Learning Haitian Creole

Haitian Creole is derived from French, with some African and English language influences. The language is very beautiful and concise, with very simple spellings. While French is the main source of words (based on Haiti colonization by the French), the syntax is African.

Here are a few useful phrases. Some of these are from the book Speak Creole in No Time, by Dr. Edner A. Jeanty. This page will be updated, so check back again soon.

English	Creole	Spoken(coming)
Good morning, sir	Bounjou, Msye
Good afternoon (noon-8pm), Madame	Bonswa, Madam.
Good night (>8pm)	Bon nui.
How are you?	Kòman nou ye?
I'm very well.	M'tre byen.
I'm not too bad.	M'pa pi mal.
What is your name?	Ki jan ou rele
My name is Paul	M'wen rele Paul
Please	Tan pri sou ple
Thank you very much	Mesi anpil
Sorry, I do not understand
I am sorry that I do not speak Creole.
Where is the bathroom?	Ki kote twalet
I am thirsty	Mwen swaf
Excuse me	Excuse'm
Can I take your photo?	Eske mwen ka fe foto ou
Good bye.	Orevwa.

For books on Haitian Creole, see Amazon.