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 learn a few words and phrases you may use when you meet someone.

An lison kwéyòl sala, nou k’ay apwonn yonn de mo kat pawòl pou’w sèvi lè ou jwenn on moun.

Greetings
Bonjou, sa ka fèt?
Good morning, what’s up?

Mwen la.
I’m there. Bonjou, kouman ou yé?
Good day, how are you?

Mwen la ka tjenbé.
I am there holding on. Bonnapwémidi, ki nouvèl ou?
Good afternoon, how are things with you? Literally: what’s your news?

Mwen byen.
I am fine.
Ant lé dé.
Between the two extremes. Bonswè, sa ou ka di?
Good night, what are you saying?

Ti tak, kouman ou menm?
Just a little, how are you? Sa kont fanmi a?
How is the family?

Yo byen, wi.
They’re fine, yes.

Phrases: Fè konnésans (Making introductions)
What is your name?
Sa ki non’w?

My name is…
Non mwen sé… Where are you from? (You are someone from where?)
Ou sé moun ki koté?

I am from Grand Bay.           Mwen se moun Gwan Bé.
(I am someone from Grand Bay)
I am from America.               Mwen menm sé moun Lanméwik.
I am an American.               Mwen sé yon anméwitjen. I am pleased to know you.
Mwen kontan konnésé’w.

Kwéyòl Proverbs
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 Dan pa tje.
A smile does mean good intentions. De mountany pa ka jwenn, me de moun ke jwenn.
Two mountains cannot meet but two people will.

A Timtim Riddle
Mwen pase bo simitye, mwen di le vivan bonjou me se le mo ki ka weponn.
I passed by the cemetery, I said good day to the living but it is the dead who answer. Answer: A pigeon peas tree.
When the wind blows, its dried pods rattle and make a sound.