Language/Haitian/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions
Hi Haitian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will dive into some common Haitian idiomatic expressions. These expressions might not have a literal meaning, but they are frequently used by Haitians in their daily conversations. Keep in mind that learning idiomatic expressions will allow you to blend in more easily with native speakers and understand the culture better.
To navigate through this lesson, use the Table of Contents below. Don't forget to use the Polyglot Club website to find native speakers of Haitian and ask them any questions you have about these idiomatic expressions!
After mastering this lesson, these related pages might interest you: Count to 10 & Parts of the Body.
Money talks[edit | edit source]
This expression implies that having money is powerful and influential. It means that when you have money, you have the ability to make your position clearer.
Example:
- Person 1: Ou konnen ayiti gen anpil pwoblem, men ti kras lajan ou chita sou ka regle ou toujou. (You know Haiti has many problems, but a little money can solve your situation.)
- Person 2: Ou gen rezon, kras bab la mache menm jan sak pi cho. (You're right, the deep pockets work the same way as the hottest sauce.)
| Haitian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ti kras lajan | tee krass lah-jahn | a little money |
| sou ka regle | soo ka reh-glə | can solve your situation |
| kras bab la | krass bahb lah | deep pockets |
| pi cho | pee shoh | hottest sauce |
Barely making it, living paycheck to paycheck[edit | edit source]
In Haitian Creole, "tou bwa pase" which literally means "all the wood has gone" or "tête-a-tête" which means "head-to-head" is used to describe someone who is barely making a living and struggles to pay for basic needs.
Example:
- Person 1: Mwen pa ka jwenn yon tanbou pou m pase. (I can't find a job to make a living.)
- Person 2: Oh non, ou tou bwa pase!? (Oh no, you're living paycheck to paycheck!)
| Haitian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| tou bwa pase | too bwah pahs-ay | living paycheck to paycheck |
| tanbou | tahnb-ou | job |
Goodbye[edit | edit source]
Unlike English, Haitian Creole doesn't have just one word to say "Goodbye." Here are a few expressions:
- "Babay" means "bye" and is the most commonly used.
- "Nou wè pi ta" means "see you soon."
- "Anndan" means "stay inside, don't go anywhere" and can be used in a threatening way when someone has done something wrong.
Example:
- Person 1: Bye!
- Person 2: Babay, nou wè pi ta! (Bye, see you soon!)
- Person 1: I have to go.
- Person 2: Anndan, ou pap jwenn yon fwa menm! (Stay inside, you won't get away with it this time!)
| Haitian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Babay | bah-bay | bye |
| Nou wè pi ta | noo wai pee tah | see you soon |
| Anndan | ahn-dahn | stay inside, don't go anywhere |
| Pap jwenn | pahp jwenn | won't get away with it |
Face your problems[edit | edit source]
The expression "Trape difisil" which means "catch difficult" is used to encourage someone not to run away from their problems but to face them directly.
Example:
- Person 1: Mwen gen yon gwo pwoblèm! (I have a big problem!)
- Person 2: Mwen konprann, men pa kouri. Fòk ou trape l paske trape difisil se pa menm ak kouri. (I understand, but don't run away. You have to face it because catching difficult is not the same as running.)
| Haitian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Trape difisil | trah-pay dif-ee-seel | catch difficult |
| Kouri | kow-ree | run away |
Take it easy[edit | edit source]
The expression "Souple, w!" which means "Take it easy!" is used to tell someone to relax, calm down and take things slowly.
Example:
- Person 1: Mwen soti reran, m ap kouri vin premye nan kanaval la. (I'm coming from rehearsal, I'm going to run to be first in the carnival.)
- Person 2: Souple, w! Pa gen pwoblem, nou pral ale kanaval nou tout. (Take it easy! No problem, let's all go to the carnival together.)
| Haitian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Souple, w! | soo-play, w! | Take it easy! |
| Pa gen pwoblem | pah jen pwob-lem | No problem |
| Pral ale | prah-lah-lay | let's go |
Happy Birthday[edit | edit source]
The expression "Joyeux Anniversaire" which means "Happy Birthday" in French is commonly used in Haiti to wish someone a happy birthday.
Example:
- Person 1: Mwen okipe pou kenbe yon ti fèt pou madanm m nan lakou a demen. Gen yon fòmula pou di felisitasyon pou jou nesans la? (I'm arranging a little party for my wife in the yard tomorrow. Is there a formula to say congratulations for the birthday?)
- Person 2: Wi, se Joyeux anniversaire y ap di (Yes, they say "Joyeux Anniversaire.")
| Haitian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Joyeux Anniversaire | jwaiy-euh ah-nee-vayrs-air | Happy Birthday |
The Final Word[edit | edit source]
We hope this lesson on Haitian idiomatic expressions was insightful! Remember that learning these expressions can be very useful to better understand the language and culture. Feel free to use Polyglot Club to practice more or ask any questions you may have. Also, don't forget to check out the Haitian Vocabulary section to expand your knowledge in this beautiful language. Bon chans a nou! 😊
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Fruits
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Health
- Greetings
- Feelings and Emotions
- Colors
- Parts of the Body
- Clothes
- Animals
- Useful Phrases
Sources[edit | edit source]
- 30 haitian creole expressions
- Five Expressions in Haitian Creole That You Could Pull Off in ...
- Haitian Creole Dictionaries and Books > Rise2HaitianCreole