Haitian Creole – English Dictionary Flashcards

Vocabulary terms and definitions from the Haitian Creole-English Dictionary introduction and introductory sections.

a (verb marker)

Sign of the future tense (variants: ava, av, va, v).

abitan

1. Peasant, country folk, farmer. 2. Hick or uncouth person.

abitasyon

1. Plantation, farm, or habitation. 2. Hamlet or courtyard with several houses.

abou

At the very end; at one’s wit’s end or the end of one's patience.

adjipopo

Misfortune, magical trap, or a problem without a solution.

ak / avèk

Preposition meaning 'with', 'and', 'of', 'from', or 'out'.

akasan

A thick beverage made with ground corn and sometimes milk.

al

Contracted form of 'ale' (to go), used before other words.

an (definite article)

Determiner used after nasal vowels (an, on, en) or specific sounds (mi, mou, ni, nou).

anba

Adverb or preposition meaning below, down, beneath, or underneath.

anjelis

Angelus; the time of dusk.

anpil

Numerous, many, or very; can also mean insolent when applied to children.

ason

The ritual rattle with external strikers used by a Vodou priest.

atò

Then, at that time, or nowadays.

ayibobo

Exclamation used in Vodou ceremonies to express joy; similar to Hallelujah or Amen.

baka

1. Varicose ulcer (on feet). 2. Evil spirit or Vodou animal (usually a black dog).

bakoulou

Crook, trickster, or wily liar, particularly regarding relationships with women.

bann

1. Heap or flock. 2. Musical band. 3. A strip of linen. 4. An erection.

bannann

Plantain (Note: the banana fruit is called 'fig' in Creole).

bat

To spank, beat, win over, struggle, or perform repetitive actions like winking (bat je).

bay / ba / ban

To give, yield, produces, or tell; also used as a preposition meaning 'to' or 'for'.

blan

1. White (color). 2. A foreigner, stranger, or clever person.

bò

Preposition meaning close to, by, or beside; also means side or edge.

bòkò

Witchdoctor, medicine man, or sorcerer.

bon

Good, fine, proper, or suitable.

bouki

Legendary foolish character in Haitian folklore; used to describe any stupid person.

bounda

Buttocks, arse, or the rear part of something.

bwa

1. Wood or timber. 2. Forest. 3. Penis. 4. A beating.

byeze

To slant or to beat around the bush.

chèf

Chief, boss, headman, or leader.

chire

1. To tear or rip apart. 2. To flee or leave.

dagou

Loathing, aversion, or disgust.

dan

Tooth, notch, or claw.

depi

Since, as long as, or starting from.

devan

In front of, ahead, or the front part of something.

dèyè

Behind, back, or in pursuit of.

dlo

Water; can also refer to a liquid or watery substance.

dyòl

Snout or mouth (usually of animals, or pejorative for humans).

fè

1. To do or make. 2. To stay or spend time. 3. Iron.

fènwa

Darkness or ignorance.

fòk

It is necessary (that/to); must.

granmoun

1. Adult. 2. Old person. 3. Person of experience.

griyo

1. Fried pork chunks. 2. A storyteller.

hounfò

Vodou temple or shrine.

jan

Manner, way, type, or disposition.

jou

Day or daylight.

kleren

Raw rum distilled from sugar cane.

koumbit

A cooperative work bee among rural farmers.

lwa

1. A Vodou deity or spirit. 2. Law.

manman

1. Mother. 2. Used as a prefix to mean huge or main.

nèg

Man, guy, fellow, or black man.

pè

1. Priest. 2. To fear or be afraid. 3. A pair.

rara

A festival and dance occurring during Lent and Holy Week.

tonton makout

1. Bogeyman. 2. Historically, members of a paramilitary force in Haiti.

vèvè

Symbolic ritual design traced on the ground in Vodou.