PRONUNCIATION KEY:
an   an, as in animal
ch   sh, as in shame
dj   as in jam
é   ay
è   eh, as in yet
en   as in penny
ò   oh (nasal), as in hot
on   as in honey
ou   as in foot
tj   as in catch
In this lesson we take a look at clothing. It’s Independence time and we celebrate in style in our creole wear. Here are a few Kwéyòl words to get you going.

An lison sala, nou ka palé di had. Sé le andepandans epi nou ka sélébwé an fom. Mi yonn dé mo kwéyòl ou sa sévi.

Vocabulary

bag sak jeans djin shoes soulyé
belt senti necklace kolyé shorts pantanlon kout
blousechimiz necktie kwavat skirt jip
dress wòb pants,
trousers 		tjilòt,
pantanlon 		socks ba, chosèt
earring zanno purse bous sunglasses
shades 		linèt
glasses linèt pyjamas pijanman tennis shoes,
sneakers 		tennis
hat chapo ring bag umbrella pawòsòl
handkerchief mouchwè sandals alpagat waistcoat jilet
high heels soulyé talon ho shirt chimiz watch mont

Verbs
to get dressed (up)       abiyé
Nonm-la abiyé an chimiz blan e pantalon nwe.
He is dressed in a white shirt and black pants. to wear       pòté
Nou pa ka pòté soulye
We are not wearing shoes. to put on       mété
Mwen ke mété yon kwavat.
I will put on a tie. to take off       tiwé
Tiwé wob-la anle'w!
Remove the dress! to wash       lavé
Yo te ka lavé had bo layve-a.
They were washing clothes by the river. to iron       pasé

Kwéyòl Proverbs
Sé soulyé yonn ki sav si chosèt ni tou
Only shoes know whether the socks have holes
Family secrets Sé pa jou-a ou byenn abiyé ou ka wakontwé bèlmè-w
It’s not the day you are well dressed that you meet your mother-in-law
Always be prepared Silon fès ou ka tayé tjilòt
According to the size of the butt, you cut the trousers
Cut your suit according to your cloth Simyé hanyon pasé touni
Better to be in rags than be naked
Half a loaf is better than none at all Mové sizo gaté bon twèl
A bad pair of scissors can spoil a good cloth
A small mistake can spoil a good effort or reputation