dangerous
pèsonèl personal
terib terrible
enkwayab amazing
supèrb magnificent
nòmal normal
bwi noisy
atire attractive
saj wise
fou crazy
eksite excited
elokan eloquent
grav serious
kouraj courage
kyiyèl / mechan cruel
avèg blind
klè clear, light, bright
vyèyfi spinster

Quantitative

Haitian Creole English
kantite quantity
anpil / plizyè / pakèt many, much, a lot of, so, so much
kèk some
nenpòt any
okenn none
kelke a few
yon ti kras [ti kras / ti kal / ti / ti piti] a little
plen full
vid empty
ase enough / quite
trè very
anyen nothing
jis fair
mwens less
apèn barely
kèk bagay something
twòp too
preskè almost
konsa so
sèlman only
plis ou mwens more or less
ti kras pa ti kras slowly
omwen at least

Sport

Haitian Creole English
espò sport
jwè player
twofe trophy
meday medal
foutbòl soccer
bezbòl baseball
lit wrestling
abit referee
foutbòl ameriken football
volebòl volleyball
tenis tennis
rigbi rugby
boksè boxing
naje swimming
baskètbòl basketball
bilyar billiards
altewofili weightlifting
gòlf golf
krikèt cricket
viktwa victory
defèt defeat
skorbord marker
echèk chess
atlèt athlete
chanpyon champion
chanpyona championship
lig league
ekip team
konpetisyon tournament
prim prize

People and family

Family

Haitian Creole English
fanmi [fanmiy] family
pitit gason son, son-in-law
pitit fi daughter
pitit / timoun children, child
papa father
manman mother
frè brother
sister
matant aunt
tonton / monnonk uncle
kouzen cousin (male)
kouzin cousin (female)
neve nephew
niwès / nyès niece
granpapa / granpè grandfather
grann grandmother
mari / mouche husband
madanm wife
ti bebe (bebe) baby
parenn godfather
marenn godmother
paran parent
pitit pitit grandchild
pitit pitit gason grandson
pitit pitit fi granddaughter
bofrè brother-in-law, stepbrother
bèlsè sister in law
bopè father in law
bèlmè mother in law
entèferi stepsister
jimo twin (man)
jimêl twin (woman)
relatif relative

People

Haitian Creole English
moun / pèp person, people
limanite humanity
maskilen masculine
feminen feminine
non name
siyati surname, family name, signature
granmoun adult
jèn young
ansyen old
nouvo new
zanmi friend
lènmi (lenmi) / lennmi (ennmi) enemy
vwazen neighbour (male)
vwazin neighbor (female)
amoure / menaj boyfriend
amourèz / menaj girlfriend
ti gason [jèn gason] / bway boy
ti fi / djal girl
gason / nonm / nèg / zòm man
fanm / fi woman
mesye sir
dam mrs, lady
madam miss
endijèn indigenous
maryaj marriage
koup / pè couple
sèl / selibatè single
marye married
divòse divorced
manm member

Profession

Haitian Creole English
pwofesyon profession
travayè employee
ouvriye worker
avoka attorney, lawyer
mizisyen musician
doktè doctor
ekriven writer
konpozitè composer
jij judge
bòs boss
aktè actor
aktris actress
chofè driver
sikològ psychologist
desinatè cartoonist, draftsman
kwafè hairdresser
enfimyè nurse
atizan craftsman, artisan
pilòt pilot
ponpye firefighter
atis artist
achitèk architect
jounalis journalist
gardyen concierge
enjenyè engineer
fotograf photographer
sòlda soldier
polisye police (member)
chantè singer
dansè dancer
tayè tailor
kòdonye shoemaker
politik politician
vandè seller
anonse announcer
antreprenè businessman
eskòt shooting guard
dantis dentist
politisyen politician
mesaje delivery courier
kizinye cook (male)
kizinyè cook (female)
powèt poet

Feelings

Haitian Creole English
santiman feeling
anfòm well
byen fine
tris sad
kontan happy
fache angry
egare / gaga / mele confused
poukont lonely
fristrasyon frustration
konfòtab comfortable
cheri sweetie
plezi pleasure
rankin grudge
kòlè rage
tristès sadness

Religion

Haitian Creole English
relijyon religion
legliz church
syèl heaven
lanfè hell
katedral cathedral
tanp temple
lamès mass
priest
kwa cross
Nwèl Christmas
sovè savior
sinagòg synagogue
moske mosque
ounsi Vaudou practitioner
oungan male Vaudou priest
manbo female Vaudou priest
wanga Vaudou charm or relic
Dye [Bondye] God (in Catholicism and Vaudou)
loa [lwa] / mistè spirits in Vaudou that act as intermediaries between Bondye and humanity
zanj angel
demon demon
dyab devil
pak easter
majik magic
sòsyè witch
majisyen sorcerer
pwofèt prophet
seremoni ritual
nanm soul
lespri spirit
fantom ghost
ke Bondye beni ou God bless you
amèn amen
Kretyen Christian

Country

Country

Haitian Creole English
peyi country, homeland
konstitisyon constitution
konstitisyonèl constitutional
repiblik republic
repibliken republican
souverènte sovereignty
souveren sovereign
ideoloji ideology
ideolojik ideological
kominote community
teritwa territory
teritoryal territorial
senbòl symbol
lapè peace
dwa rights
lalwa (lwa) law
leta (eta) state
inite unity
nasyon nation
nasyonal national
nasyonalite nationality
liberasyon liberation
drapo flag
im anthem
deviz motto
libetè liberty
egalite equality
fratènite fraternity
istorik historical
rad de bra coat of arms
pouvwa power
legal legal
tribinal [tribinèl] / lakou court, tribunal
palè palace
pouvwa egzekitif executive power
pouvwa lejislatif legislative power
pouvwa jidisyè power of attorney
koperativ cooperative
mouvman movement
pati politik party
patispasyon participation
sosyete society
sitwayen citizen
elektrik electric
imigrasyon immigration
emigrasyon emigration
paspò passport
teritwa territory
eleksyon election
kanpagn campaign
kandida candidate
rediksyon reduction
ogmante increase
grèv strike
janti [jantile] demonym
fwontyè border
rejyon region
gouvènman government
kabinè cabinet
gouvènmantal governmental
administrasyon administration
kapital capital
demokrasi democracy
piblik public
prive private
lokal local
etranje foreign
prezidan president
pwemye minis prime minister
minis minister
ministè ministry
jistis justice
kilti culture
kominikasyon communication
afè etranjè foreign affairs
sendika labor union
defans defense
edikasyon education
fòmasyon pwofesyonèl vocational training
sekirite sosyal social security
afè sosyal social affairs
travo piblik public works
enteryè interior
resous natirel natural resources
enstiti institute
agrikilti farming, agriculture
depatman department
awondisman arrondissement
komin commune
palman parliament
sena senate
chanm depite chamber of deputies
senatè senator
depite deputy
lagè war
diktatè dictator
diktati dictatorship
koudeta coup d'état
koripsyon corruption
laprès press
nouvèl news
ijans emergency
kriz crisis
oligachi oligarchy
aristokrasi aristocracy
kontaminasyon contamination
polisyon pollution
endijan indigent
ilegal illegal

History

Haitian Creole English
istwa history
endepandans independence
endepandan independent
revolisyon revolution
revolisyonè revolutionary
ewo hero
eritaj heritage
liberatè liberator
fondatè founder
dekouvèt discovery
konkèt conquest
wayòm kingdom
wa king
larenn queen
anpi empire
anperè emperor
abolisyon abolition
esklav slave
esklavaj slavery
batay battle
emansipasyon emancipation
liberasyon liberation

Economy

Haitian Creole English
ekonomi economy
lajan currency
kredi credit
salè salary
travay work
devlopman development
rabè discount
rich rich
pòv poor
pansyon pension
pwodwi product
dèt debt
enpòte importation
ekspòtasyon exportation
taks tax
pwofi gain, profit
bidjè budget
povrete poverty
lib / gratis free
pri price
petwòl petroleum
enflasyon inflation
koutim customs
finans finance
chomaj unemployment
monopoli monopoly

Security

Haitian Creole English
sekirite security
lame army
lamarin (marin) navy
fòs de lè air force
fòs lame armed forces
lapolis (polis) police
kòmandan commander
amiral admiral
lyetnan lieutenant
sèjan sergeant
krim crime
vòl stole
vyolans violence
vyolans seksyèl gender violence
vyolans domestik domestic violence
pinisyon punishment
zam weapon
teworis terrorism, terrorist
ensekirite insecurity

World

Countries

Haitian Creole English
Ayiti Haiti
Afganistan Afghanistan
Ajantin Argentina
Albani [Albany] Albania
Almay [Lalmay] Germany
Angola Angola
Azerbaydjan Azerbaijan
Beliz Belize
Bèljik Belgium
Bolivi Bolivia
Bosni Bosnia
Brezil Brazil
Chili Chile
Dànmak Denmark
Ejip [Lejip] Egypt
Ekwatè Ecuador
Emira Arab UAE
Endonezi Indonesia
Etazini [Lèzetazini / Ozetazini] USA
Etyopi Ethiopia
Filipin (Filipinn) Philippines
Frans [Lafrans] France
Giyàn Guyana
Gana Ghana
Groenlann Groenland
Gwatemala Guatemala
Ondiras Honduras
Ikrèn Ucraine
Irak Irak
Iran Iran
Irigwe Uruguay
Izrayèl [Izaryèl / Izrayel] Israel
Itali Italy
Jamayik Jamaica
Japon Japan
Jòdani Jordan
Kanada Canada
Kanbòdj Cambodia
Katar Qatar
Kazakstan Kazakhstan
Kenya Kenya
Kiba [Kuba] Cuba
Kolonbi Colombia
Kongo DROC
Kore dinò DPRK
Kostarika Costa Rica
Lachin China
Lagrès Greece
Liban Lebanon
Liberya Liberia
Libi Libya
Lityani Lithuania
Meksik Mexico
Monako Monaco
Mongoli Mongolia
Montenegwo Montenegro
Mozanbik Mozambique
Myanmar Myanmar
Namibi Namibia
Nepal Nepal
Nijè / Nijerya Nigeria
Nikaragwa Nicaragua
Noriega Norway
Ongri Hungary
Ostrali Australia
Ouganda Uganda
Ouzbekistan Uzbekistan
Pakistan Pakistan
Palestin Palestine
Panama Panama
Paragwe Paraguay
Pewou Peru
Peyiba [Peyi-Ba] Netherlands
Polòy Poland
Pòtigal Portugal
Potorik [Pòtoriko] Puerto Rico
Rwanda Rwanda
Sengapour Singapur
Sid-Koreyen South Korea
Slovaki Slovakia
Sloveni [Sloven] Slovenia
Somali Somalia
Soudan Sudan
Soudan disid South Sudan
Swis Switzerland
Tadjikistan Tajikistan
Tahiti Tahiti
Taywann [Taywann] Taiwan
Tanzani [Tannzani] Tanzania
Tayiland Thailand
Tinizi Tunisia
Tirkmenistan Turkmenistan
Togo Togo
Vatikan Vatican
Vyetna Vietnam
Venezwela [Venezyela] Venezuela
Wayòm Ini UK
Yemèn Yemen
Zanbi Zambia

Continents

Haitian Creole English
Kontinan Continent
Afrik [Lafrik] Africa
Ewop [Ewòp / Lewòp] Europe
Lamerik America
Oseani [Oseyani] Oceania
Azi Asia

Directions

Haitian Creole English
direksyon direction
adrès address
devan in front of
apre / dèyè after, behind
anvan [avan] before
dwat right
gòch left
soutèt / anlè / anyo / anro [anwo] above, up, over
anba / desann below, down, under
deyò outside
anndan [andedan] inside, in
alantou / otou / anviron [anviwon] around
sou on
akote beside
isit here
la / laba there
lwen far
prè [touprè] near
anfas in front
north
sid south
lwès west
lès east
nòdwès north west
nòdès north east
sidwès south west
sidès south east

Nature

Nature

Haitian Creole English
nati nature
zeklè lightning
rivyè river
lanmè sea
loseyan (oseyan) ocean
lak lake
mòn / montany mountain
marekaj swamp
plaj beach
forè forest, jungle
dezè desert
bwa wood
ròch [wòch] stone, rock
tanpèt / loraj storm
latè (tè) / teren earth, ground
etwal [zetwal / setwal] star
rivaj / kòt coast
labè (bè) / rad / gòlf bay, gulf
lonbraj [lonbray] shadow
lil (il) / zile island
limyè light
vòlkan volcano
lemonn [monn / mond] world
siklòn / tònad hurricane, tornado
tranbleman tè earthquake
tranbleman tremor
sechrès drought
inondasyon flood
dife fire
atmosfè atmosphere
anviwònman environment
savann / plato valley, plateau
labou mud
lakansyèl (akansyèl) rainbow

Plants

Haitian Creole English
plant plant
touf bush
kaktis cactus
foujè fern, bracken
chanpiyon fungus
zèb grass, herb
mous moss
lyè ivy
kann sugar cane
orti nettle
pikan thistle, thorn
raje weed
tabak tobacco
kreson frans watercress
trèfl clover
mant peppermint, mint
flè sovaj wild flower

Parts of a plant

Haitian Creole English
boujon bud
fèy leaf
polèn pollen
petal petal
rasin root
pye stalk
tij stem

Flowers

Haitian Creole English
flè flower, blossom
eyè carnation
krizantèm chrysanthemum
krokus crocus
jonkiyis daffodil
dalya dahlia
pisanli dandelion
jeranyom geranium
tilip tulip
flè solèy sunflower

Trees

Haitian Creole English
pyebwa tree
sann ash
sèd cedar
pichpen fir
epin hawthorn
lacho lime
chèn [bwa chèn / bwadchèn / pye bwadchenn] oak
palmye palm
pye pen pine
sikomò sycamore

Parts of a tree

Haitian Creole English
ekòs / po bark
branch branch
sèv sap
chouk stump
kòf trunk

Weather

Haitian Creole English
klima weather, climate
lete (ete) summer
prentan spring
lotòn (otòn) autumn
livè (ivè) / fredi winter
solèy (sole) sun
lalin moon
nwaj cloud
lapli rain
syèl sky
nèj snow
cho / tyèd warm
chalè warmth, heat
frèt cold
van wind
bwouya fog
vag wave
glase / konjile freeze
tanperati temperature
degre sèlsiyis celsius degrees
lè solèy kouche sunset
solèy leve sunrise
fè nwa dark
nwasè darkness
lajounen [lajounin] daytime
douvanjou dawn

Minerals and metals

Haitian Creole English
mineral mineral
metal metal
gold
ajan silver
kwiv copper
asye steel
iron
chabon carbon
dyaman diamond
aliminyòm aluminum
zenk zinc
plon lead
fèblan tin
nikèl nickel
iranyòm uranium

Animals

Haitian Creole English
bèt / zannimo [animal] animal
chòvsourit bat
bourik donkey
goril gorilla
kochon pig
badyèr badger
leza lizard
krapo / grenouy frog
gazèl gazelle
toro [towo / towo bèf] bull
igwanana iguana
kalmason [kalmanson] snail
sourit mouse
ekirèy chipmunk, squirrel
worm
rena fox
fòk seal
rat rat
gine kochon guinea pig
chamo camel
zandolit anolis

Domestic animals

Haitian Creole English
bèt kay domestic animal
maskot pet
chen [chyen] dog
ti bourik foal
poul / manman poul chicken, hen
bèf [manman bèf] / vach cow, ox
ti bèf calf
mouton sheep
ti mouton / ayo lamb
kodenn turkey
kanna duck
kanèt duckling
kòk rooster, cock
chat cat
kabrit goat
ti kabrit kid
chwal [cheval / chival] horse
lapen rabbit
zwa goose
amstè hamster
milèt mule

Wild animals

Haitian Creole English
bèt sovaj wild animal
tig tiger
lous bear
sèf deer
zèb zebra
koulèv snake
lou wolf
kangouwou kangaroo
jiraf giraffe
elefan elephant
makak monkey
lyon lion
kwokodil [krokodil] crocodile
rinoseròs rhino
ipopotam hippopotamus
leyopa leopard

Marine animals

Haitian Creole English
bèt lanmè marine animal
pwason fish
reken shark
lanmè tòti sea turtle
tòti / tchòtchòt tortoise
woma / nòvèj woma lobster
zetwal / etwal lanmè starfish
mors walrus
kribich shrimp
dofen dolphin
balèn whale
ton tuna
somon salmon
sardin sardine
poulp octopus
krab crab
aran herring

Birds

Haitian Creole English
zwazo bird
chwèt / koukou owl
rosiyòl [wosiyòl] nightingale
sigòy stork
pelikan pelican
otrich ostrich
grigri falcon
jako parrot
kolibri / kolobrit hummingbird
èg / malfini eagle
pijon dove
pengwen penguin
kònèy / kaw / boustabak raven
pentad helmeted guineafowl
perich parakeet

Insects

Haitian Creole English
ensèk insect
foumi ant
gèp wasp
myèl bee
ravèt cockroach
moustik / marengwen mosquito
papiyon butterfly
zariyen [zaryen / zarenyen] / anasi spider
koksinèl ladybird
mouch fly
papiyon lanp moth
sotrèl grasshopper
eskòpyon scorpion
skarabe beetle
koukouy firefly
cheni [chini] caterpillar

Space

Haitian Creole English
plas / espas space
planèt planet
galaksi galaxy
meteyorit meteorite
mèki mercury
venis venus
mas mars
jipitè jupiter
satin saturn
iranis uranus
neptin neptune
pliton pluto
gravite gravity
atmosfè atmosphere

State of matter

Haitian Creole English
eta matyè state of matter
solid solid
likid liquid
gaz gas
plasma plasma

Foods

Foods of the day

Haitian Creole English
repa / lamanjay / manje food
manje maten / dejnen [dejne] / kolasyon breakfast, appetizer
manje midi / dejene lunch
dine dinner
goute snack
desè dessert

Flavors

Haitian Creole English
gou flavor
dous sweet
sale salty
asid sour, acid
anmè bitter
pikant spicy
natirèl natural
atifisyèl artificial

Cooking method

Haitian Creole English
metòd pou kwit manje cooking method
fri fried
griye roast, toast
blanchi milled
fimen smoked

Cereals

Haitian Creole English
diri rice
espageti spaghetti
makawoni macaroon
avwan oat

Meats and legumes

Haitian Creole English
vyann / chè meat, flesh
pwa nouris (pwa) bean, pea
nèj pwa snow pea
ze egg
janbon ham
bekonn / la bacon
boulèt meatball
vyann bèf atè ground beef
sosis sausage, salami
sosis san blood sausage

Dairy products

Haitian Creole English
letye dairy products
fwomaj cheese

Oils and fats

Haitian Creole English
lwil [luil] oil
butter
sòs / sokoup sauce
vinèg vinegar
grès grease
moutad mustard
mayonèz mayonnaise
kètchòp / sòs tomat ketchup
sòs soya soy sauce
biskit [biswit] cookie, biscuit
sirèt / bonbon candy

Others

Haitian Creole English
soya soy
jenjanm ginger
konfiti jam
marinad dressing, adobo
bouyon broth
babekyou barbecue
koupe frèt stiff
sandwich sandwich
djondjon mushroom
soup [lasoup] soup
fwidmè shellfish
fwi lanmè seafood
salad salade
chokola chocolate
vaniy vanilla
epis [zepis] spice
sèl salt
sik sugar
karamèl caramel
jele jelly
pouding pudding
kannèl cinnamon
chiklèt bubble gum
gato cake
pòmdetè kraze / pire ponmdetè mashed potatoes
pitza pizza
manje vit fast food
anmbègè hamburger
chen cho hot dog
tat pie
siwo syrup
gimov marshmallow
beye donut
konpòte compote
pòpkòn / pètpèt mayi popcorn

Fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes

Fruits

Haitian Creole English
fwi fruit
pòm / ponm apple
bannann [bannan] banana, plantain
chadèk grapefruit
zoranj orange
rezen [rezon] grape
sitwon [sitron] lemon
pwa [pwar] / pou pear
prin / sigwal plum
grenad pomegranate
papay papaya
mandaren mandarin
gavav [gwayav] guava
kiwi kiwi
mango (mang) mango
temaren [tamaren] tamarind
frèz strawberry
franbwaz raspberry
lich lychee
seriz cherry
mitiy blueberry
melon frans muskmelon
melon dlo watermelon
karanbòl carambola, star fruit
zabriko apricot
anana pineapple
aryere blackberry
kokoye / kòk coconut
pèch peach
kajou cashew nut
fig frans [fig] fig
gwarana guarana
kachiman kanèl sugar-apple
cherimoya kachiman
dat date
grenadya [grenadja] passion fruit
loni noni
kakawo cacao
labapen / ab-a-pen marang
kowosòl [korosòl] soursop
kenèp genip
woukou achiote

Nuts

Haitian Creole English
nwa nuts
zanmann almond
nwazèt hazelnut
pistach pistachio, peanut
pinèz nwa pine nut
noutmèg / miskad nutmeg
karnaye caraway

Vegetables

Haitian Creole English
legim / vejetal vegetable, legume
tomat tomato
silantro cilantro, coriander
pèsi parsley
leti lettuce
chou cabbage
epina [zepina] spinach
kawòt carrot
oliv [zoliv] olive
gonbo, kalalou gumbo, okra
zonyon onion
lay garlic
aspèj asparagus
konkonb [konkonm] cucumber
chou flè cauliflower
zaboka avocado
berejenn [berejèn] eggplant
zukèini zucchini
pòmdetè [ponmdètè] potato
joumou pumpkin
tchili chili
kapsikom capsicum
pwav / piman pepper, paprika
bwokoli broccoli
patat / patat dous / pòmdetè dous potato (sweet potato)
kasav / manyòk yucca
sèlri [seleri] celery
yanm yam
aticho artichoke
radi radish
militon chayote
kè palmis heart of palm
bètrav / bètwouj beet, beetroot
pwaro [pwawo] leek
pwa vèt green bean
navèt (nave) turnip
gonbo okro
tawo taro

Grains and legumes

Haitian Creole English
grenn grain, berry, seed
ble wheat
nouy noodles
pen bread
meyi [mayi] corn
lòj (òj) barley
lantiy lentils
farin fluor
sereyal cereal
oublions hop
malt malt

Beverages

Haitian Creole English
bwason [bweson / breson] beverage, cocktail
dlo water
ji juice
lèt milk
byè beer
diven wine
soda soda
bwason gazez / kola pop, soft drink
limonad lemonade
kafe coffee
te tea
likè liqueur
yogout yogurt
krèm cream
krèm glase ice cream
malte milk shake
alkòl alcohol
glas ice
poud ji powdered juice
konyak cognac
wonm [ronm] rhum

City and places

City

Haitian Creole English
lavil (vil) city
iben urban
popilasyon population
distri district
meri [mèri] townhall
majistra mayor
otorite authority
bouk / vilaj village
lakay home
ibanizasyon urbanization
katye neighborhood
lari (ri) street
avnu avenue
wout [rout] route
chimen road
gran wout / otowout freeway
platfòm platform
akduk aqueduct
koneksyon wifi wifi connection
modpas wifi wifi password
rezo wifi wifi network
gaz natirèl natural gas
sèvis service
komès commerce
endistri industry
kompanyi (konpayi) company
touris tourism
destine destination
zòn zone
parye bet
jwèt chans gaming
elektrisite electricity
kat map
sèvis twalèt toilet, sanitary service
fatra trash
kanpman (kan) camp

Places

Haitian Creole English
kote place
plas [laplas] square
lopital hospital
klinik clinic
famasi pharmacy
lekòl segondè high school, lyceum
inivèsite university
akademi academy
bibliyotèk library
libreri bookstore
atelye workshop
depo depot
pak park
pwovizyon grocery
chapantye carpentry
lòtel (otèl) hotel
konstwiksyon construction
faktori / izin factory
bank bank
boulva boulevard
pon bridge
sinema cinema
sous dlo fount
fa lighthouse
biwo [biro] office
jije court
èpòt / ayeropò [ayewopò / aryopò] airport
jaden botanik botanical garden
pati / fèt party
kanaval carnival
kwafeur barber shop
pisin swimming pool
sirk circus
port
makèt [mache] market
sipèmakèt supermarket
lapèch fishery
simetyèr [simtyè] graveyard
mize museum
teyat [teat] theatre, theater
biwo lapòs post office
nayklib nightclub
kazino casino
enprime printing
echanj valè stock exchange
kafeterya cafeteria
estati statue
moniman monument
sitadèl citadel
chato castle
palè palace
restoran restaurant
sant komèsyal mall
kafe / bistro pub
komisarya commissariat
motèl motel
pakin parking lot
kantin canteen
jeryatrik geriatric
boulanje bakery
magazen / boutik store, shop
estasyon ponpye fire station
estasyon lapolis police station
estasyon tren train station
estasyon gaz / ponp gaz fuel station
anbasad embassy
bwasri brewery
konsè concert
jaden garden
pepinyè kindergarten
zwolòjik (zou) zoo
veterinè veterinarian
estad stadium
zòn gratis free zone
bilding / gro kay / edifis / batiman building
boutik bouche butcher shop
magazen jwèt toy store
magazen bijou jewelry store
magazen soulye shoe store
magazen mizik music store
magazen rad clothing store
magazen mèb furniture store
prizon jail

Transport

Haitian Creole English
transpò [transpè] transport
machin / oto / vwati vehicle, car
bisiklèt bike
motosiklèt motorcycle
taksi taxi
bato ship, boat
tren train
wagon wagon
avyon airplane
elikoptè helicopter
kamyon truck, lorry
vwalye sailboat
otobis bus
fize rocket
anbilans ambulance
veso vessel
kamyonèt van
distans distance
siyal trafik traffic signal
limyè trafik [limyè sikilasyon] / semafò traffic light
konjesyon trafik traffic congestion
aksidan accident
pave / asfalt pavement
tinèl tunnel
stasyon bis bus stop
tikè ticket
kawotchou tire, hose
pasaje passenger
kòn horn

School

School

Haitian creole English
lekòl school
salklas classroom
pwofesè teacher
etidyan [etidyant] / elèv student
direktè director
apranti apprentice
aprantisaj learning
diplòm diploma
kreyon pencil
plim pen
glòb globe
sak bag
sèrvyèt briefcase
malèt / valiz suitcase
liv book
kreyon koulè crayon
katon cardboard, paperboard
règ ruler
valiz lekòl backpack
kaye notebook
kalifikasyon qualification
diksyonè dictionary
ansiklopedi encyclopedia
devwa homework
agraf stapler
taye sharpener
likid koreksyon correction fluid
sizo scissors
baton lakòl glue stick
twonbòn paperclip
gòm [gonm] eraser
papye / wòl paper
tablo chalkboard
plim makè marker pen
penti painting
memwa memory
ar [la] art
filozofi philosophy
edikasyon fizik physical education
biyoloji biology
jewografi geography
trignometri trigonometry
aritmetik arithmetic
kalkli calculus
aljèb algebra
lank ink
ekspresyon expression
nitrisyon nutrition
manje feeding
lide (ide) idea

Reading and language

Haitian creole English
lekti reading
langaj language
lèt letter
mo / pawòl word
vokal / vwayèl vowel
vokabilè vocabulary
alfabè alphabet
konsòn consonant
dot / pwon point
aksan accent
koma / vigil coma
vwa voice
son sound
tèks text
òtograf spelling, orthography
kaligrafi calligraphy
konjigezon conjugation
silab syllable
roman novel
powèm poem
pwezi poetry
kont / istwa tale, story
sinonim synonymous
antonim antonym
gramè grammar

Maths

Haitian creole English
matematik maths
sòm sum
fè soustraksyon subtraction
miltiplikasyon multiplication
divizyon division
plis plus (+)
mwens minus (-)
fwa times (x)
divize pa divided by (÷)
egal a... is equal to... (=)
se pa egal a... is not equal to... (≠)
pi gran pase is greater than (>)
gen mwens pase is less than (<)
fraksyon fraction
rasin kare square root
kouche set
pwobabilite probability
mwatye half, medium
kantite quantity
minimòm minimum
maksimòm maximum
mwatye half
estatistik statistic

Geometry

Haitian creole English
jeometri geometry
fòm / fason shape
sèk / won circle
kare square
triyang [triangil] triangle
rektang [rèktang] rectangle
lozanj rhombus
piramid pyramid
oval oval
kib cube
esfè sphere
silenn cylinder
flèch arrow
paralelogram parallelogram
trapèz trapezium
pentagòn [pentagon] pentagon
egzagòn [ekzagon] hexagon
oktagòn octagon
ang angle
kre hollow
solid solid
apik steep
plat flat
koube curved
kwochi [krochi] crooked
tou dwat straight
konik conical
esferik spherical
silendrik cylindrical
kabinè cubicle
ron round

Measures and sizes

Haitian creole English
mezi measure
gwosè size
gwo [gro] / grand big, great
piti little
ti / tou piti tiny
enòm enormous, huge
wotè (ro / wo) / granntay height, tall
kilomèt kilometer
mèt metre
santimèt centimetre
milimèt millimeter
pous inch
longè length
lajè width
gra [gro] fat
mens [mins] / mèg skinny, thin
volim volume
ons ounce
lit litre
galon gallon
kilo kilo
gram gram
laj [lajè] large, wide, broad
lou heavy
leje light
pwès thick
wo high
ba low
kout short
long / lontan long
etwat [etwa] narrow
fon / plat deep, shallow

Music

Haitian creole English
mizik music, musical
enstriman instrument
enstriman kòd string instrument
enstriman van wind instrument
enstriman pèkisyon percussion instrument
òkès orchestra
akòdeyon accordion
violon [vyolon] violin
gita guitar
hap harp
tanbouren tambourine
saksofòn saxophone
klavye keyboard
trombon trombone
pyano piano
twonpèt [tronpèt] trumpet
ksilofòn xylophone
obe oboe
flit flute
tanbou drum
klòch bell
òg organ
mikwofòn microphone

Science

Haitian creole English
syans science
selil cellule
bakteri bacterium
jèm germ
atòm atom
nwayo nucleus
etensèl spark

House

House

Haitian creole English
kay house
lojman living place
devwa duty
apatman apartment
bagay thing, object
pòt door
fenèt window
chèz chair
tab table
plafon / do kay roof
chanm room
sal manje [sal a manje] dining room
lasal (sal) living room
patyo / lakou playground
kabann bed
vansilatè fan
zòrye pillow
balkon balcony
tab li nightstand
anpoul limyè light bulb
lanp lamp
kamera fotografi (kamera) / kodak photographic camera, camera
revèy / lòlòj [lòlòy / òlòj] clock
klozèt / plaka closet
griyaj grid
kle key
radyo radio
televizyon television
entènèt internet
antèn antenna
òdinatè / konpitè computer
modepas [mo de pas] password
miray wall
vaz flower vase
telefòn phone
entelijan telefòn smartphone
telefòn selilè cell phone
telefòn mobil mobile phone
kadna lock
etajè rad coat rack
pi lejè lighter
kouvèti blanket
detèjan detergent
ranyon cloth
bale broom
pyès monnen (monnen) coin
bil / bilyè banknote
tcheke check
jounal newspaper
magazin magazine
kwaze crossword
soup lèt alphabet soup
jwèt toy
boul ball
balon balloon
poupe doll
mab marble
loteri (lotri) lottery
devinèt puzzle
bengo bingo
pokè poker
domino domino
brik brick
siman cement
plastik plastic
sigarèt cigarette
garaj garage
ensektisid insecticide
èkondisyone / friz / kilmatizè air conditioner
bokit pail
bwat box
ekran screen
tiwa drawer
kechen key chain
resiklaj recycling
antre entrance
sòti exit
konpak disk compact disc
ekipman son stereo
koridò hall
nechèl stairs
etaj floor
poud / pousyè powder
mesaj message
pake package
bwat postal mailbox
kwen corner
kado gift
siflèt whistle
bibon / bibwon baby bottle
alam alarm
woule roll
orneman ornament
echèl ladder
onbrèl / parapli umbrella
odè [lòdè] odor
kalandriye / almanak calendar
asirans insurance
chandèl candle
chemine chimney
mont (braslè) (wrist) watch

Kitchen

Haitian creole English
kwizin / kizin [lakizin] kitchen
plak / plat / asyèt plate
vè / vit glass
tas cup
sèvyèt / moso twal napkin, towel
aparèy kay household appliance
krich pitcher
fou oven
recho [recho a gas] stove
frijidè fridge
senti skillet
bòl bowl
po cooking pot
kiyè spoon
fouchèt fork
kouto knife
kouver cutlery
panye [panyen] basket
boutèy bottle
plato tray
veso container
kanistè can
tiyè teapot

Bathroom

Haitian creole English
saldeben / watè / komòd / twalèt bathroom
twalèt cleanliness, toilet
douch shower
tiyo / wobinèt faucet
koule handwash
savon soap
chanpou shampoo
razwa razor
rido curtain
tapi rug, mat
miwa / glas mirror
papye twalèt / papye ijenik (jenik) toilet paper
bwòs dan toothbrush
pat dantifris toothpaste
peny hair comb
dezabiye / moumou / ròb de ben / sak bathrobe
beny / ben bath
basen tub
savon plat soap holder
eponj sponge
makiyaj makeup
deodoran deodorant
talk talcum powder
pwodui kosmetik cosmetics

Tools

Haitian creole English
zouti tool
mato hammer
nwa / vis / elis screw
pens pliers
mayèt mallet
mezi tep measuring tape
kle spanner, wrench
boulon bolt
tournevis / tounavis screwdriver
rach axe
fil yarn
zegi sewing needle
de / bag thimble
machin pou lave washing machine
aspiratè vacuum cleaner
konpa compass
rapòtè protractor
soudure soldering
asanblaj pwan stitching awl
pens pincers
klou nail
rap grater

Rural

Haitian creole English
seksyon riral rural
peyizan farmer
fèm estate
moulen windmill, mill
lwil oliv moulen oil mill
traktè tractor
lakou corral
kostali sack, bag
brouèt wheelbarrow
kabwa cart
bokit bucket

Clothing

Haitian creole English
rad clothes, clothing, dress
chemiz shirt
mayo t-shirt
pantalon pants
soulye shoe
wòb dress
chèn chain
chosèt sock
kout breeches
kalson underpants
sandal / sapat sandal
linèt glasses
chanday sweater
bikini bikini
kilòt panty
chòtdeben / kostim de ban / rad pou benyen swimsuit
sentiron [sentiwon] (senti) belt
bòt boot
inifòm uniform
slip underpants
jip skirt
bout pantalon shorts
segondè talon / talon kikik / soulye talon high heeled
bouchon cap
chapo hat
jakèt / dyakèt jacket
kas helmet
gan gloves
kolye necklace
kagoul balaclava
enpèmeyab [enpèrmeabl] / padesi [padsi] raincoat
pantouf slippers
broch [bròch] brooch
brasle [braslè] bracelet
bag ring
zanno earrings
soutyen bra
manto coat
kouchèt diaper
kòsaj / blouz blouse
pijama [pidyama] pajamas
kravat / kòl tie
pòtfèy wallet
kostim / vès konplè suit
echap scarf
survetman tracksuit
mouf mittens
vèst / jile vest, cardigan
degize costume
perik / fò cheve wig
bonèt [bone] bonnet
pòch pocket
mouchwa handkerchief
lasèt soulye shoelace
mask mask
kouwòn crown

Body

Body

Haitian creole English
body
zo bone
pwatrin chest
heart
zo kòt rib
zo rèl do [zo do] spine
poumon lung
bra [bwa] arm
koud elbow
kòf lestomak [estomak / lestomak] stomach
fwa liver
vant abdomen
ren kidney
trip intestine
basen pelvis
blad pipi (blad) bladder
janm leg
jenou knee
cheviy (chevi) / je pye ankle
jenital / pati prive genital
penis penis
vajen vagina
tete breast
pye foot
talon heel
zòtèy toe
zepòl shoulder
lonbrit [lonbrik] belly button
senti waist
ranch (anch) hip
dèyè buttock
skelèt skeleton
san blood
swe sweat

Hand

Haitian creole English
men hand
dwèt finger
klou / zong fingernail
dwèt pous thumb
dwèt endèks index finger
dwèt kè middle finger
dwèt bag ring finger
dwèt ti kras pinkie, little finger
jwenti dwèt / oslè knuckle
ponyèt wrist
Haitian creole English
tèt head
dan tooth
figi face
bouch mouth
sèvo brain
zo tèt [zo bwa tèt] skull
po bouch [pobouch] / lèv lip
cheve hair
lang tongue
nen nose
zòrèy ear
zye [je] eye
sousi eyebrow
labab (bab) beard
moustach moustache
manton chin
souflèt cheek
kalòt slap

Senses of the body

Haitian creole English
sans kò yo senses of the body
gou taste
see
manyen touch
santi smell
koute hear

Health

Health

Haitian creole English
sante health
lavi (vi) life
vaksen vaccine
geri cure
medikaman medicament, medicin
kabinè medikaman first aid kit
tèmomèt thermometer
pipèt pipette
sereng syringe
kapòt [kapot] condom
odè ointment
pwodwi sante medical devices
dyagnostik diagnosis
antibyotik antibiotic
an sante / gaya healthy
vitamin vitamin
pwoteyin protein

Disease

Haitian creole English
maladi disease
malad sick
grip flu
lafyèv fever
kòlè cholera
dyare diarrhea
SIDA AIDS
epatit hepatitis
maladi mantal mental illness
lensomni insomnia
eskizofreni schizophrenia
viris virus
malnitrisyon malnutrition
obezite obesity
boulimi bulimia
alèji allergy
kansè cancer
tous cough
swaf thirst
grangou hungry
doulè pain

Others words

Haitian creole English
paske because
kèlkeswa whatever
kòm as
depi from
nan in, of
a at
sepandan however
te pèdi lost
vit / prese fast
tou dousman slowly
yon ti bagay a little thing
tou also
mwen menm tou I also
wi yes
non no
si if
a mwens ke / sof ke unless
chak each
mwen pa konnen I don't know
pa / pou for, to
yon kesyon a question
tout all
yon fwa once
men but
oswa or
yon moun [youn moun] someone
okenn bagay nothing
okenn moun no one
tout moun everybody
pèsonn [pèsòn / pèsò] / pa gen moun / okenn moun nobody
nenpòt kimoun anyone
tanpri please
pi gran higher
selon according
erè error
deja already
moman moment
te jwenn found
verite truth
petèt maybe
sèten / si safe
egal equal
ak / avèk with
sou / de about
pi lwen pase / o dela beyond
kont against
apa de apart from
san without
san fen endless
fot fault
jouk / jus / jiska until
soti nan out of
se pou tèt sa thus
mèvèy wonder
lòt other
menm si / byen ke although
ant / antre between
tou de both
ansanm together
menm sam
ak / epi / e and
atravè through, across
toward
yon randevou an appointment
an plis / de tout fason besides
dakò in agreement
soti isit la get out
pwoblèm problem
koz cause
sajès wisdom
rezon reason
padon pardon, forgiveness
valè value
chaj load
poz pause
siksè success
defi challenge
pito / olye de instead of
sou kont on account of
rilaks / detann relax
dènye last
vye old

Creole words of African origin

  • Akasan // From Edo – Akasan // n. corn pudding
  • Akra n. a malanga fritter
  • Anasi // From Asante – Ananse // n. a spider (The French derived term is, zarenyen)
  • Bòkò // From Fongbe – Bokono // n. a sorcerer (The French derived term is, sósié)
  • Chouk // From Fulani – Chuk // v. to pierce, to poke / n. a poke (The French derived term is, piké)
  • Chouc-chouc // From Fulani – Chuk // v. to have sex
  • Manbo // From Kikongo – Mambu + Fongbe – Nanbo // n. a Vaudou priestess
  • Marasa // From Kikongo – Mabasa // n. twins (The French derived term is, joumo)
  • Ouanga/Wanga n. a Vaudou charm or relic
  • Oungan // From Fongbe // n. a Vaudou priest
  • Ounsi // From Fongbe // n. a Vaudouisant
  • Yo // From Fongbe – Ye // pron. They(‘re), them, their (Yo is also placed after a noun for pluralization purposes, from example: Liv – Book / Liv yo – Books. The French derived term, zot, is used in some parts of Haiti)
  • Zonbi //From Kikongo – Nzumbi // n. a ghost, a soulless corpse or living dead

Creole words of Old French origin

  • Ap // OFr. Être après // - present tense marker (the more common and abbreviated form of the word, apé)
  • Ape // OFr. Être après // - present tense marker
  • Gouye // Norman Fr. Griller – to slide, to slip // v. to gyrate (one’s waist), to have sex
  • Pral // OFr. Être après aller // adj. To be going to / - future tense marker
  • Rele / Yele / Ele // OFr. Héler // v. to call, to yell
  • T’ap // OFr. Avoir esté après // - Imperfect tense marker
  • Te // OFr. Avoir esté // - Past tense marker

Creole words of Taino origin

  • Anakaona // Ana kaona – Gold flower // n. a very beautiful woman
  • Anana n. a pineapple (Became part of standard French)
  • Ayiti n. Haiti
  • Babako // Barbakoa – A Taino roasting process // n. a feast
  • Bohio // Bohio – Home, house // n. Haiti
  • Kako // Buticaco or Heiticaco // n. a bumpkin, someone from the countryside
  • Kalalou n. okra, also a soup that includes okra and crab among other ingredients, known as gumbo in Louisiana
  • Kanari n. a clay jug
  • Kolibri n. a humming bird (Became part of standard French, it is also called, zoizo ouanga or ouanga négès)
  • Koukouy // Kokuyo // n. a firefly
  • Kounouk // Konuko // n. a shack
  • Lanbi/Lambi n. conch, a conch shell
  • Mabi n. a type of drink
  • Mabouya // Mabuya – a Ghost, evil spirit // n. a lizard
  • Sanba/Sanmba n. a musician or poet

Creole words of English origin

  • Bokit // n. bucket[3]
  • Kannistè // n. tin can[3]
  • Bank // n. bank[4]

Creole words of Portuguese origin

  • Ba // Dar – to give // v. to give
  • Kachimbo n. a pipe used for smoking tobacco
  • Mantèg // Manteiga // n. lard, butter (The French derived term for butter is, bé / beu)
  • Pikini // Pequenino // n. a child (The more common French derived terms are, pitit & ti moun)
  • Tchipe/Tchwipe / Tchupé // Chupar – to suck // v. to suck one’s teeth (at)

Creole words of Spanish origin

  • Bosal // Bozal // adj. to be savage (The French derived term is, sovaj)
  • Sapat // Zapatos or zapatillas // n. slippers
  • Tchakleta // Chancleta // n. a certain type of sandal

In Haitian creole the Spanish suffix -ador (pronounced in Creole as adò) is sometimes placed in combination with a French verb to describe someone who performs a certain action.

  • Abladò // Hablador // n. a speaker (person), someone who talks a lot
  • Babiadò / Babyadò // Fr. Babiller + Sp. –ador // n. a constant complainer
  • Bliyadò // Fr. Blier + Sp. -ador // n. a forgetful person
  • Kouchadò // Fr. Coucher + Sp. –ador // n. a sleepyhead, one who sleeps a lot

References

  1. Dardik, Alan, ed. (2016). "Vascular Surgery: A Global Perspective". Springer. p. 341. ISBN 9783319337456. Retrieved 8 May 2017.
  2. Josh, Jagran, ed. (2016). "Current Affairs November 2016 eBook". p. 93. Retrieved 8 May 2017.
  3. Bonenfant, Jacques L. (2011). "History of Haitian-Creole: From Pidgin to Lingua Franca and English Influence on the Language" (PDF). Review of Higher Education and Self-Learning. 3 (11). Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 March 2015.
  4. Langfocus (2017-05-04), Haitian Creole - The World's Most Widely Spoken Creole Language, retrieved 2017-05-05
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