TriniKwéyòlKwéyòl
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1451 entries at this build.
Words
- -anthe (form of the definite article after a nasal vowel: a final n that is not sounded)
- Ou pa ni an pil You don't have much
- Sa sé bon an pil. That was very good.
- abitwéto accustom
- achaany transaction; also (id.) a purchase
- achtéto buy
- Nonm la di “Sa ou vlé achté?” The man said, “What you want to buy?”
- Li te di mwen sa li ka vlé achté. She told me what she wanted to buy.
- adanin, inside, into, from
- Sé douz mwa adan lanné an There are twelve months in one year.
- Sèt jou adan yonn simenn. Seven days in one week.
- AfwikAfrica
- ajounouto kneel
- Akact/action
- An Oktob 1994 Gwoup-la sélébwé 25 annivèwsé ak Lanmes Patois nan Pawamin. On October 1994 the Patois mass celebrated at Paramin marked the twenty fifth anniversary of the group.
- akouchmanchildbirth, giving birth
- akoupito stoop or squat
- aksidanaccident
- alégo
- Mwen te alé nan boutik. I went to the shop.
- Lòt jou-a vini, Jan Savan alé twavay. The following day came, the smart boy went off to work.
- alyanswedding ring
- anat, in
- Ou pa ni an pil You don't have much
- Sa sé bon an pil. That was very good.
- aninside
- Ou pa ni an pil You don't have much
- Sa sé bon an pil. That was very good.
- anbaunder, beneath
- anbabelow
- andidanin
- Yo volé savolan andidan sé mòn-la. They fly kite in the hills.
- Yo volé savolan andidan savann-la. They fly kite in the savannah.
- AngléEnglish
- Wépon mwen an Anglé Respond in English
- Wépon mwen nan Anglé Respond in English
- anhoabove
- ankléwantshiny, gleaming
- ankòagain
- Monique épi Harry yo té alé pou lans-la ankò. Monique and Harry went to the beach again.
- Asou a lot jou, Harry li té alé pou lans-la ankò pou volé savolan. Another day, Harry went to the beach again to fly kite.
- ankouwajéto encourage
- anlèupon
- anlèabove, atop
- anmitanIn the center, middle
- Lokasyon-li sé anmitan junction Fatima. It is directly in the centre of Fatima Junction.
- anounsiasyonannunciation
- Koumansman épi anounsiasyon èk finisman épi lewa. It begins with the annunciation and ends with the feast of the Kings.
- anpéchéto prevent
- anpilmany, much
- I te ni anpil moun: Jan ki soti an Òpò. There were many people. People came from Port-of-Spain.
- Madanm Montano te enmen jwé Kannaval anpil. Mrs. Montano likes to play Carnival.
- anployéto employ, to hire
- antbetween
- antiwanexcepting
- anvidesire
- anyenanything
- Sé vye fanm la té faché, li kite boutik la me li pa achté anyen. The old lady became angry. She left the shop but she did not buy anything.
- Madam la di “Lajan mwen fini, sé pou sa mwen pa ka achté anyen; me mwen fen.” The lady said, “My money finish, I am unable to buy anything, but I am hungry.”
- apaapart, separately
- apanbetween
- apèsivwèto perceive
- apivwazéto tame, to polish, &c.
- apwannlearn
- Vini Apwann pou Palé Patois! Come and Let's Speak Patois!
- An liv, la ou ké apwann palé Patois. In this book, you will learn to speak Patois.
- apwéthen, afterwards, after
- Yonn jou, mwen wivé lékòl senk minit apwé wit. One day I arrived at school five minutes after eight.
- apwémidiafternoon
- Kon sa, lè Jan Savan sòti twavay-li apwémidi, li di “Jan kouyon, ou benyen manman Jodi-a?” When Smart Boy returned home in the afternoon, he said, “Stupid Boy, you bathe mama today?”
- apwézannow
- Apwézan, leglis Katolik pa te enmen kannaval épi pa te enmen tambou bambou. Now the Catholic Church did not like the carnival bacchanal and did not like the tambour bamboo.
- Yon ti konpanni fanm, té ka wèsté an legliz pou pwédyé, épi sé apwézan alé lakay, wè-yo. A small band of women, who had remained in church to pray and were now going home, saw them.
- apwochéapproach
- Lè Nwèl apwoché gwoup yo chanté kwèch. When Christmas approaches the group sings Crèche.
- aséenough
- Vye fanm sa la chis. Li tini an pil lajan. Li ka kacho lajan. Mwen palé asé, sé lè pou ale lakay.” That old lady, she stingy, she have plenty money. She hiding money, I talk enough, is time you go home.”
- asizsit
- Li tjenbé Colette, ét vit mété-li andidan yon bwèt, lè li fini, li asiz asou li. She held on to Colette and quickly put her into a box. When she finished doing that she sat on it.
- asouon
- Yo volé li asou lans-la. They fly it on the beach.
- Twa di yo volé savolan-yo asou lans-la. Three of them fly their kites on the beach.
- atikan article or item; an ingredient
- atikéitems, articles
- Kombyen atiké li vlé fanm la? How many items did the lady want?
- Mwen di, “Mwen vlé ven atiké.” I said, “I want to get twenty items.”
- avanbefore
- Kanmawad mwen Yoland wivé avan mwen. My friend Yoland arrived before me.
- Yoland di, “misyé, mwen wivé avan ou”. Yoland said, “Sir, I arrived before you.”
- avanzyèday before yesterday
- avègblind
- aventadvent
- avokalawyer
- AvwiApril
- An Avwi vennkat 1994 yo chanté Lanmés Patois nan Maruga. On April 24th 1994 they sang at the Patois mass in Moruga.
- AwouAugust
- Jwiyèt épi Awou ké fèmé lékòl. In July and august school is closed.
- ayannothing
- ayogot away
- Savolan-an di Marita li ayo. Marita’s kite got away.
- Gason-an té fè savolan di Harry ayo. The boy made Harry’s kite get away.
- bagive
- Lè Sanmdi vini, mama-mwen, li te ba mwen lajan pou alé nan boutik. When Saturday came, my mother gave me money to go to the shop.
- Jan Savan té di, “Jan Kouyon meté dlo bouwi pou ba-i yon bon ti ben, pis manman pa sa benyen épi dlo fwet, li ké vini malad plis.” The Smart One said to the Stupid One, “You must put water to boil in order to give her a good little bath, because grandmother cannot be bathing with water that cold, she will get sicker.”
- babawengoatfish
- babichalligator
- bagring (jewellery)
- balotéto sway to and fro, to stagger, to dawdle
- balyébroom
- bamboubamboo
- Nonm yo pa kouté.Yo kontiné pou bat bambou. The men did not listen. They continued to beat the bamboo.
- Apwézan, leglis Katolik pa te enmen kannaval épi pa te enmen tambou bambou. Now the Catholic Church did not like the carnival bacchanal and did not like the tambour bamboo.
- bannband (used to express "crowd," or "multitude," before the noun)
- bannannplantain
- bannboudenintestine, gut
- batbeat
- Nonm yo pa kouté.Yo kontiné pou bat bambou. The men did not listen. They continued to beat the bamboo.
- Nonm yo pa ka tan épi-l yo kontiné bat banbou. The men had no time with him they continued to beat the bamboo.
- batayfight, battle
- batimanship; building
- batmanntjèheart attack
- batosmall boat
- batonstick
- bawéblock, stop
- Vit, i kwiyé sextan, épi li di-i alé bawé yo. Quickly, he called the sextant and told him to go and block them.
- Épi faché anpil, li vini andidan lawi pou bawé-yo. With much anger he came into the street to block them.
- bawibarrel
- bayto give
- Jan lakay bay yo kado lajan épi manjé. People give them gifts of money and food.
- Dimanch, nou kalé légliz épi mesi Bondye pou kado li bay-i nou, épi pwédyé pou lapli. On Sunday, we go to church and thank God for gifts He gives us and we pray for rain.
- bayègate
- bazoujaw
- bèbutter
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- bèkbeak
- bèlbeautiful, pretty, nice
- Lanmès nan Pawamin te bèl. The mass in Paramin was nice.
- Chanté an te bèl, tout bagay nan Patois. The singing was nice, everything in Patois.
- béléjenneggplant, melongene
- benyenbathe
- Apwè li benyen-i, i meté-i an dandan. After bathing her he dressed her.
- Kon sa, toulé bon maten, Jan Kouyon benyen manmam-i. So, every morning, the foolish boy would bathe his grandmother.
- bètaféfirefly
- bètannipyécentipede
- bétjéa white person born in the French Antilles
- bétjinbarracuda
- bèwjéshepherd
- Bibthe Bible
- bichdeer
- bizwenneed
- Misyé di, “gadé tifi, ou fini achté? Sa ou vlé, paski lajan wed pou touvé, ou bizwen lajan. The man said, “Look little girl, you finish buy what you want? Because money hard to come by, you need money.
- blaga joke; nonsense, lies, idle talk
- blanwhite
- Yo wè yon tifi épi yon savolan-blan. They see a girl with a white kite.
- blanmblame
- blanméto blame
- bòat
- Bò ki lè? At what time?
- Bò ki lè Paulette wivé? At what time did Paulette arrive?
- bòbòlisswindler, crook
- bokitbucket
- bongood
- Sa sé bon an pil. That was very good.
- Sèl savolan-an di Monique wèsté bon. Only Monique’s kite remained good.
- bonboncake
- Bonbon-an li té fini ka tjwit The cake finished cook.
- “Mwen kalé pou mélé bonbon-an.” “I am going to mix the cake.”
- BondyéGod
- Bonjougood morning
- Byen bonjou, non-mwen sé Paulette. Good day, my name is Paulette.
- Bonjou ou déy pyanmpyanm Good morning, you're so-so (greeting exchange)
- bonma container such as a tank, canister or bucket; a bomb; a top hat
- bonmatenmorning
- li koumansé nèf bonmaten. It began at nine in the morning.
- Yon Lendi kannaval bonmaten, konpanni nonm adan lawi Denmou, ki te ka fèt tout lannwit Dimanch vini andidan lawi ka bat tambou bambou. One carnival Monday morning, a group of men from Denmou Street, who had been partying all Sunday night, came out into the street beating the tambour bamboo.
- bonswègood evening
- Ki les ki di, “Bonswè misye, mwen vlé kéchòy.” Who was it who said goodnight mister I want something?
- Madam la di “Bonswè misyé mwen vlé achté kéchoy. The lady said, “Good night sir, I want to buy something.”
- bosihunchbacked
- bòskolopsided, crooked
- bouchmouth
- bouchona stopper: a cork, lid or bottle cap
- bougfellow, guy
- boujicandle; spark plug
- boujonbud (of a plant)
- boukana hurdle for smoking meats (a smoking rack)
- Pwéson-an I gouté byen paski I sété lafime adan boukan-la. The fish tasted good because it was smoked in the buccan (smoking rack).
- boukobarrel, cask
- boulball; lump, clot
- boulvèséto upset, to make sick; to ransack; upset, sick
- boutend, cigar
- boutèybottle
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- boutikshop
- Nou kale' nan boutik We going to the shop
- Mwen te alé nan boutik. I went to the shop.
- boutjébouquet
- boutonbutton
- boutouclub, cudgel
- bouwiboil
- Li di, “ Wi, mwen benyen-i. I pwan bon ti ben. Mwen mété dlo bouwi pou manman santi ben.” He answered “Yes, I bathe her, she take a good little bath. I hot water for granny that she could bathe.
- Jan kouyon di, “Mwen pa fe anyen manman paski pa tini zalimet pou limye dife’ pou bouwi dlo” Stupid Boy said, “I have not done anything to mama because it had no matches to light the fire to boil the water.”
- bouyonstew; a style of popular music
- boyobowels, intestines
- bwanhanybarren, unable to have children
- bwaslébracelets
- bwavbrave
- bwavtébravery
- bwayboy
- I té ni dé ti bway. Yon sé té Jan Savan épi yon sé té Jan Kouyon. There were once two little boys. One was smart and one was stupid.
- bwètbox
- Li tjenbé Colette, ét vit mété-li andidan yon bwèt, lè li fini, li asiz asou li. She held on to Colette and quickly put her into a box. When she finished doing that she sat on it.
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- bwidbridle
- byenwell
- Byen bonjou, non-mwen sé Paulette. Good day, my name is Paulette.
- Li te palé Patois byen épi li te konnet kwèche anpil. She speaks Patois well and knows much Crèche.
- chabena light-skinned person of African descent
- chabina light-skinned person of African descent
- chachéto seek
- chaja charge (in law or electricity); a responsibility; a small battery
- chakeach, every
- Chak fwa li ka di sé mwen, sé mwen. She was always saying “This is mine”.
- Monique épi Harry yo chak tini yon savolan. Monique and Harry they each have a kite.
- chala torch made from a bottle of kerosene
- chalbawia din or uproar; mockery
- chalèheat
- chaloupa rowing boat or canoe; a yacht
- chama charm or spell; a potion
- chansong
- chanjéchange
- Li di, “Lè ou chanjé tout vyé labitid, ou ké sòti. Lè ou pawé, di mwen” She said “When you change all the old habits, you could come out, when you ready, tell me.”
- chanjmanchange
- chanmchamber, room
- chanpiyonmushroom, fungus; mould
- chansluck; chance, opportunity
- chansonsong
- chantésing, chant
- Ki sa yo te chanté? How was the singing?
- Mi yon kwrech yo chanté. Here is one of the carols that they usually sing.
- chapantyécarpenter
- chapèlchapel, shrine
- chapitchapter
- chaplérosary (chaplet)
- chapohat
- chasèhunter
- chatcat
- chatouoctopus
- chèdear
- chefleader
- Madanm Montano sé osi chef pou gwoup folk Mawaval. Mrs. Montano is also the leader of the Maraval folk group.
- chendog
- chennchain
- chepéexcel greatly
- Li sé fanm ki chepé, yon ki les enmen ewitaj. She is a woman who excels greatly, one who loves her heritage.
- chèsdry (not wet)
- chèzchair
- chikannquarrel, argument
- chimizshirt
- chinicaterpillar
- chisstingy
- Colette sé chis. Colette was selfish.
- Ki lès yo sé chis? Which of them is stingy?
- chiviankle
- chizdisagreement
- chohot
- chòdyèiron pot, copper
- chofèdriver
- chosonsock
- chouvalhorse
- chòzthing
- chwichwiwhisper
- dantooth
- dandandress
- Apwè li benyen-i, i meté-i an dandan. After bathing her he dressed her.
- danjédanger
- dansédance
- Yon konpanni fanm lawi Désedé sété-yo adan lawi ka dansé. A band of women from Desede street were in the street dancing.
- Mé, mizik té bèl épi anpil moun ka vini adan lawi pou dansé épi yo. However, the music was sweet and many people came out into the street to dance with them.
- dansèdancer
- davwabecause
- DéTwo
- Ban té san dé pa sé plis I cannot buy anything else
- li diwe pweské dé nèditan. It lasted for almost two hours.
- débitéto butcher, to cut up meat
- défannto forbid
- déjaalready
- délijflood
- denmito sprain
- denyelast
- Òktòb denye’ yo kalé pou Sent Lisi pou chanté. Last October, they went to St Lucia to sing.
- dépisince
- DésanmDecember
- Mwen fèt an mwa Désanm. I was born in the month of December.
- désidéto decide
- dètdebt
- détoubend, curve (in a road)
- dévoséto divorce
- dèwòoutside
- dèyèbehind
- dézidesire, wish
- DézyenmSecond
- diof
- Sa li te di? What did he say?
- “Non” di tifi-a. “No” said the girl.
- Ditell, say
- Sa li te di? What did he say?
- “Non” di tifi-a. “No” said the girl.
- diféfire
- difisildifficult
- DimanchSunday
- Dimanch, Lendi, Madi, Mékwédi, Jédi, Vandwédi, épi Sanmdi. The days of the week are: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- Dimanch, nou kalé légliz épi mesi Bondye pou kado li bay-i nou, épi pwédyé pou lapli. On Sunday, we go to church and thank God for gifts He gives us and we pray for rain.
- dimannrequest
- dimihalf
- Lékòl koumansé wit é dimi. School begins at eight thirty.
- DisTen
- DisètSeventeen
- disipdisciple
- disizyondecision
- distansdistance
- ditétea
- ditenthyme
- Nou planté lonyon, pèsi, épi diten. We plant chive, parsley, and thyme.
- divenwine
- divizyondivision
- divwawill, intention
- diwélasted
- diwirice
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- DiznèfNineteen
- DizwitEighteen
- DizyèmTenth
- djabdevil
- djèpwasp (jackspaniard)
- djòbjob, work; odd job
- dlowater
- Yo véyé li alé épi alé jis li té tonbé andidan dlo-a. They watched it go and go until it fell in the water.
- Li di, “ Wi, mwen benyen-i. I pwan bon ti ben. Mwen mété dlo bouwi pou manman santi ben.” He answered “Yes, I bathe her, she take a good little bath. I hot water for granny that she could bathe.
- domito sleep
- dousweet
- doubdouble
- douboutget up, stand; stand up, stop
- Harry, I doubout, té fwoté lanmen-li épi li té kité. Harry stood up, rubbed his hands and left.
- doulèpain
- douvanbefore
- Konpanni, épi sextan douvan, ka vini lawi légliz. The band, with the sextan in front, came to the church road.
- Konpanni yo wivé nan kwen Tixiera épi sextan an douvan. The band, they reached Tixiera’s corner with the sextan in front.
- DouzTwelve
- Mwen sé douz. I am twelve.
- Sé douz mwa adan lanné an There are twelve months in one year.
- dwacloth, sheet, etc.
- dwéto owe
- dwètfinger
- dwioften
- dyabdevil
- édéto help
- Monique édé li pou fè li. Monique helped him to make it.
- Vyé fanm-la di “Ou pa édé, ou pa manjé. The old lady said “you did not help, you do not eat.”
- èkand
- Koumansman épi anounsiasyon èk finisman épi lewa. It begins with the annunciation and ends with the feast of the Kings.
- èkseptéunless
- èksèptéexcept
- ékwito write
- ékwivenwriter, author
- enmenlove, like
- Li (i) té enmen He/she loved. He/she had loved.
- Li sété jòn épi li pa enmen jòn. It was yellow and she did not like yellow.
- Épiand, with
- Épi sa sé ki sa li fè. And that is what she did.
- Jan Savan épi Jan Kouyon Smart One and Stupid One
- épifaniepiphany
- étand
- Li tjenbé Colette, ét vit mété-li andidan yon bwèt, lè li fini, li asiz asou li. She held on to Colette and quickly put her into a box. When she finished doing that she sat on it.
- étwètnarrow
- èvèkwith
- Yon tan èvèk Fredom without spending time at Fredom
- éwitajheritage
- Jan Sent Lisi yo enmen éwitaj Patois, sé twadisyonnèl. The people of St Lucia love their Patois heritage.
- fachéangry
- Harry li té vini faché. Harry got angry.
- Épi faché anpil, li vini andidan lawi pou bawé-yo. With much anger he came into the street to block them.
- fanmwoman
- “Pozé” vyé fanm-la di. “Alright” the old lady said.
- Sa li ka di vye fanm la. What did the old lady say?
- fannto split
- fasonmode, manner
- fédo, make
- Sa Lynette fé? What did Lynette do?
- Pouki sa li fé-i? Why did she do it?
- fèto make; to do
- Épi sa sé ki sa li fè. And that is what she did.
- Monique édé li pou fè li. Monique helped him to make it.
- Fèto happen, to take place
- Épi sa sé ki sa li fè. And that is what she did.
- Monique édé li pou fè li. Monique helped him to make it.
- fèbweak
- Fèméclosed
- Jwiyèt épi Awou ké fèmé lékòl. In July and august school is closed.
- fenhunger
- Madam la di “Lajan mwen fini, sé pou sa mwen pa ka achté anyen; me mwen fen.” The lady said, “My money finish, I am unable to buy anything, but I am hungry.”
- fenfine
- Madam la di “Lajan mwen fini, sé pou sa mwen pa ka achté anyen; me mwen fen.” The lady said, “My money finish, I am unable to buy anything, but I am hungry.”
- Fètparty, birthday
- Ki mwa ou fèt? What month were you born?
- Sé li fèt Jézi kwi. It is the birthday of Jesus Christ.
- FévwiyéFebruary
- Févwiyé ében Mas sé ki tan nou ké sélébwé Kannaval nan Trindad épi Tobago. February or March is when we celebrate carnival in Trinidad and Tobago.
- fèyètpage
- fimèlfemale (prefixed to form the feminine)
- finètwindow
- Monpè Donald, ki les an finèt pwesbité, wè-yo. Father Donald, who was in the window of the presbitry, saw them.
- finifinish
- Bonbon-an li té fini ka tjwit The cake finished cook.
- Li di, “Mwen las, mwen fini épi ou, sa sé sa.” She said, I am tired I finish with you that is that.
- finismanend, finish
- Koumansman épi anounsiasyon èk finisman épi lewa. It begins with the annunciation and ends with the feast of the Kings.
- fisèlstring, twine
- fiyèlgodchild; bile, gall bladder
- flanmflame
- flasvacuum flask, thermos
- flèflower
- fofalse
- fòstrong
- fonmasipharmacy
- fonmiant
- fonnto melt
- fòséto force
- fouchètfork
- foukcrotch
- founititrimmings, garnish; furniture
- foutéto strike, beat; cast down violently; give in a rude manner
- fridjrefrigerator, fridge
- fwatime
- Chak fwa li ka di sé mwen, sé mwen. She was always saying “This is mine”.
- Sé pwèmyé fwa sa wive nan Trindad epi Tobago. Sé bon. It was the first time. It was good.
- fwéproud
- Monique li té alé lakay fwé épi kontan. Savolan-li sété wèsté bon. Monique went home proud and happy, that her kite was still good.
- fwèbrother
- fwètcold
- fwito fry
- fwidjébanyan tree
- fwotéto rub, to massage
- Harry, I doubout, té fwoté lanmen-li épi li té kité. Harry stood up, rubbed his hands and left.
- fyèlbile, gall; gall bladder
- fyòljar
- gadélook
- Mama-I wè li èpi souwi paski li té gadé konsa kontan. Her mother saw her and smiled because she looked so happy.
- Gadé byen kouman ou ké de pasé lajan. Ou oblijé lonjé lajan. Look well how you spend money. You have to stretch money.
- galongallon
- galtaattic, loft
- ganglove
- gasonboy
- Li té pousé gason-an. He pushed the boy.
- “Pa mwen” gason-an di. “Not me” said the boy.
- gatéto spoil
- gochéleft-handed, awkward
- gòlètschooner; Cr. also a long pole
- gouddollar
- Vye fanm la koumansé pléwé, kon sa mwen livwé kenz goud. The old lady began to cry so I handed over fifteen dollars.
- goumento fight
- gwafat
- gwafat (i.e. boastfully)
- GwadloupGuadeloupe
- gwangreat, big
- Yo sé dé sésé. Pi gwan sé Colette épi piti-a se’ Lynnette. There were two sisters. The bigger one was Colette. The smaller one was Lynette.
- gwanmanmangrandmother
- Gwanmanman-yo té malad. Their grandmother was ill.
- Yo té westé lakay gwanmanman-yo. They lived at their grandmother’s home.
- gwanmanman-yotheir grandmother
- Gwanmanman-yo té malad. Their grandmother was ill.
- Yo té westé lakay gwanmanman-yo. They lived at their grandmother’s home.
- gwigrey
- Gwolarge, big
- Li té fè yon gwo savolan wouj He made a big red kite.
- Li té vlé yon gwo savolan vèt. She wanted a big green kite.
- gwoupgroup
- Ki le gwoup kalé Sent Lisi? When did the group go to St Lucia?
- Gwoup yo koumansé chanté mwa Septanm. The group will begin singing in September.
- hadclothes
- Sa sé liv mwen, sa sé had mwen, sa sé mwen, sa sé mwen. This is my book. This is my clothes. This is mine. This is mine.
- hamakhammock
- héléto call loudly, to shout, to yell, to scream
- Yonn di lot gason koumansé pou hélé “hive, hive.” One of the other boys began to shout “fight, fight.”
- hivefight
- Yonn di lot gason koumansé pou hélé “hive, hive.” One of the other boys began to shout “fight, fight.”
- hontto be ashamed
- ihe, she, it
- Ki lè i yé? What is the time?
- Li (i) té manjé He/she had eaten.
- ichchild
- Li sé sézon Pak, épi sé ich-la toupatou ka volé savolan-yo. It is Easter season, and children everywhere flying their kites.
- jaalready
- jadengarden
- Twavay nou sé pou planté jaden. Our work is to plant garden.
- Tout les bon maten nou kalé nan jaden pou twavay avan nou kalé lékòl. Every morning we go to the garden to work before we go to school.
- jaloujealous
- jalouto envy, be jealous of
- jalouto envy, to be jealous of
- jalouzijealousy
- janpeople (friend)
- Jan Savan épi Jan Kouyon Smart One and Stupid One
- Lè li kité jan kouyon westé lakay. When he left, Stupid boy remained at home.
- janbonham
- janmennever
- JanvyéJanuary
- japéto bark
- JèdiThursday
- JenJune
- jenjanmginger
- jennyoung
- jibyébird
- jijmanjudgement
- jimotwin
- jinisheifer
- jipskirt
- jiseven then; until then
- Yo volé savolan jis andidan lawi-a. They fly kite even in the street.
- Yo té volé savolan-yo jis yo vini las. They flew their kites until they were tired.
- jiwéto curse, to abuse
- jòbcigarette paper
- jòditoday
- Lè Jan Savan vini apwè twavay i mandé, “Jan Kouyon, ou benyen manman jòdi nou?” When the smart boy came home after working he asked: “Stupid, you bathe granny for us today?”
- jolipretty, lovely
- jònyellow
- Li sété jòn épi li pa enmen jòn. It was yellow and she did not like yellow.
- jouday
- Sèt jou adan yonn simenn. Seven days in one week.
- Yo té tini yon kontan jou bò lans-la. They had a happy day at the beach.
- joukyoke
- jounouknee
- jwéplay
- Madanm Montano te enmen jwé Kannaval anpil. Mrs. Montano likes to play Carnival.
- Li te la wenn pou Jou Ouvè anpil mé tout moun konnet-li ka jwé Minstrel. She has been queen of Jou Ouvert many times but everyone knows her for playing Minstrels.
- jwennto join
- Pwèt- la épi sextan sanm-yo sa flèch. Yon ti konpanni fanm ka di, “Gadé, si pwet-la ka jwé, ki sé nou.” Épi yo jwenn konpanni pou dansé menm bagay. The priest and the sextan appeared the leaders. The small band of women said, “look, if the priest could ply, who is we” and they joined the band to dance as well.
- JywètJuly
- kacan (to be able to)
- Ou té ka manjé You were eating.
- Yo té ka manjé They were eating.
- kaUsed before the verb shows present tense
- Ou té ka manjé You were eating.
- Yo té ka manjé They were eating.
- kabannbed
- kabwitgoat
- kachohide/lock up
- Vye fanm sa la chis. Li tini an pil lajan. Li ka kacho lajan. Mwen palé asé, sé lè pou ale lakay.” That old lady, she stingy, she have plenty money. She hiding money, I talk enough, is time you go home.”
- kadogift
- Jan lakay bay yo kado lajan épi manjé. People give them gifts of money and food.
- Dimanch, nou kalé légliz épi mesi Bondye pou kado li bay-i nou, épi pwédyé pou lapli. On Sunday, we go to church and thank God for gifts He gives us and we pray for rain.
- kafécoffee
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- kaihouse
- kajoucedar
- kalégoing to; will
- Li (i) kalé manjé He/she will eat. He is going going to eat.
- Ki le gwoup kalé Sent Lisi? When did the group go to St Lucia?
- kaléwent
- Li (i) kalé manjé He/she will eat. He is going going to eat.
- Ki le gwoup kalé Sent Lisi? When did the group go to St Lucia?
- kalfouhut, hole, obscure corner
- kalmasonsnail
- kankroumcartilage, gristle
- kanmawadfriend
- Kanmawad mwen Yoland wivé avan mwen. My friend Yoland arrived before me.
- kannaduck
- KannavalCarnival
- Madanm Montano te enmen jwé Kannaval anpil. Mrs. Montano likes to play Carnival.
- Févwiyé ében Mas sé ki tan nou ké sélébwé Kannaval nan Trindad épi Tobago. February or March is when we celebrate carnival in Trinidad and Tobago.
- kannawiearthen pot
- kapabable, can
- AI pa kapab pou édé ou épi sa. AI can't help you with that.
- kapona coward
- kaséto break
- Pa pléwé kon sa, ou ké kasé tjè mwen. Don't cry like that, you will break my heart.
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- KatFour
- katjilthought, thinking; calculation, scheming
- KatolikCatholic
- Mwen fé lékòl nan Paramin Katolik. I go to school at Paramin Roman Catholic.
- Sextan, yonn bon nonm katolik, poté siltann kalé kontwé yo. The sextant, a good Catholic man, still in church gown, went to meet them.
- KatòzFourteen
- KatyenmFourth
- kawafcarafe, jug
- KawantForty
- KawantdéForty-two
- KawantenyenForty-one
- KawantkatForty-four
- KawantnèfForty-nine
- KawantsenkForty-five
- KawantsètForty-seven
- KawantsisForty-six
- KawantwaForty-three
- KawantywitForty-eight
- kawenmdry season
- kawètturtle
- kawtoncardboard
- kayhouse, residence
- Ki les kay chanté nan lanmès Jounen Kwéyol? Who was it who sang at the Jounen Kwéyòl mass?
- kayhouse
- Ki les kay chanté nan lanmès Jounen Kwéyol? Who was it who sang at the Jounen Kwéyòl mass?
- kéwill
- Lendi nou ké seklé. On Monday we weed.
- Madi nou ké fe menm bagay. On Tuesday we do the same.
- kéchòysomething
- Di mwen kéchòy sa li té ka di? What was she always saying?
- Ki les ki di, “Bonswè misye, mwen vlé kéchòy.” Who was it who said goodnight mister I want something?
- KenzFifteen
- Vye fanm la koumansé pléwé, kon sa mwen livwé kenz goud. The old lady began to cry so I handed over fifteen dollars.
- kiwhat
- Bò ki lè? At what time?
- Sa ki nom? What is your name?
- kitéleave
- Ki les ki di, “Pa kwédi, kité.” Who said, no credit, leave?
- Lè li kité jan kouyon westé lakay. When he left, Stupid boy remained at home.
- klasclass, grade
- Légliz-ou sé menm tan kon klas-la. Nou èskizé ou. Your church is at the same time as the class. We excuse you.
- kòbiyahearse
- kòbovulture
- kochicrooked
- kodennturkey
- kòkcock
- kokococonut
- Savolan-an di Harry li té vini mélé andidan yon pyé koko. Harry’s kite it came tangled in a coconut tree.
- kolasyonsnack
- kombyenhow many
- Kombyen sésé ki la? How many sisters are there?
- Kombyen moun te vini? How many people came?
- konlike, as
- Pa pléwé kon sa, ou ké kasé tjè mwen. Don't cry like that, you will break my heart.
- Pa pléwé kon sa, ou ké kwazé tjè mwen. Don't cry like that, you will destroy my heart.
- konfyansconfidence, trust
- konkonmcucumber
- konmenhow many
- konmèsmess, confusion; also (id.) commerce, traffic
- konmito commit
- konnetknow
- Tout moun nan Mawaval konnet Morella. Everyone in Maraval knows Morella.
- Yon gason asou lans-la li konnet Harry. A boy on the beach knows Harry.
- konnètto know
- konpannigroup
- Konpanni, épi sextan douvan, ka vini lawi légliz. The band, with the sextan in front, came to the church road.
- Konpanni yo wivé nan kwen Tixiera épi sextan an douvan. The band, they reached Tixiera’s corner with the sextan in front.
- konpasyoncompassion
- konpègodfather of one's child
- konplimancompliment
- konploplot, conspiracy
- konpyoutacomputer
- konsaso
- Mama-I wè li èpi souwi paski li té gadé konsa kontan. Her mother saw her and smiled because she looked so happy.
- Harry di sa li enmen wouj konsa li sété ka fè yon savolan wouj. Harry said that he liked red so he was making a red kite.
- konsèyadvice, counsel; a high court
- konsiltéto consult
- konsyansconscience
- kontagainst
- kwèch chanté-a di nou kont la bon fèt pou Jezi-kwi. Crèche tells about the birth of Jesus.
- Tout moun nan Pawamin konnet Fredom. Yo chanté kont-li nan vilaj Mawaval: Everyone in Paramin knows Fredom. They sing a ballad about him in Maraval village.
- kont-lito tell ballad like stories about a person
- Tout moun nan Pawamin konnet Fredom. Yo chanté kont-li nan vilaj Mawaval: Everyone in Paramin knows Fredom. They sing a ballad about him in Maraval village.
- kontanglad, happy; to like
- Yo té tini yon kontan jou bò lans-la. They had a happy day at the beach.
- Mama-I wè li èpi souwi paski li té gadé konsa kontan. Her mother saw her and smiled because she looked so happy.
- kontéto count
- kontinécontinue
- Nonm yo pa kouté.Yo kontiné pou bat bambou. The men did not listen. They continued to beat the bamboo.
- Nonm yo pa ka tan épi-l yo kontiné bat banbou. The men had no time with him they continued to beat the bamboo.
- kontwémeet
- Sextan, yonn bon nonm katolik, poté siltann kalé kontwé yo. The sextant, a good Catholic man, still in church gown, went to meet them.
- kotéwhere
- Koté-ou soti? Where are you from?
- Nan Pawamin I te yon boutik koté i ni tout bagay. Sa sé boutik Fredom. In Paramin, there is a shop where everything happens. This is Fredom’s shop.
- kotoncotton
- koudto sew
- koumanhow
- Kouman ou ye'? how are you?
- Li souwi épi li di,”kouman ou yé Yoland? ki lè i yé?” He smiled and said “How are you Yoland, what is the time?”
- koumanséstart, begin
- Lékòl koumansé bò ki lè? At what time does school begin?
- li koumansé nèf bonmaten. It began at nine in the morning.
- koupabguilty
- koupéto cut
- Si ou vlé pou di cut I sé koupé. If you want to say "cut", it's koupé.
- koutshort
- koutélisten
- Nonm yo pa kouté.Yo kontiné pou bat bambou. The men did not listen. They continued to beat the bamboo.
- koutoknife
- kouvèto cover
- kouwirun
- kouyonstupid
- Jan Savan épi Jan Kouyon Smart One and Stupid One
- Lè li kité jan kouyon westé lakay. When he left, Stupid boy remained at home.
- kouzencousin
- kouzincousin
- kwabyéheron
- kwazéto crush, to destroy
- Pa pléwé kon sa, ou ké kwazé tjè mwen. Don't cry like that, you will destroy my heart.
- kwèto believe
- Yo pa kwè. They did not believe.
- kwèchFrench Christmas carols
- Lè Nwèl apwoché gwoup yo chanté kwèch. When Christmas approaches the group sings Crèche.
- kwèch chanté-a di nou kont la bon fèt pou Jezi-kwi. Crèche tells about the birth of Jesus.
- kwédito give or take credit
- Pouki kòs misyé di, pa kwédi. Why did the man say, no credit?
- Ki les ki di, “Pa kwédi, kité.” Who said, no credit, leave?
- kwèsyonquestion
- kwévéto burst
- kwéyòlCreole, a French-based creole language
- Yo chanté nan Lanmès Jounen Kwéyòl Opyay Sent Lisi. They sang at the “Jounen Kwéyol Mass” at Opyay St Lucia.
- Yo di Kwéyòl, mé nan Trindad epi Tobago nou di Patois. They call it Kwéyòl, but in Trinidad and Tobago we say Patois.
- kwiyécall; to call loudly
- Vit, i kwiyé sextan, épi li di-i alé bawé yo. Quickly, he called the sextant and told him to go and block them.
- kwiza fit, hysterics
- lathere
- yo té la tout they were there as well
- Kombyen sésé ki la? How many sisters are there?
- lathe
- yo té la tout they were there as well
- Kombyen sésé ki la? How many sisters are there?
- Labibthe Bible
- labitidhabit
- Li di, “Lè ou chanjé tout vyé labitid, ou ké sòti. Lè ou pawé, di mwen” She said “When you change all the old habits, you could come out, when you ready, tell me.”
- lafyèvfever
- lagwasgrace
- Ki les ki pwedyé épi lagwas? Who prayed with grace?
- Yon madam an laj pwédyé épi lagwas. One old lady prayed with grace.
- lajold
- Yon madam an laj pwédyé épi lagwas. One old lady prayed with grace.
- lajanmoney
- Li di, “Ou tini lajan?” He said, “You have money?”
- Paski lajan wèd pou touvé Because money is hard to find
- lajòljail
- lakayhome
- Sanmdi, nou twavay lakay. On Saturday, we work at home.
- Yo té westé lakay gwanmanman-yo. They lived at their grandmother’s home.
- langajlanguage
- nan ki langaj? In what language?
- ki nom la langaj nan Sent Lisi? What is the name of the language in St Lucia?
- lanjanmoney
- lanmèsea
- lanmenhand
- Harry, I doubout, té fwoté lanmen-li épi li té kité. Harry stood up, rubbed his hands and left.
- lanmèsmass
- Lanmès nan Pawamin te bèl. The mass in Paramin was nice.
- Ki les kay chanté nan lanmès Jounen Kwéyol? Who was it who sang at the Jounen Kwéyòl mass?
- lanmityélove (in general)
- lanmoulove (personal, romantic); a term of address for a lover
- lanmowisaltfish
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- lannéyear
- Mwa nan lanné sé: The months of the year are:
- Sé douz mwa adan lanné an There are twelve months in one year.
- lannwitnight
- Yo kalé lakay pou lakay nan vilaj bò lannwit le sa-yo chanté an pil anpil. They go from house to house in the village at night singing.
- Yon Lendi kannaval bonmaten, konpanni nonm adan lawi Denmou, ki te ka fèt tout lannwit Dimanch vini andidan lawi ka bat tambou bambou. One carnival Monday morning, a group of men from Denmou Street, who had been partying all Sunday night, came out into the street beating the tambour bamboo.
- lansbeach
- Yo volé li asou lans-la. They fly it on the beach.
- Yo té tini yon kontan jou bò lans-la. They had a happy day at the beach.
- laplirain
- Dimanch, nou kalé légliz épi mesi Bondye pou kado li bay-i nou, épi pwédyé pou lapli. On Sunday, we go to church and thank God for gifts He gives us and we pray for rain.
- lapòtdoor
- lastired
- Yo té volé savolan-yo jis yo vini las. They flew their kites until they were tired.
- Li di, “Mwen las, mwen fini épi ou, sa sé sa.” She said, I am tired I finish with you that is that.
- lawistreet
- Yo volé savolan jis andidan lawi-a. They fly kite even in the street.
- Konpanni, épi sextan douvan, ka vini lawi légliz. The band, with the sextan in front, came to the church road.
- lèwhen
- Bò ki lè? At what time?
- Ki lè i yé? What is the time?
- lèdugly
- léglizChurch
- Konpanni, épi sextan douvan, ka vini lawi légliz. The band, with the sextan in front, came to the church road.
- Sextan tounen adan lawi légliz épi tout moun tounen menm bagay. The sextan turned into the church road and every body else turned as well.
- léjèlight
- lékòlSchool
- Lékòl koumansé bò ki lè? At what time does school begin?
- Lékòl koumansé wit é dimi. School begins at eight thirty.
- lendiMonday
- Lendi nou ké seklé. On Monday we weed.
- Dimanch, Lendi, Madi, Mékwédi, Jédi, Vandwédi, épi Sanmdi. The days of the week are: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- lèspwispirit
- Lè yo wive sòti Sent Lisi, yo poté lèspwi pou chanté an pil. When they returned from St Lucia they brought with them a great singing spirit.
- lètmilk
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- lévéto rise
- lézòtothers
- Liher, him, it
- Sa li te di? What did he say?
- Li (i) té manjé He/she had eaten.
- lisonlesson
- livbook
- An liv, la ou ké apwann palé Patois. In this book, you will learn to speak Patois.
- Sa sé liv mwen, sa sé had mwen, sa sé mwen, sa sé mwen. This is my book. This is my clothes. This is mine. This is mine.
- lòjéto lodge
- lonjéstretch, extended
- Gadé byen kouman ou ké de pasé lajan. Ou oblijé lonjé lajan. Look well how you spend money. You have to stretch money.
- lonyonchive
- Mékwédi, nou ka mawé lonyon. On Wednesday we tie chive.
- Nou planté lonyon, pèsi, épi diten. We plant chive, parsley, and thyme.
- lotother
- A lot gason li tini yon piti savolan. Another boy had a small kite.
- Li tini twa lot gason la ka volé savolan. It had three other boys there flying kite.
- lòtother
- Lòt jou-a vini, Jan Savan alé twavay. The following day came, the smart boy went off to work.
- louheavy
- louwakings
- louwaking
- lwiloil
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- lwilbwépitch oil
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- lyonlion
- machandizmerchandise
- machinmachine, engine; truck, van
- machwèjaw
- machwenporpoise
- madam-lathe lady
- Madam la di “Mwen vlé senk atiké.” The lady said, “I want five items.”
- Madam la di “Bonswè misyé mwen vlé achté kéchoy. The lady said, “Good night sir, I want to buy something.”
- madanmlady, madam
- Madanm Montano te enmen jwé Kannaval anpil. Mrs. Montano likes to play Carnival.
- Madanm Montano sé osi chef pou gwoup folk Mawaval. Mrs. Montano is also the leader of the Maraval folk group.
- MadiTuesday
- Madi nou ké fe menm bagay. On Tuesday we do the same.
- Dimanch, Lendi, Madi, Mékwédi, Jédi, Vandwédi, épi Sanmdi. The days of the week are: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- magazenshop, store; storeroom
- magwéalthough
- magwéin spite of
- majòldewlap
- makakmonkeys
- makakMonkey
- makoutomcat
- makouchattomcat
- makoumègodmother (a female co-sponsor at a baptism)
- malbad, ill
- maladill, sick
- Gwanmanman-yo té malad. Their grandmother was ill.
- Jan Savan té di, “Jan Kouyon meté dlo bouwi pou ba-i yon bon ti ben, pis manman pa sa benyen épi dlo fwet, li ké vini malad plis.” The Smart One said to the Stupid One, “You must put water to boil in order to give her a good little bath, because grandmother cannot be bathing with water that cold, she will get sicker.”
- malencunning
- maléwéindigent, very poor
- maléwèzindigent, very poor
- malkadiepilepsy
- mandéask
- Misyé mandé “Se tout?” The man asked, “Is that all?”
- Monique mandé tifi-a non-li Monique asked the girl’s name.
- mangomangoes
- manikouopossum
- manjéfood
- Mwen manjé? Have I eaten?
- Ou té ka manjé You were eating.
- manjéto eat
- Mwen manjé? Have I eaten?
- Ou té ka manjé You were eating.
- manman-ihis grandmother
- manmèludder
- manngmangrove
- mannikouopossum
- manyento handle
- manyòkcassava, manioc
- mapoua worthless wood
- MasMarch
- Févwiyé ében Mas sé ki tan nou ké sélébwé Kannaval nan Trindad épi Tobago. February or March is when we celebrate carnival in Trinidad and Tobago.
- masonnstone wall; concrete
- matantaunt
- matlamattress
- matlosailor
- matohammer
- matonchin
- matoutoutarantula
- mawétie
- Mékwédi, nou ka mawé lonyon. On Wednesday we tie chive.
- mawihusband
- mawisosédragonfly
- mawonto flee
- mawonnbeach party, beach picnic
- mayicorn
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- mébut
- Yo di Kwéyòl, mé nan Trindad epi Tobago nou di Patois. They call it Kwéyòl, but in Trinidad and Tobago we say Patois.
- Mé, mizik té bèl épi anpil moun ka vini adan lawi pou dansé épi yo. However, the music was sweet and many people came out into the street to dance with them.
- MéMay
- Yo di Kwéyòl, mé nan Trindad epi Tobago nou di Patois. They call it Kwéyòl, but in Trinidad and Tobago we say Patois.
- Mé, mizik té bèl épi anpil moun ka vini adan lawi pou dansé épi yo. However, the music was sweet and many people came out into the street to dance with them.
- MékwédiWednesday
- Mékwédi, nou ka mawé lonyon. On Wednesday we tie chive.
- Dimanch, Lendi, Madi, Mékwédi, Jédi, Vandwédi, épi Sanmdi. The days of the week are: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- mélétangled
- “Mwen kalé pou mélé bonbon-an.” “I am going to mix the cake.”
- “Ki moun kalé édé mwen mélé bonbon-an?” “Who is going to help me mix the cake?”
- méléto mix
- “Mwen kalé pou mélé bonbon-an.” “I am going to mix the cake.”
- “Ki moun kalé édé mwen mélé bonbon-an?” “Who is going to help me mix the cake?”
- menmsame
- Madi nou ké fe menm bagay. On Tuesday we do the same.
- Vandwédi ké fe menm bagay. On Friday she does the same.
- mennwitmidnight
- Mèsithank
- météput
- Li tjenbé Colette, ét vit mété-li andidan yon bwèt, lè li fini, li asiz asou li. She held on to Colette and quickly put her into a box. When she finished doing that she sat on it.
- Li di, “ Wi, mwen benyen-i. I pwan bon ti ben. Mwen mété dlo bouwi pou manman santi ben.” He answered “Yes, I bathe her, she take a good little bath. I hot water for granny that she could bathe.
- mété-iput her
- méwitéto deserve
- mèyèbetter
- micorn
- Mi yon kwrech yo chanté. Here is one of the carols that they usually sing.
- milatmulatto
- minwhile
- Jan Savan touléjou talé twavay. Min ka kité jan kouyon lakay pou benyen gwanmanman. Every day the smart boy went to work, while leaving foolish at home to bathe the grandmother.
- miskadnutmeg
- mistèmystery
- mistékmistake
- misyémister
- Misyé mandé “Se tout?” The man asked, “Is that all?”
- Pouki kòs misyé di, pa kwédi. Why did the man say, no credit?
- mizikmusic
- Mizik té bèl épi kon sa yo koumansé pou chanté menm bagay. The music was sweet and so they began chanting as well.
- Mé, mizik té bèl épi anpil moun ka vini adan lawi pou dansé épi yo. However, the music was sweet and many people came out into the street to dance with them.
- mizisyenmusician
- moword; swear word
- mòto die
- mòdéto bite
- mòlsoft
- mònmountain
- Yo volé savolan andidan sé mòn-la. They fly kite in the hills.
- monta watch
- montanymountain
- mouchfly (the insect)
- moulonwatermelon
- mounpeople
- Kombyen moun te vini? How many people came?
- Tout moun nan Mawaval konnet Morella. Everyone in Maraval knows Morella.
- moustachmoustache
- moutwéto show
- mouvmanmovement
- movébad
- mwamonth
- Ki mwa ou fèt? What month were you born?
- Mwa nan lanné sé: The months of the year are:
- mwenmine
- Mwen manjé? Have I eaten?
- Mwen sé douz. I am twelve.
- mwenI, me
- Mwen manjé? Have I eaten?
- Mwen sé douz. I am twelve.
- Mwenmy
- Mwen manjé? Have I eaten?
- Mwen sé douz. I am twelve.
- mwensless
- nanin; from or out of (after such verbs as sótî, tirer)
- nan ki langaj? In what language?
- Mwa nan lanné sé: The months of the year are:
- navéturnip
- nénose
- nèditanhours
- li diwe pweské dé nèditan. It lasted for almost two hours.
- NèfNine
- Titja Harry I wivé nèf. Teacher Harry arrived at nine.
- li koumansé nèf bonmaten. It began at nine in the morning.
- nègnegro
- nègwèsnegress
- nennose
- nennenngodmother
- nètclean
- NèvyèmNinth
- nionce
- Ou pa ni an pil You don't have much
- Li di, “ou pa ni an pil lajan.” He said, “You don’t have much money.”
- nivénephew
- nivonew
- nomname
- Sa ki nom? What is your name?
- ki nom yo? What are their names?
- nonname
- “Non” di tifi-a. “No” said the girl.
- Non-mwen sé Paulette. My name is Paulette.
- nonno
- “Non” di tifi-a. “No” said the girl.
- Non-mwen sé Paulette. My name is Paulette.
- nonmman
- Nonm la di “Sa ou vlé?” The man said, “What you want?”
- Nonm la di “Sa ou vlé achté?” The man said, “What you want to buy?”
- nonmman
- Nonm la di “Sa ou vlé?” The man said, “What you want?”
- Nonm la di “Sa ou vlé achté?” The man said, “What you want to buy?”
- nouyou (more than one)
- Nou té ka manjé We were eating.
- Lendi nou ké seklé. On Monday we weed.
- Nouwe, us
- Nou té ka manjé We were eating.
- Lendi nou ké seklé. On Monday we weed.
- NovanmNovember
- NwèlChristmas
- Nwèl sé nan mwa dèsanm. Christmas is in the month of December.
- Lè Nwèl apwoché gwoup yo chanté kwèch. When Christmas approaches the group sings Crèche.
- nyèsniece
- oblijéto compel
- Gadé byen kouman ou ké de pasé lajan. Ou oblijé lonjé lajan. Look well how you spend money. You have to stretch money.
- ofèto offer
- ofonto the bottom
- ÒktòbOctober
- Òktòb denye’ yo kalé pou Sent Lisi pou chanté. Last October, they went to St Lucia to sing.
- ÒpòPort-of-Spain
- I te ni anpil moun: Jan ki soti an Òpò. There were many people. People came from Port-of-Spain.
- Mwen ka wèsté an Òpò I live in Port-of-Spain
- Opyaya village in St. Lucia
- Yo chanté nan Lanmès Jounen Kwéyòl Opyay Sent Lisi. They sang at the “Jounen Kwéyol Mass” at Opyay St Lucia.
- osialso
- Madanm Montano sé osi chef pou gwoup folk Mawaval. Mrs. Montano is also the leader of the Maraval folk group.
- Gason-an té pousé Harry osi épi Harry té tonbé andidan sab-la. The boy pushed Harry also and he fell in the sand.
- otanas many, as much
- otjèthiccups
- Ouyou
- Koté-ou soti? Where are you from?
- Ki mwa ou fèt? What month were you born?
- ouvèto open
- Li te la wenn pou Jou Ouvè anpil mé tout moun konnet-li ka jwé Minstrel. She has been queen of Jou Ouvert many times but everyone knows her for playing Minstrels.
- pathrough, not, no, don't
- Yo pa kwè. They did not believe.
- Mwen pa manjé. I am not hungry.
- pakEaster
- Li sé sézon Pak, épi sé ich-la toupatou ka volé savolan-yo. It is Easter season, and children everywhere flying their kites.
- palapatablabber, chatter
- Palétalk, speak
- Vini Apwann pou Palé Patois! Come and Let's Speak Patois!
- An liv, la ou ké apwann palé Patois. In this book, you will learn to speak Patois.
- pantin
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- pandanwhile
- pantidoor hinge
- pantoufslipper
- panyenbasket
- papafather
- papaypapaya, pawpaw
- papiyonmoth
- papiyòtbutterfly
- papyépaper
- pasbecause
- paséthan (before infinitives; sometimes used alone for passé poû)
- Ou pa pasé Pawamin eksepté ou tan weste’ pitit épi Fredom. You cannot come to Paramin without passing some time at Fredom.
- Gadé byen kouman ou ké de pasé lajan. Ou oblijé lonjé lajan. Look well how you spend money. You have to stretch money.
- paséthan
- Ou pa pasé Pawamin eksepté ou tan weste’ pitit épi Fredom. You cannot come to Paramin without passing some time at Fredom.
- Gadé byen kouman ou ké de pasé lajan. Ou oblijé lonjé lajan. Look well how you spend money. You have to stretch money.
- paséthan (before any tense of the Indicative)
- Ou pa pasé Pawamin eksepté ou tan weste’ pitit épi Fredom. You cannot come to Paramin without passing some time at Fredom.
- Gadé byen kouman ou ké de pasé lajan. Ou oblijé lonjé lajan. Look well how you spend money. You have to stretch money.
- paskibecause
- Paski lajan wèd pou touvé Because money is hard to find
- Mama-I wè li èpi souwi paski li té gadé konsa kontan. Her mother saw her and smiled because she looked so happy.
- pawèsparish
- Monpè Donald, pwèt pawès la, I té ka di Lames nan leglis Mawaval, le i vini épi li wè konpanni nonm épi i vini faché. Father Donald, the parish priest, had just said Holy Mass at the church in Maraval, he came and saw the group of men and became angry.
- pémay (denoting permission)
- péfew, little
- pèto fear, to dread
- pèpriest
- pèfear
- penbread
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- pèsiparsley
- Nou planté lonyon, pèsi, épi diten. We plant chive, parsley, and thyme.
- piwell
- Yo sé dé sésé. Pi gwan sé Colette épi piti-a se’ Lynnette. There were two sisters. The bigger one was Colette. The smaller one was Lynette.
- pikwapickaxe
- pimanpepper
- pisbecause
- Jan Savan té di, “Jan Kouyon meté dlo bouwi pou ba-i yon bon ti ben, pis manman pa sa benyen épi dlo fwet, li ké vini malad plis.” The Smart One said to the Stupid One, “You must put water to boil in order to give her a good little bath, because grandmother cannot be bathing with water that cold, she will get sicker.”
- pitètperhaps
- pitismall
- A lot gason li tini yon piti savolan. Another boy had a small kite.
- Paramin sé yon piti vilaj an mon Maraval. Paramin is a small village in the mountain of Maraval.
- pitosooner, rather
- plantéplant
- Twavay nou sé pou planté jaden. Our work is to plant garden.
- Nou planté lonyon, pèsi, épi diten. We plant chive, parsley, and thyme.
- pléwécry
- Ki lè i koumansé pléwé vie fanm la? When did the old lady cry?
- Pa pléwé kon sa, ou ké kasé tjè mwen. Don't cry like that, you will break my heart.
- plisanything, more
- Ban té san dé pa sé plis I cannot buy anything else
- Mwen di “lajan mwen fini, ban té san dé pa sé plis.” I said, “My money finish, I cannot buy anything else.”
- ponbridge
- ponmètto promise
- ponnto lay, (as a hen, &c.)
- pòtécarry
- Tout twa di yo, té alé lakay-yo, ka pòté savolan-an vèt, las mé kontan. All three of them went home, carrying the green kite, tired but happy.
- pouto, for
- Yon ka pou wit quarter to eight
- Paski lajan wèd pou touvé Because money is hard to find
- poulhen
- pouséto push
- Li té pousé gason-an. He pushed the boy.
- Gason-an té pousé Harry osi épi Harry té tonbé andidan sab-la. The boy pushed Harry also and he fell in the sand.
- pozéalright
- “Pozé” vyé fanm-la di. “Alright” the old lady said.
- “Pozé, mwen kalé pou kò mwen;” vyé fanm-la di. “Alright, I am going myself;” the old lady said.
- pudbaking powder
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- pwantake
- Li di, “ Wi, mwen benyen-i. I pwan bon ti ben. Mwen mété dlo bouwi pou manman santi ben.” He answered “Yes, I bathe her, she take a good little bath. I hot water for granny that she could bathe.
- pwatikpractice, Cr. also customer
- pwénear
- pwédyépray
- Yon madam an laj pwédyé épi lagwas. One old lady prayed with grace.
- Dimanch, nou kalé légliz épi mesi Bondye pou kado li bay-i nou, épi pwédyé pou lapli. On Sunday, we go to church and thank God for gifts He gives us and we pray for rain.
- pwèmyéFirst
- Sé pwèmyé fwa sa wive nan Trindad epi Tobago. Sé bon. It was the first time. It was good.
- pwèskénearly, almost
- pwésonfish
- Pwéson-an I gouté byen paski I sété lafime adan boukan-la. The fish tasted good because it was smoked in the buccan (smoking rack).
- pwètpriest
- Monpè Donald, pwèt pawès la, I té ka di Lames nan leglis Mawaval, le i vini épi li wè konpanni nonm épi i vini faché. Father Donald, the parish priest, had just said Holy Mass at the church in Maraval, he came and saw the group of men and became angry.
- Pwèt- la épi sextan sanm-yo sa flèch. Yon ti konpanni fanm ka di, “Gadé, si pwet-la ka jwé, ki sé nou.” Épi yo jwenn konpanni pou dansé menm bagay. The priest and the sextan appeared the leaders. The small band of women said, “look, if the priest could ply, who is we” and they joined the band to dance as well.
- pwézidanpresident
- pwézonpoison
- pwiprice
- pyanm pyanmso-so, fair, middling
- Sala yonn sé pyanm pyanm That one is so-so
- pyétree
- Savolan-an di Harry li té vini mélé andidan yon pyé koko. Harry’s kite it came tangled in a coconut tree.
- pyèsat all
- Sathat
- Sa ki nom? What is your name?
- Sa li te di? What did he say?
- sabsand
- Gason-an té pousé Harry osi épi Harry té tonbé andidan sab-la. The boy pushed Harry also and he fell in the sand.
- sadoulard
- sakbag
- salathis
- Harry, li té tini yon gwo savolan vèt sala tan. Harry had a big green kite this time.
- Sala yonn sé pyanm pyanm That one is so-so
- saladsalad
- SanmdiSaturday
- Sanmdi, nou twavay lakay. On Saturday, we work at home.
- Dimanch, Lendi, Madi, Mékwédi, Jédi, Vandwédi, épi Sanmdi. The days of the week are: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- sapatèa flat fish
- savTo Know
- savansmart
- Jan Savan épi Jan Kouyon Smart One and Stupid One
- Lòt jou-a vini, Jan Savan alé twavay. The following day came, the smart boy went off to work.
- savannsavannah
- Yo volé savolan andidan savann-la. They fly kite in the savannah.
- savolankite
- Gason-an pa tini savolan. The boy has no kite.
- Harry li té fè savolan-li. Harry made his kite.
- savonsoap
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- séis, are
- Mwen sé douz. I am twelve.
- Colette sé chis. Colette was selfish.
- sèsister
- sèkdry, crisp, curt
- sèkléweed
- sèlonly
- Sèl savolan-an di Monique wèsté bon. Only Monique’s kite remained good.
- sèlsalt
- Sèl savolan-an di Monique wèsté bon. Only Monique’s kite remained good.
- sélébwécelebrate
- An Oktob 1994 Gwoup-la sélébwé 25 annivèwsé ak Lanmes Patois nan Pawamin. On October 1994 the Patois mass celebrated at Paramin marked the twenty fifth anniversary of the group.
- Févwiyé ében Mas sé ki tan nou ké sélébwé Kannaval nan Trindad épi Tobago. February or March is when we celebrate carnival in Trinidad and Tobago.
- SenkFive
- Madam la di “Mwen vlé senk atiké.” The lady said, “I want five items.”
- Yonn jou, mwen wivé lékòl senk minit apwé wit. One day I arrived at school five minutes after eight.
- SenkantFifty
- SenkantdéFifty-two
- SenkanteyenFifty-one
- SenkantkatFifty-four
- SenkantnèfFifty-nine
- SenkantsenkFifty-five
- SenkantsètFifty-seven
- SenkantsisFifty-six
- SenkantwaFifty-three
- SenkantywitFifty-eight
- SenkyèmFifth
- sèpansnake
- SèptanmSeptember
- sésésister
- Kombyen sésé ki la? How many sisters are there?
- Yo sé dé sésé. Pi gwan sé Colette épi piti-a se’ Lynnette. There were two sisters. The bigger one was Colette. The smaller one was Lynette.
- SètSeven
- Sèt jou adan yonn simenn. Seven days in one week.
- sétéwas
- Tifi-a di sa non-li sété Marita The girl said her name was Marita.
- Li sété jòn épi li pa enmen jòn. It was yellow and she did not like yellow.
- SètyèmSeventh
- sèvèlbrain
- sèvito serve
- SèzSixteen
- sézonseason
- Li sé sézon Pak, épi sé ich-la toupatou ka volé savolan-yo. It is Easter season, and children everywhere flying their kites.
- Siif
- Pwèt- la épi sextan sanm-yo sa flèch. Yon ti konpanni fanm ka di, “Gadé, si pwet-la ka jwé, ki sé nou.” Épi yo jwenn konpanni pou dansé menm bagay. The priest and the sextan appeared the leaders. The small band of women said, “look, if the priest could ply, who is we” and they joined the band to dance as well.
- Si ou vlé pou di cut I sé koupé. If you want to say "cut", it's koupé.
- siksugar
- “Mwen vlé fawin fwans épi sik,” vyé fanm-la di. “I want flour and sugar,” the old lady said.
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen. I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- silonaccording to
- simento scatter abroad
- simenna week
- Sèt jou adan yonn simenn. Seven days in one week.
- simennweek
- Sèt jou adan yonn simenn. Seven days in one week.
- simyéto prefer
- SisSix
- sitouespecially
- sizoscissors
- SizyèmSixth
- sonnento sound
- sotéto leap, jump
- sòtiexit, come out, go out, leave
- Avan mwen sòti boutik, yon vyé moun vini. Before I left the shop an old lady came in.
- Lè yo wive sòti Sent Lisi, yo poté lèspwi pou chanté an pil. When they returned from St Lucia they brought with them a great singing spirit.
- souddeaf, dull
- soufèto suffer
- soukwéto shake
- soulyéshoe
- sousyénot to care (seldom to care)
- souvanoften
- souwismile
- Mama-I wè li èpi souwi paski li té gadé konsa kontan. Her mother saw her and smiled because she looked so happy.
- Li souwi épi li di,”kouman ou yé Yoland? ki lè i yé?” He smiled and said “How are you Yoland, what is the time?”
- spòsport
- stéchannpolice station
- swasilk
- SwasantSixty
- SwasantdéSixty-two
- SwasanteyenSixty-one
- SwasantkatSixty-four
- SwasantnèfSixty-nine
- SwasantsenkSixty-five
- SwasantsètSixty-seven
- SwasantsisSixty-six
- SwasantwaSixty-three
- SwasantywitSixty-eight
- swento care, to nurse
- switisweet, candy
- tabtable
- tabaktobacco
- tantime
- Yon tan èvèk Fredom without spending time at Fredom
- Nonm yo pa ka tan épi-l yo kontiné bat banbou. The men had no time with him they continued to beat the bamboo.
- tanmadòztomato
- tantantaunt
- tantasyontemptation
- téused to show past tense
- yo té la tout they were there as well
- Ou té ka manjé You were eating.
- tèthead
- tilittle
- Jan kouyon koumansé fé ti twavay-li. Stupid boy began to do his little work.
- Andan vilaj Mawaval i ti ni yon fanm. In Maraval village there is a woman.
- tifpumice
- tifigirl
- “Non” di tifi-a. “No” said the girl.
- “Pa mwen” tifi-a di. “Not me” said the girl.
- tinito have
- Li di, “Ou tini lajan?” He said, “You have money?”
- Gason-an pa tini savolan. The boy has no kite.
- titjateacher
- Titja Harry I wivé nèf. Teacher Harry arrived at nine.
- Ki sa titja Harry te di? What did teacher Harry say?
- tjèheart
- Pa pléwé kon sa, ou ké kasé tjè mwen. Don't cry like that, you will break my heart.
- Pa pléwé kon sa, ou ké kwazé tjè mwen. Don't cry like that, you will destroy my heart.
- Tjenbéhold on to
- Li té alé lakay, ka tjenbé savolan-li vèt. She went home holding her kite.
- Li tjenbé Colette, ét vit mété-li andidan yon bwèt, lè li fini, li asiz asou li. She held on to Colette and quickly put her into a box. When she finished doing that she sat on it.
- tjwisthigh
- tjwitto cook
- Bonbon-an li té fini ka tjwit The cake finished cook.
- Vyé fanm-la di “Mwen fini ka tjwit bonbon-an. Mwen fè bonbon-an, mwen kalé manjé li.” The old lady said “I’ve finished cooking the cake. I made the cake, I am going to eat it.”
- tjwizinkitchen
- tòbtub
- tolomanarrowroot
- tontuna
- tonbéto fall
- Yo véyé li alé épi alé jis li té tonbé andidan dlo-a. They watched it go and go until it fell in the water.
- Gason-an té pousé Harry osi épi Harry té tonbé andidan sab-la. The boy pushed Harry also and he fell in the sand.
- tonmtomb
- toujoualways, still
- touléjoueveryday
- Jan Savan touléjou talé twavay. Min ka kité jan kouyon lakay pou benyen gwanmanman. Every day the smart boy went to work, while leaving foolish at home to bathe the grandmother.
- Toulétanall the time
- tounento turn
- Sextan tounen adan lawi légliz épi tout moun tounen menm bagay. The sextan turned into the church road and every body else turned as well.
- toupatoueverywhere
- Li sé sézon Pak, épi sé ich-la toupatou ka volé savolan-yo. It is Easter season, and children everywhere flying their kites.
- toutall
- Se tout? Is that all?
- yo té la tout they were there as well
- touvélook for, find
- Paski lajan wèd pou touvé Because money is hard to find
- Misyé di, “gadé tifi, ou fini achté? Sa ou vlé, paski lajan wed pou touvé, ou bizwen lajan. The man said, “Look little girl, you finish buy what you want? Because money hard to come by, you need money.
- TwaThree
- Twa di yo volé savolan-yo asou lans-la. Three of them fly their kites on the beach.
- Li tini twa lot gason la ka volé savolan. It had three other boys there flying kite.
- twadisyonnèltraditional, folk
- Jan Sent Lisi yo enmen éwitaj Patois, sé twadisyonnèl. The people of St Lucia love their Patois heritage.
- TwantThirty
- TwantdéThirty-two
- TwantkatThirty-four
- TwantnèfThirty-nine
- TwantsenkThirty-five
- TwantsètThirty-seven
- TwantsisThirty-six
- TwantwaThirty-three
- TwantywitThirty-eight
- twatenyènThirty-one
- twavaywork
- Sanmdi, nou twavay lakay. On Saturday, we work at home.
- Twavay nou sé pou planté jaden. Our work is to plant garden.
- twavay-lihis work
- Jan kouyon koumansé fé ti twavay-li. Stupid boy began to do his little work.
- Kon sa, lè Jan Savan sòti twavay-li apwémidi, li di “Jan kouyon, ou benyen manman Jodi-a?” When Smart Boy returned home in the afternoon, he said, “Stupid Boy, you bathe mama today?”
- TwazyèmThird
- twazyenmThird
- twèlcloth
- twentrain
- TwèzThirteen
- twissad
- twòtoo, too much
- twòtoo
- vakansholiday, vacation
- valéto swallow
- valediktowyenvaledictorian
- vanwind, air; breath; gas in the gut
- VandwédiFriday
- Vandwédi ké fe menm bagay. On Friday she does the same.
- Dimanch, Lendi, Madi, Mékwédi, Jédi, Vandwédi, épi Sanmdi. The days of the week are: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- vannto sell
- vantbelly, stomach; a sale
- vantabraggart, show-off
- vapbad mood, sulkiness
- vapèsteam, vapour
- vayanstout, robust
- vèblépimple
- vèglayglare, dazzling light
- vèminvermin, pests
- VenTwenty
- Mwen di, “Mwen vlé ven atiké.” I said, “I want to get twenty items.”
- Li te vlé ven atiké nan boutik. She wanted twenty items from the shop.
- VendéTwenty-two
- vennvein
- VennèfTwenty-nine
- vennivarnish
- VennkatTwenty-four
- An Avwi vennkat 1994 yo chanté Lanmés Patois nan Maruga. On April 24th 1994 they sang at the Patois mass in Moruga.
- VensenkTwenty-five
- VensètTwenty-seven
- VensisTwenty-six
- VentwaTwenty-three
- VenywitTwenty-eight
- vètgreen
- Li té vlé yon gwo savolan vèt. She wanted a big green kite.
- Monique pa enmen wouj. Li enmen vèt. Monique does not like red. She likes green.
- vetenyènTwenty-one
- vètito warn
- vèvwidow
- véyéto watch
- Yo véyé li alé épi alé jis li té tonbé andidan dlo-a. They watched it go and go until it fell in the water.
- vidéto pour out
- viltown
- vilajvillage
- Mwen ka wèsté an vilaj Paramin. I live in Paramin village.
- Andan vilaj Mawaval i ti ni yon fanm. In Maraval village there is a woman.
- vinègvinegar
- Vinicome
- Kombyen moun te vini? How many people came?
- Harry li té vini faché. Harry got angry.
- visa screw
- vitquick, quickly
- Vit, i kwiyé sextan, épi li di-i alé bawé yo. Quickly, he called the sextant and told him to go and block them.
- Li tjenbé Colette, ét vit mété-li andidan yon bwèt, lè li fini, li asiz asou li. She held on to Colette and quickly put her into a box. When she finished doing that she sat on it.
- vitmanquickly, fast
- vivto live
- viwéreturn
- Jédi, mama mwen poté-i la pwodwi pou laplas épi viwé-i lajan. On Thursday my mother carry the produce to the market and return with money.
- vléwant
- LI di, “Sa ou vlé?” He said, “What do you want?”
- Nonm la di “Sa ou vlé?” The man said, “What you want?”
- volanflying fish
- voléto fly
- Yo volé li asou lans-la. They fly it on the beach.
- Yo volé savolan andidan sé mòn-la. They fly kite in the hills.
- vòlkanvolcano
- volontéwill, willpower
- vonvona bee
- vonvonnéto buzz
- vwavoice
- vwétrue
- vwémantruly
- vwézinajneighbour
- vyannmeat
- Vyeold
- Sa li ka di vye fanm la. What did the old lady say?
- Vye fanm la koumansé pléwé, kon sa mwen livwé kenz goud. The old lady began to cry so I handed over fifteen dollars.
- vyéold
- “Pozé” vyé fanm-la di. “Alright” the old lady said.
- Vyé fanm-la di “Ou pa édé, ou pa manjé. The old lady said “you did not help, you do not eat.”
- vyèjvirgin; jewfish
- vyélonviolin
- waking
- wadennguinea pig
- wasinroot
- wayawire
- Wèsee
- Yo wè lezom épi banbou yo. They saw the men with their bamboo.
- Yo wè yon tifi épi yon savolan-blan. They see a girl with a white kite.
- Wennqueen
- Li te la wenn pou Jou Ouvè anpil mé tout moun konnet-li ka jwé Minstrel. She has been queen of Jou Ouvert many times but everyone knows her for playing Minstrels.
- wéponnto answer
- wéponsanswer
- wèstéreside, stay, live
- Mwen ka wèsté an vilaj Paramin. I live in Paramin village.
- Sèl savolan-an di Monique wèsté bon. Only Monique’s kite remained good.
- wèstéremained
- Mwen ka wèsté an vilaj Paramin. I live in Paramin village.
- Sèl savolan-an di Monique wèsté bon. Only Monique’s kite remained good.
- wévéto dream
- Wiyes
- Li di, “ Wi, mwen benyen-i. I pwan bon ti ben. Mwen mété dlo bouwi pou manman santi ben.” He answered “Yes, I bathe her, she take a good little bath. I hot water for granny that she could bathe.
- wichrich
- wichèsOpulence; wealth
- widocurtain
- wifizéto refuse
- wigwététo regret
- wimento stir
- wimètto give back
- wisivwèto receive
- witounento give back
- wivéarrive, return
- Ki lè Yoland wivé? When did Yoland arrive?
- Bò ki lè Paulette wivé? At what time did Paulette arrive?
- WonzEleven
- wonzyenmEleventh
- woujred
- Li té fè yon gwo savolan wouj He made a big red kite.
- Li sété ka fè yon gwo savolan wouj. He was making a big red kite.
- wozèrosary
- yèyesterday
- yothey, them, their
- Yo pa kwè. They did not believe.
- ki nom yo? What are their names?
- yonone, a
- Yon ka pou wit quarter to eight
- Yon tan èvèk Fredom without spending time at Fredom
- YonnOne
- Sèt jou adan yonn simenn. Seven days in one week.
- Yonn gason, li tini yon gwo savolan. One boy, he had a big kite.
- YwitEight
- ywitèeight o'clock
- YwityèmEighth
- zafèbusiness
- Li di, “Sa sé zafè-w, se sezon gwiyav, tan a wed, pa kwédi.” He said, “That is your business, it is guava season, times on the ground hard, no credit.”
- zagwiyenspider
- zalimètmatches
- zanmifriends
- zasyètplate
- zéeggs
- zèbgrass
- zèlwing
- zenfishhook
- zéponspur
- ZéwòZero
- zobone
- zòfigarfish, needlefish
- zonngfingernail, toenail
- zòtyou (more than one)
- Zòt té ka manjé You were eating.
- Tout zòt tini Anthony ka twavay anpil tan. All of you have Anthony working a lot of the time.
- zoutitool
- zwicricket (the insect)
- zwillrazor blade
- Yon Gason li té tini zwill asou savolan-li One of the boys had razor blades on his kite.
Phrases
- “Ki moun kalé édé mwen mélé bonbon-an?”“Who is going to help me mix the cake?”
- “Mwen kalé pou mélé bonbon-an.”“I am going to mix the cake.”
- “Mwen vlé fawin fwans épi sik,” vyé fanm-la di.“I want flour and sugar,” the old lady said.
- “Non” di gason-an“No” said the boy.
- “Non” di tifi-a.“No” said the girl.
- “Nou kalé pou boutik-la achté li pou mwen?”“You going to the shop, buy it for me?”
- “Pa mwen” gason-an di.“Not me” said the boy.
- “Pa mwen” tifi-a di.“Not me” said the girl.
- “Pozé, mwen kalé pou kò mwen;” vyé fanm-la di.“Alright, I am going myself;” the old lady said.
- “Pozé, mwen Yonne kalé pou fè li;” Vyé fanm-la di.“Alright, I alone going to make it;” the old lady said.
- “Pozé” vyé fanm-la di.“Alright” the old lady said.
- a lotanother
- A lot gason li tini yon piti savolan.Another boy had a small kite.
- AI pa kapab pou édé ou épi sa.AI can't help you with that.
- alé twavaywent to work
- An Avwi vennkat 1994 yo chanté Lanmés Patois nan Maruga.On April 24th 1994 they sang at the Patois mass in Moruga.
- An liv, la ou ké apwann palé Patois.In this book, you will learn to speak Patois.
- An Oktob 1994 Gwoup-la sélébwé 25 annivèwsé ak Lanmes Patois nan Pawamin.On October 1994 the Patois mass celebrated at Paramin marked the twenty fifth anniversary of the group.
- an pilplenty, much
- An ti vilaj sa-a langaj nou ka palé se patois.In this village, we speak Patois.
- Andan Boutik-laInside the Shop
- Andan vilaj Mawaval i ti ni yon fanm.In Maraval village there is a woman.
- Anous Konté apwezanLet us count now
- apa diapart from
- apan medeobetween the two
- Apwè li benyen-i, i meté-i an dandan.After bathing her he dressed her.
- Apwézan, leglis Katolik pa te enmen kannaval épi pa te enmen tambou bambou.Now the Catholic Church did not like the carnival bacchanal and did not like the tambour bamboo.
- Asiz asou chèz-lasit on the chair
- Asou a lot jou, Harry li té alé pou lans-la ankò pou volé savolan.Another day, Harry went to the beach again to fly kite.
- Avan mwen sòti boutik, yon vyé moun vini.Before I left the shop an old lady came in.
- Ban té san dé pa sé plisI cannot buy anything else
- bay yogive them
- Bò ki lè Paulette wivé?At what time did Paulette arrive?
- Bò ki lè titja Harry wivé?At what time did teacher Harry arrive?
- Bò ki lè?At what time?
- Bonbon-an li té fini ka tjwitThe cake finished cook.
- Bonjou ou déy pyanmpyanmGood morning, you're so-so (greeting exchange)
- Byen bonjou, non-mwen sé Paulette.Good day, my name is Paulette.
- chak fwaalways
- Chak fwa li ka di sé mwen, sé mwen.She was always saying “This is mine”.
- chak lanewhenever
- Chanté an te bèl, tout bagay nan Patois.The singing was nice, everything in Patois.
- Colette sé chis.Colette was selfish.
- Dé SéséTwo Sisters
- Dézyenm LisonLesson 2
- di menmbut
- Di mwentell me
- Di mwen kéchòy sa li té ka di?What was she always saying?
- Di mwen kéchoy, sa li té ka di?Tell me something, what was she always saying?
- Dimanch, Lendi, Madi, Mékwédi, Jédi, Vandwédi, épi Sanmdi.The days of the week are: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- Dimanch, nou kalé légliz épi mesi Bondye pou kado li bay-i nou, épi pwédyé pou lapli.On Sunday, we go to church and thank God for gifts He gives us and we pray for rain.
- Disyenm LisonLesson 10
- Douzyenm LisonLesson 12
- Épi faché anpil, li vini andidan lawi pou bawé-yo.With much anger he came into the street to block them.
- Épi sa sé ki sa li fè.And that is what she did.
- èspliké kouLesson explanations
- fawin fwansflour
- fawin fwanséflour
- fé tito do
- Févwiyé ében Mas sé ki tan nou ké sélébwé Kannaval nan Trindad épi Tobago.February or March is when we celebrate carnival in Trinidad and Tobago.
- Fèyèt YonnStage One Reader
- fini ka tjwitfinished cooking
- Gadé byen kouman ou ké de pasé lajan. Ou oblijé lonjé lajan.Look well how you spend money. You have to stretch money.
- Gason-an épi tifi-a mandé vyé fanm-la pou bonbon.The boy and the girl asked the old lady for cake.
- Gason-an li pa wivé la.The boy was not there.
- Gason-an pa tini savolan.The boy has no kite.
- Gason-an té fè savolan di Harry ayo.The boy made Harry’s kite get away.
- Gason-an té pousé Harry osi épi Harry té tonbé andidan sab-la.The boy pushed Harry also and he fell in the sand.
- Gwanmanman-yo té malad.Their grandmother was ill.
- Gwoup TwadisyonnèlThe Folk Group
- Gwoup yo koumansé chanté mwa Septanm.The group will begin singing in September.
- Harry di pou Monique sa li sété ka fè a lot savolan.Harry said to Monique that he was making another kite.
- Harry di sa li enmen wouj konsa li sété ka fè yon savolan wouj.Harry said that he liked red so he was making a red kite.
- Harry li té fè savolan-li.Harry made his kite.
- Harry li té vini faché.Harry got angry.
- Harry té di gason-an pou volé savolan-li.Harry told the boy to fly his kite.
- Harry té fè yon gwo savolan vèt pou Monique.Harry made a big green kite for Monique.
- Harry té fè yon savolan pou kò-li.Harry made a kite for himself.
- Harry, I doubout, té fwoté lanmen-li épi li té kité.Harry stood up, rubbed his hands and left.
- Harry, li té tini yon gwo savolan vèt sala tan.Harry had a big green kite this time.
- I chisshe is stingy
- i dihe said
- I pòtéShe carries
- i téit had, there were
- I te ni anpil moun: Jan ki soti an Òpò.There were many people. People came from Port-of-Spain.
- I té ni dé ti bway. Yon sé té Jan Savan épi yon sé té Jan Kouyon.There were once two little boys. One was smart and one was stupid.
- I té sezon gwiyavIt is guava season
- Jan KouyonStupid Person
- Jan kouyon di, “Mwen pa fe anyen manman paski pa tini zalimet pou limye dife’ pou bouwi dlo”Stupid Boy said, “I have not done anything to mama because it had no matches to light the fire to boil the water.”
- Jan kouyon koumansé fé ti twavay-li.Stupid boy began to do his little work.
- Jan lakay bay yo kado lajan épi manjé.People give them gifts of money and food.
- Jan SavanSmart Person
- Jan Savan épi Jan KouyonSmart One and Stupid One
- Jan Savan té di, “Jan Kouyon meté dlo bouwi pou ba-i yon bon ti ben, pis manman pa sa benyen épi dlo fwet, li ké vini malad plis.”The Smart One said to the Stupid One, “You must put water to boil in order to give her a good little bath, because grandmother cannot be bathing with water that cold, she will get sicker.”
- Jan Savan touléjou talé twavay. Min ka kité jan kouyon lakay pou benyen gwanmanman.Every day the smart boy went to work, while leaving foolish at home to bathe the grandmother.
- Jan Sent Lisi yo enmen éwitaj Patois, sé twadisyonnèl.The people of St Lucia love their Patois heritage.
- Jédi, mama mwen poté-i la pwodwi pou laplas épi viwé-i lajan.On Thursday my mother carry the produce to the market and return with money.
- Jòdi-a sé lendiToday is Monday
- Jou nan Simenn-laDays of the Week
- jou pozrest day, day off
- Jounen Kwéyòla festival held in internationally in October
- Jwiyèt épi Awou ké fèmé lékòl.In July and august school is closed.
- ka bouwiboiling
- ka kitéhe left
- ka pòtécarrying
- Kanmawad mwen Yoland wivé avan mwen.My friend Yoland arrived before me.
- Katyenm LisonLesson 4
- kay sa-athis place
- Ki kote nan Sent Lisi yo te fe fet la?Where in St Lucia did it happen?
- Ki kote yo te fe’Lanmés?The Mass was held where?
- Ki le gwoup kalé Sent Lisi?When did the group go to St Lucia?
- Ki lè i koumansé pléwé vie fanm la?When did the old lady cry?
- Ki lè i yé?What is the time?
- Ki lè Yoland wivé?When did Yoland arrive?
- Ki leswhose
- Ki les kay chanté nan lanmès Jounen Kwéyol?Who was it who sang at the Jounen Kwéyòl mass?
- Ki les ki di, “Bonswè misye, mwen vlé kéchòy.”Who was it who said goodnight mister I want something?
- Ki les ki di, “Pa kwédi, kité.”Who said, no credit, leave?
- Ki les ki pwedyé épi lagwas?Who prayed with grace?
- Ki lès yo sé chis?Which of them is stingy?
- Ki mounwho
- Ki mwa ou fèt?What month were you born?
- ki nom la langaj nan Sent Lisi?What is the name of the language in St Lucia?
- ki nom yo?What are their names?
- Ki sawhat is that
- Ki sa titja Harry te di?What did teacher Harry say?
- Ki sa yo te chanté?How was the singing?
- kò mwenmyself
- kò-lihimself
- Kombyen atiké li vlé fanm la?How many items did the lady want?
- Kombyen moun te vini?How many people came?
- Kombyen sésé ki la?How many sisters are there?
- Kombyen sesé yo te ye'?How many sisters were there?
- kon saso
- Kon sa, lè Jan Savan sòti twavay-li apwémidi, li di “Jan kouyon, ou benyen manman Jodi-a?”When Smart Boy returned home in the afternoon, he said, “Stupid Boy, you bathe mama today?”
- Kon sa, toulé bon maten, Jan Kouyon benyen manmam-i.So, every morning, the foolish boy would bathe his grandmother.
- Konpanni yo wivé nan kwen Tixiera épi sextan an douvan.The band, they reached Tixiera’s corner with the sextan in front.
- Konpanni, épi sextan douvan, ka vini lawi légliz.The band, with the sextan in front, came to the church road.
- koté ou sòtiWhere are you from?
- Koté-ou soti?Where are you from?
- Kouman ou ye'?how are you?
- Koumansman épi anounsiasyon èk finisman épi lewa.It begins with the annunciation and ends with the feast of the Kings.
- Kouwi vitrun quickly
- kwèch chanté-a di nou kont la bon fèt pou Jezi-kwi.Crèche tells about the birth of Jesus.
- Lanmès nan Pawamin te bèl.The mass in Paramin was nice.
- latjé kochonpig tail
- Lè Jan Savan vini apwè twavay i mandé, “Jan Kouyon, ou benyen manman jòdi nou?”When the smart boy came home after working he asked: “Stupid, you bathe granny for us today?”
- Lè Lanmés fini, Jan Pawamin épi Jan Mawaval westé pou palé.When it was over, people from Paramin and people from Maraval stayed to talk.
- Lè li kité jan kouyon westé lakay.When he left, Stupid boy remained at home.
- Le mama mwen te piti ki lè lékòl ka kumanse?When my mothe was small what time did school begin?
- Lè Nwèl apwoché gwoup yo chanté kwèch.When Christmas approaches the group sings Crèche.
- Lè Sanmdi vini, mama-mwen, li te ba mwen lajan pou alé nan boutik.When Saturday came, my mother gave me money to go to the shop.
- lè viwéwhen he left
- Lè yo wive sòti Sent Lisi, yo poté lèspwi pou chanté an pil.When they returned from St Lucia they brought with them a great singing spirit.
- Légliz-ou sé menm tan kon klas-la. Nou èskizé ou.Your church is at the same time as the class. We excuse you.
- Lékòl koumansé bò ki lè?At what time does school begin?
- Lékòl koumansé wit é dimi.School begins at eight thirty.
- Lendi nou ké seklé.On Monday we weed.
- Li (i) enmenHe/she loves
- Li (i) ka manjéHe/she eats. He/she is eating.
- Li (i) kalé manjéHe/she will eat. He is going going to eat.
- Li (i) manjéHe/she ate. He/she has eaten.
- Li (i) té enmenHe/she loved. He/she had loved.
- Li (i) té ka manjéHe/she was eating.
- Li (i) té manjéHe/she had eaten.
- Li dishe said
- Li di, “ Wi, mwen benyen-i. I pwan bon ti ben. Mwen mété dlo bouwi pou manman santi ben.”He answered “Yes, I bathe her, she take a good little bath. I hot water for granny that she could bathe.
- Li di, “Lè ou chanjé tout vyé labitid, ou ké sòti. Lè ou pawé, di mwen”She said “When you change all the old habits, you could come out, when you ready, tell me.”
- Li di, “Mwen las, mwen fini épi ou, sa sé sa.”She said, I am tired I finish with you that is that.
- Li di, “ou pa ni an pil lajan.”He said, “You don’t have much money.”
- Li di, “Ou tini lajan?”He said, “You have money?”
- Li di, “Pa kwédi, alé, kité boutik mwen, ou vlé tout sa épi ou pa tini lajan.”He said, “No credit, go, leave my shop, you want all that and you have no money.”
- LI di, “Sa ou vlé?”He said, “What do you want?”
- Li di, “Sa sé zafè-w, se sezon gwiyav, tan a wed, pa kwédi.”He said, “That is your business, it is guava season, times on the ground hard, no credit.”
- li diwe pweské dé nèditan.It lasted for almost two hours.
- li kéwill
- li koumansé nèf bonmaten.It began at nine in the morning.
- Li sé fanm ki chepé, yon ki les enmen ewitaj.She is a woman who excels greatly, one who loves her heritage.
- Li sé sézon Pak, épi sé ich-la toupatou ka volé savolan-yo.It is Easter season, and children everywhere flying their kites.
- Li sété jòn épi li pa enmen jòn.It was yellow and she did not like yellow.
- Li sété ka fè yon gwo savolan wouj.He was making a big red kite.
- Li souwi épi li di,”kouman ou yé Yoland? ki lè i yé?”He smiled and said “How are you Yoland, what is the time?”
- Li té alé lakay, ka tjenbé savolan-li vèt.She went home holding her kite.
- Li te di mwen sa li ka vlé achté.She told me what she wanted to buy.
- Li té fè yon gwo savolan woujHe made a big red kite.
- Li te la wenn pou Jou Ouvè anpil mé tout moun konnet-li ka jwé Minstrel.She has been queen of Jou Ouvert many times but everyone knows her for playing Minstrels.
- Li té mandé Harry pou fè li a lot savolan.She asked Harry to make her another kite.
- Li te palé Patois byen épi li te konnet kwèche anpil.She speaks Patois well and knows much Crèche.
- Li té pousé gason-an.He pushed the boy.
- Li té vlé Harry pou fè yon savolan vèt.She wanted Harry to make a green kite.
- Li te vlé ven atiké nan boutik.She wanted twenty items from the shop.
- Li té vlé yon gwo savolan vèt.She wanted a big green kite.
- Li tini twa lot gason la ka volé savolan.It had three other boys there flying kite.
- Li tjenbé Colette, ét vit mété-li andidan yon bwèt, lè li fini, li asiz asou li.She held on to Colette and quickly put her into a box. When she finished doing that she sat on it.
- Li wivé lékòl yon ka pou wit.She had arrived at school at a quarter to eight.
- Lokasyon-li sé anmitan junction Fatima.It is directly in the centre of Fatima Junction.
- lòt jou-athe following day
- Lòt jou-a vini, Jan Savan alé twavay.The following day came, the smart boy went off to work.
- Madam la di “Bonswè misyé mwen vlé achté kéchoy.The lady said, “Good night sir, I want to buy something.”
- Madam la di “Lajan mwen fini, sé pou sa mwen pa ka achté anyen; me mwen fen.”The lady said, “My money finish, I am unable to buy anything, but I am hungry.”
- Madam la di “Mwen vlé senk atiké.”The lady said, “I want five items.”
- Madam la di, “Mwen pa ni lajan, mwen vlé kwédi.”The lady said, “I have no money, I want credit.”
- Madanm Montano sé osi chef pou gwoup folk Mawaval.Mrs. Montano is also the leader of the Maraval folk group.
- Madanm Montano te enmen jwé Kannaval anpil.Mrs. Montano likes to play Carnival.
- Madi nou ké fe menm bagay.On Tuesday we do the same.
- mama mwenmy mother
- Mama mwen li di li té kale’ lékòl pou nèf.My mother says she went to school for nine.
- Mama-I wè li èpi souwi paski li té gadé konsa kontan.Her mother saw her and smiled because she looked so happy.
- Mé, mizik té bèl épi anpil moun ka vini adan lawi pou dansé épi yo.However, the music was sweet and many people came out into the street to dance with them.
- Mékwédi, nou ka mawé lonyon.On Wednesday we tie chive.
- menm bagaysame thing
- menm bagayas well, also
- mesi anpil sa sé yonn laThanks very much, that's the one
- Mi yon kwrech yo chanté.Here is one of the carols that they usually sing.
- Misyé di, “gadé tifi, ou fini achté? Sa ou vlé, paski lajan wed pou touvé, ou bizwen lajan.The man said, “Look little girl, you finish buy what you want? Because money hard to come by, you need money.
- Misyé Holly Betaudier épi jan Radio Tempo yo té la tout,Mr. Holly Betaudier and people from Radio Tempo were there as well.
- Misyé mandé “Se tout?”The man asked, “Is that all?”
- Mizik té bèl épi kon sa yo koumansé pou chanté menm bagay.The music was sweet and so they began chanting as well.
- Monique di sa li pa enmen savolan-li.Monique said that she did not like her kite.
- Monique édé li pou fè li.Monique helped him to make it.
- Monique épi Harry yo alé lans-la pou volé savolan.Monique and Harry go to the beach to fly kite.
- Monique épi Harry yo chak tini yon savolan.Monique and Harry they each have a kite.
- Monique épi Harry yo té alé pou lans-la ankò.Monique and Harry went to the beach again.
- Monique li té alé lakay fwé épi kontan. Savolan-li sété wèsté bon.Monique went home proud and happy, that her kite was still good.
- Monique li tini lajan pou achté savolan-li.Monique had money to buy her kite.
- Monique mandé tifi-a non-liMonique asked the girl’s name.
- Monique pa enmen wouj. Li enmen vèt.Monique does not like red. She likes green.
- Monpè DonaldFather Donald
- Monpè Donald, ki les an finèt pwesbité, wè-yo.Father Donald, who was in the window of the presbitry, saw them.
- Monpè Donald, pwèt pawès la, I té ka di Lames nan leglis Mawaval, le i vini épi li wè konpanni nonm épi i vini faché.Father Donald, the parish priest, had just said Holy Mass at the church in Maraval, he came and saw the group of men and became angry.
- Moun yo ki chanté Patois, tini nom: gwoup folk de MawavalThe people who sing Patois are called The Maraval Folk Group.
- Mwa en LannéThe Months of the Year
- Mwa nan lanné sé:The months of the year are:
- Mwen di “lajan mwen fini, ban té san dé pa sé plis.”I said, “My money finish, I cannot buy anything else.”
- Mwen di, “Mwen vlé ven atiké.”I said, “I want to get twenty items.”
- Mwen di, yon liv bè, dé liv sik, senk liv fawin fwanse, yon liv sadu épi yon liv sel. Yon bwèt zalimet épi yon bwèt chandel, dé pan lèt, yon liv latjé kochon. Yon boutèy lwil épi yon pakit kafé, yon liv pwa kasé, dé liv diwi, yon bwèt savon, yon blé, yon liv pud, dé liv mayi, yon liv lanmowi, yon boutèy lwilbwé, épi yon pen.I said, “One pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, five pounds of flour, one pound of lad and a pound of salt. A box of matches and a box on candles, two tins of milk and a pound of pig tail, one bottle of oil, a pack of coffee, a pound of split peas, two pounds of rice, a box of soap and a blue. One pound of baking powder, two pounds of corn, one pound of salt fish, a bottle of pitch oil and a bread.”
- Mwen enmenI love
- Mwen enmen pou dansé.I love to dance.
- Mwen fé lékòl nan Paramin Katolik.I go to school at Paramin Roman Catholic.
- Mwen fèt an mwa Désanm.I was born in the month of December.
- Mwen ka manjéI eat. I am eating.
- Mwen ka wèsté an ÒpòI live in Port-of-Spain
- Mwen ka wèsté an vilaj Paramin.I live in Paramin village.
- Mwen kalé manjéI will eat. I am going to eat.
- Mwen lasI am tired
- Mwen manjéI ate. I have eaten.
- Mwen manjé?Have I eaten?
- Mwen pa manjé.I am not hungry.
- Mwen palé aséI talk enough
- Mwen sé douz.I am twelve.
- Mwen te alé nan boutik.I went to the shop.
- Mwen té enmenI loved. I had loved.
- Mwen té ka manjéI was eating.
- Mwen té manjéI had eaten.
- mwen YonneI alone
- N`omalman yo chanté lajouné avan Nwèl.It is usually sung at Christmas Eve.
- nan ki langaj?In what language?
- Nan ki nom sélébwasyon?What is the name of the celebration?
- Nan mitan de’ se’se’ yo, ki les ki te chis?Between the two which of them is stingy?
- Nan Pawamin I ni moun ki chanté Patois.In Paramin, there are people who sing songs in Patois.
- Nan Pawamin I te yon boutik koté i ni tout bagay. Sa sé boutik Fredom.In Paramin, there is a shop where everything happens. This is Fredom’s shop.
- Nèfyenm LisonLesson 9
- Nom li se Theresa Morella Montano.Her name is Theresa Morella Montano.
- Non-liher name
- Non-mwen sé Paulette.My name is Paulette.
- Nonm la di “Sa ou vlé achté?”The man said, “What you want to buy?”
- Nonm la di “Sa ou vlé?”The man said, “What you want?”
- Nonm yo pa ka tan épi-l yo kontiné bat banbou.The men had no time with him they continued to beat the bamboo.
- Nonm yo pa kouté.Yo kontiné pou bat bambou.The men did not listen. They continued to beat the bamboo.
- Nou enmenWe love
- Nou ka manjéWe eat. We are eating.
- Nou kalé manjéWe shall eat. We are going to eat.
- Nou kale' nan boutikWe going to the shop
- Nou kontan nou tini ou.We're glad to have you.
- Nou manjéWe ate. We have eaten.
- Nou planté lonyon, pèsi, épi diten.We plant chive, parsley, and thyme.
- Nou té enmenWe loved. We had loved.
- Nou té ka manjéWe were eating.
- Nou té manjéWe had eaten.
- Nwèl sé nan mwa dèsanm.Christmas is in the month of December.
- Òktòb denye’ yo kalé pou Sent Lisi pou chanté.Last October, they went to St Lucia to sing.
- Ou enmenYou love
- Ou ka manjéYou eat. You are eating.
- Ou kalé manjéYou shall eat. You are going to eat.
- Ou manjéYou ate. You have eaten.
- Ou pa ni an pilYou don't have much
- Ou pa pasé Pawamin eksepté ou tan weste’ pitit épi Fredom.You cannot come to Paramin without passing some time at Fredom.
- Ou té enmenYou loved. You had loved.
- Ou té ka manjéYou were eating.
- Ou té manjéYou had eaten.
- Pa mwennot me
- pa niwithout/there is not
- Pa pléwé kon sa, ou ké kasé tjè mwen.Don't cry like that, you will break my heart.
- Pa pléwé kon sa, ou ké kwazé tjè mwen.Don't cry like that, you will destroy my heart.
- pa vlédon't want
- pa vwénot true
- Paramin sé yon piti vilaj an mon Maraval.Paramin is a small village in the mountain of Maraval.
- Paski lajan wèd pou touvéBecause money is hard to find
- pou ki wézonfor what reason
- Pouki kòs misyé di, pa kwédi.Why did the man say, no credit?
- pouki sawhy
- Pouki sa li fé sa?Why did she do it?
- Pouki sa li fé-i?Why did she do it?
- pwa kasésplit peas
- Pwan liv-latake the book
- Pwèmyé Klas LivStage One Reader
- Pwèmyé LisonLesson 1
- Pwéson-an I gouté byen paski I sété lafime adan boukan-la.The fish tasted good because it was smoked in the buccan (smoking rack).
- Pwèt- la épi sextan sanm-yo sa flèch. Yon ti konpanni fanm ka di, “Gadé, si pwet-la ka jwé, ki sé nou.” Épi yo jwenn konpanni pou dansé menm bagay.The priest and the sextan appeared the leaders. The small band of women said, “look, if the priest could ply, who is we” and they joined the band to dance as well.
- Sa ki nom-li nan Trindad epi Tobago?What is the name of the language in Trinidad?
- Sa ki nom?What is your name?
- Sa li ka di vye fanm la.What did the old lady say?
- Sa li te di?What did he say?
- Sa Lynette fé?What did Lynette do?
- Sa ou vléWhat do you want?
- Sa pa ayenYou're welcome (lit. that's nothing)
- Sa sé bon an pil.That was very good.
- Sa sé liv mwen, sa sé had mwen, sa sé mwen, sa sé mwen.This is my book. This is my clothes. This is mine. This is mine.
- sa sé sathat is that
- sa sé zafè-wthat is your business
- Sala yonn sé pyanm pyanmThat one is so-so
- Sanmdi, nou twavay lakay.On Saturday, we work at home.
- Savolan-an di Harry li té vini mélé andidan yon pyé koko.Harry’s kite it came tangled in a coconut tree.
- Savolan-an di Marita li ayo.Marita’s kite got away.
- Sé douz mwa adan lanné anThere are twelve months in one year.
- Sé ich-lachildren
- Sé li fèt Jézi kwi.It is the birthday of Jesus Christ.
- Sé ou mwen enmen.It is you I love.
- Sé pwemyéIt's the first
- Sé pwèmyé fwa sa wive nan Trindad epi Tobago. Sé bon.It was the first time. It was good.
- Se tout?Is that all?
- Sé vye fanm la té faché, li kite boutik la me li pa achté anyen.The old lady became angry. She left the shop but she did not buy anything.
- Sèl savolan-an di Monique wèsté bon.Only Monique’s kite remained good.
- senk minitfive minutes
- Senkyenm LisonLesson 5
- Sèt jou adan yonn simenn.Seven days in one week.
- Sètyenm LisonLesson 7
- Sextan tounen adan lawi légliz épi tout moun tounen menm bagay.The sextan turned into the church road and every body else turned as well.
- Sextan, yonn bon nonm katolik, poté siltann kalé kontwé yo.The sextant, a good Catholic man, still in church gown, went to meet them.
- Sézon PakEaster season, Eastertide
- si lia person, (one)
- Si ou vlé pou di cut I sé koupé.If you want to say "cut", it's koupé.
- Sisyenm LisonLesson 6
- tan a wedtimes hard
- té ditold
- té maladwas ill
- té vléwanted
- Teka diwas saying
- ti benlittle bath
- Tifi-a di sa non-li sété MaritaThe girl said her name was Marita.
- Titja Harry I wivé nèf.Teacher Harry arrived at nine.
- Tiwé ListwaTelling Stories
- tjiki tjongchiki chong
- toulé bonmatenevery morning
- Tout bagayeverything
- Tout les bon maten nou kalé nan jaden pou twavay avan nou kalé lékòl.Every morning we go to the garden to work before we go to school.
- tout mouneverybody
- Tout moun nan Mawaval konnet Morella.Everyone in Maraval knows Morella.
- Tout moun nan Pawamin konnet Fredom. Yo chanté kont-li nan vilaj Mawaval:Everyone in Paramin knows Fredom. They sing a ballad about him in Maraval village.
- tout tanall the time; all the while
- Tout twa di yo, té alé lakay-yo, ka pòté savolan-an vèt, las mé kontan.All three of them went home, carrying the green kite, tired but happy.
- Tout zòt tini Anthony ka twavay anpil tan.All of you have Anthony working a lot of the time.
- Twa di yo volé savolan-yo asou lans-la.Three of them fly their kites on the beach.
- Twa Klas LivStage Three Reader
- Twavay nou sé pou planté jaden.Our work is to plant garden.
- Twazyenm LisonLesson 3
- Twèzyenm LisonLesson 13
- Vandwédi ké fe menm bagay.On Friday she does the same.
- Vini Apwann pou Palé Patois!Come and Let's Speak Patois!
- Vit, i kwiyé sextan, épi li di-i alé bawé yo.Quickly, he called the sextant and told him to go and block them.
- vyé fanmold woman, old lady
- Vye fanm la koumansé pléwé, kon sa mwen livwé kenz goud.The old lady began to cry so I handed over fifteen dollars.
- Vye fanm sa la chis. Li tini an pil lajan. Li ka kacho lajan. Mwen palé asé, sé lè pou ale lakay.”That old lady, she stingy, she have plenty money. She hiding money, I talk enough, is time you go home.”
- Vyé fanm-la di “Mwen fini ka tjwit bonbon-an. Mwen fè bonbon-an, mwen kalé manjé li.”The old lady said “I’ve finished cooking the cake. I made the cake, I am going to eat it.”
- Vyé Fanm-la di “Mwen vlé pou fè yon bonbon; nou kalé pou édé mwen?”The old woman said “I want to make a cake; are you going to help me?”
- Vyé fanm-la di “Ou pa édé, ou pa manjé.The old lady said “you did not help, you do not eat.”
- wépon mwenanswer me
- Wépon mwen an AngléRespond in English
- Wépon mwen nan AngléRespond in English
- wit ek dimieight thirty
- Wityenm LisonLesson 8
- Wonzyenm LisonLesson 11
- Yo chanté nan Lanmès Jounen Kwéyòl Opyay Sent Lisi.They sang at the “Jounen Kwéyol Mass” at Opyay St Lucia.
- Yo di Kwéyòl, mé nan Trindad epi Tobago nou di Patois.They call it Kwéyòl, but in Trinidad and Tobago we say Patois.
- Yo enmenThey love
- Yo ka manjéThey eat. They are eating.
- Yo kalé lakay pou lakay nan vilaj bò lannwit le sa-yo chanté an pil anpil.They go from house to house in the village at night singing.
- Yo kalé manjéThey shall eat. They are going to eat.
- Yo manjéThey ate. They have eaten.
- Yo pa kwè.They did not believe.
- Yo sé dé sésé. Pi gwan sé Colette épi piti-a se’ Lynnette.There were two sisters. The bigger one was Colette. The smaller one was Lynette.
- yo téthey had, they used to
- Yo té enmenThey loved. They had loved.
- Yo té enmen li. Yo té enmen sa gwo savolan wouj.They liked it. They liked that big red kite.
- Yo té ka manjéThey were eating.
- yo té la toutthey were there as well
- Yo té manjéThey had eaten.
- Yo té tini yon kontan jou bò lans-la.They had a happy day at the beach.
- Yo té volé savolan-yo jis yo vini las.They flew their kites until they were tired.
- Yo té westé lakay gwanmanman-yo.They lived at their grandmother’s home.
- Yo véyé li alé épi alé jis li té tonbé andidan dlo-a.They watched it go and go until it fell in the water.
- Yo volé li asou lans-la.They fly it on the beach.
- Yo volé savolan andidan savann-la.They fly kite in the savannah.
- Yo volé savolan andidan sé mòn-la.They fly kite in the hills.
- Yo volé savolan jis andidan lawi-a.They fly kite even in the street.
- Yo wè lezom épi banbou yo.They saw the men with their bamboo.
- Yo wè yon tifi épi yon savolan-blan.They see a girl with a white kite.
- Yoland di, “misyé, mwen wivé avan ou”.Yoland said, “Sir, I arrived before you.”
- Yon gason asou lans-la li konnet Harry.A boy on the beach knows Harry.
- Yon Gason li té tini zwill asou savolan-liOne of the boys had razor blades on his kite.
- Yon jou, Lynette li vini fache’ épi Colette.One day Lynette became dissatisfied with Colette.
- Yon ka pou witquarter to eight
- Yon konpanni fanm lawi Désedé sété-yo adan lawi ka dansé.A band of women from Desede street were in the street dancing.
- Yon Lendi kannaval bonmaten, konpanni nonm adan lawi Denmou, ki te ka fèt tout lannwit Dimanch vini andidan lawi ka bat tambou bambou.One carnival Monday morning, a group of men from Denmou Street, who had been partying all Sunday night, came out into the street beating the tambour bamboo.
- Yon madam an laj pwédyé épi lagwas.One old lady prayed with grace.
- Yon nonm vinia man came
- yon panonce upon a time
- yon tana time
- Yon tan èvèk Fredomwithout spending time at Fredom
- Yon ti konpanni fanm, té ka wèsté an legliz pou pwédyé, épi sé apwézan alé lakay, wè-yo.A small band of women, who had remained in church to pray and were now going home, saw them.
- Yon tifi sé ka volé yon tjiki tjong.A girl is flying a chiki chong.
- Yonn di lot gason koumansé pou hélé “hive, hive.”One of the other boys began to shout “fight, fight.”
- Yonn gason, li tini yon gwo savolan.One boy, he had a big kite.
- Yonn jou, mwen wivé lékòl senk minit apwé wit.One day I arrived at school five minutes after eight.
- Zòt enmenYou love
- Zòt ka manjéYou eat. You are eating.
- Zòt kalé manjéYou will eat. You are going to eat.
- Zòt manjéYou ate. You have eaten.
- Zòt té enmenYou loved. You had loved.
- Zòt té ka manjéYou were eating.
- Zòt té manjéYou had eaten.
Letters
- ALetter: A
- AnLetter: An
- AyLetter: Ay
- BLetter: B
- ChLetter: Ch
- DLetter: D
- DjLetter: Dj
- ÉLetter: É
- ÈLetter: È
- EnLetter: En
- FLetter: F
- GLetter: G
- HLetter: H
- ILetter: I
- JLetter: J
- KLetter: K
- LLetter: L
- MLetter: M
- NLetter: N
- NgLetter: Ng
- OLetter: O
- ÒLetter: Ò
- OnLetter: On
- OuLetter: Ou
- PLetter: P
- RLetter: R
- SLetter: S
- TLetter: T
- TjLetter: Tj
- VLetter: V
- WLetter: W
- YLetter: Y
- ZLetter: Z
Proverbs
- Badnen byen épi makak, men pwengad manyen latjé-li.Joke freely with the monkey, but beware of handling his tail.
- Bagay ki fè zyé fè né.Whatever affects the eye affects the nose.
- Bèf pa jamen ka di savan “mèsi.”Ox never tells the pasture, “thank you.”
- Benyen ich moun, men pa lavé dèyè zowèy-yo.Bathe people’s children but do not wash behind their ears.
- Bon bouch ka ganyen chouval a kwédi.Fair words buy horses on credit.
- Dan pa jamen wi bon bagay.Teeth never laugh at things that are good.
- Dan pa ka pòté dèy.Teeth do not wear mourning.
- Dan pa tjè.Teeth are not hearts.
- Dèyè chyen, sé “chyen”; douvan chyen sé “misyé chyen”.Behind dog’s back, it is “dog”; but before dog, It is “mister dog.”
- Dousman dwèt.Slow and straight.
- Fè pou fè pa mal.Do for do is not hard.
- Fo pawòl mò pou moun pé viv.Words must die that men may live.
- Gwès pa tini santiman.Fat has no sentiment.
- Hay moun, men pa bay yo panyen pou chayé dlo.Hate people, but don’t give them baskets to fetch water.
- Jaden lwen, gonbo gaté.The garden far, the ochro spoils.
- Jan bon-tan ka alé di gouvèné bonjou.Idle people go to wish the governor good day.
- Jan fenyan ka mandé twavay épi bouch, men tjè-yo ka pwiyé Bondyé pou yo pa touvé.Lazy people ask for work with their lips, but their hearts beg God to prevent their getting it.
- Jan ki ka ba ou konsèy ganyen chouval gwo bouden nan louvenay, nan kawèm pa ka widé ou nouwi li.They who advise you to buy a big-paunched horse in the rainy season (when grass is abundant) don’t help you to feed him in the dry season (when grass is scarce).
- Kanawai vlé wi chodyè.The clay-pot wishes to laugh at the iron-pot.
- Ki mélé wòz nan paké bwa Jak?What business has a rose in Jacques’ bundle of wood?
- Ki mélé zé nan kalenda wòch?What business have eggs in the dance of stones?
- Kouwi pa lèd, tan lafòs pa la.To run away is not ugly, when one has no strength.
- Kouyonad sé pa limonad.Nonsense is not sugar-water.
- Kozé sé manjé zòwèy.Conversation is the food of the ear.
- Kwab pa maché, li pa gwa; li maché twòp é li tonbé nans chodyè.Crab has not walked, he is not fat; he has walked too much, and has fallen into the pot.
- Kwapo pa tini chimiz – ou vlé li pòté kaneson!Frog has no shirt (the necessary), and you wish him to wear drawers (the superfluous)!
- Lagè vèti pa ka pwand vyè nèg nan kabawé.A war that is threatened does not overtake old Negroes in the grog-shop.
- Liann yam ka mawé yam.The yam vine ties the yam.
- Makak kawésé ich-li twòp, li fouwé dwèt nan zyé-li.The monkey fondling its young too much has (at length) poked her finger into its eye.
- Makak konnèt ki bwa li ka monté.Monkey knows what tree to climb.
- Makak pa jamen ka di ich-li lèd.Monkey never says its young is ugly.
- Malhè pa ka chajé kon lapli.Accidents do not threaten like rain.
- Maman ka fè ich, mé pa tjè-yo.Mothers make (beget) children, but not their hearts.
- Manjé yon fwa pa ka wizé dan.Eating once does not wear out teeth.
- Menm baton ki bat chyen nwè-la pé bat chyen blan-la.The same stick that beat the black dog can beat the white.
- Mizè ka fè makak manjé piman.Want makes monkey eat pepper.
- Nonm mò, zèb ka lévé douvan lapòt-liThe man has died, grass grows before his door.
- Ou ponkò twavèsé lawivyè; pa jiwé maman kayman.You have not yet crossed the river; do not curse the crocodile’s mother.
- Pa fòt lang ki fè bèf pa sa palé.It is not for want of tongue that ox cannot speak.
- Palé pa wimèd.Talking is no remedy.
- Palé twòp ka lévé chyen nan donmi.Too much talking rouses the watchdog from sleep.
- Pawòl pa tini koulè.Words have no colour.
- Sé kouto ki konnèt sa ki nan tjè jiomou.It is the knife that knows what is in the heart of the pumpkin.
- Sé lang kwapo ki ka twahi kwapoIt is the frog’s own tongue that betrays him.
- Sé lè van ka vanté moun ka wè lapo poul.It is when the wind is blowing that we see the skin of a fowl.
- Sé nan tan lapli bèf bizwen latjè-li.It is in rainy season that the ox has need of his tail.
- Sé soulyé tousèl ki sav si ba tini tou.Shoes alone know if the stockings have holes.
- Si koulèv pas té fonté, fanm sé pwend li fè wiban jip.If the adder were not so brazen, (dangerous) women would take it for coat-strings.
- Si kwapo di ou kayman tini malzyé, kwè li.If the frog tells you the crocodile has sore eyes, believe him.
- Si léfan pa té sav boyo-li gwo, li pa sé valé kalbas.Had the elephant not known the size of his intestines, he would not have swallowed calabashes.
- Si zandoli té bon viand li pa sé ka dwivé.If the lizard had eatable flesh, it would not be so common.
- Tan moun konnèt lòt nan gwanjou, nan nwit yo pa bizwen chandèl poû kléwé yo.When a person has known another in the day-time, he does not need a candle to recognise him at night.
- Tanbou tini gwan twen pas andidan li vid.A drum makes a loud noise because it is empty within.
- Tanpé ka ganyen malè sa doublon pa sa géwi.A penny buys troubles which doubloons cannot cure.
- Twavay pa mal; sé zyé ki kapon.Work is not hard; it is the eyes that are cowards.
- Voyé chyen, chyen voyé latjé-li.Send dog, dog sends his tail.
- Wavèt pa jamen wézon douvan poul.Cockroach never is in the right where the fowl is concerned.
- Wazyé tini zowèy.Bush has ears.
- Yon dwèt pa sa pwand pis.A single finger cannot catch fleas.
1451verified entries
928words
430phrases
33letters