créole
/kʁe.ɔl/masculine
The English phrase 'creole' translates to French as créole. If unsure, use créole. Wiktionary also lists langue créole.
Meaning: lect descended from a pidgin language (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| créole | /kʁe.ɔl/ | masculine |
| langue créole | feminine |
As a noun, créole refers to a lect descended from a pidgin language. Additionally, the term créolophone can be used when referring to individuals who speak Creole.
Which one should you use?
The term langue créole can be used to specifically refer to the Creole language, whereas créole is the most common and widely accepted translation for 'Creole' in French.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective créole is invariable in gender, meaning it has the same form for both masculine and feminine nouns. The plural form of the adjective créole is créoles.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /kʁe.ɔl/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- While créole refers to the language, the term créolisation is used in French sociology to describe the process of different cultures blending to create a new, unique identity.
- The word créole comes from the Portuguese word crioulo, which was a diminutive for someone raised in another's house.
- French speakers often distinguish between créole as a language and créolité, a literary and cultural movement that celebrates the identity of Creole people.
Examples in context
- Ma tante aime la musique créole.My aunt loves Creole music.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the adjective créole.Tatoeba #2427232 by google, translation #4697782 by panamicua
- Les populations parlant créole vivent dans les CaraïbesThe Creole-speaking populations live in the Caribbean
- Ce créole est très riche.This creole is very rich.
- Il parle un créole local.He speaks a local creole.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a linguistics lecture in a café.
- ChloéEst-ce que ce créole est difficile ?Is this creole difficult?
- GabrielPas vraiment, mais c'est un créole unique.Not really, but it is a unique creole.
- ChloéGabriel, tu connais la grammaire de ce créole ?Gabriel, do you know the grammar of this creole?
- GabrielJe commence tout juste à l'étudier.I am only just starting to study it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “creole” translations and entries créole, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries créole, langue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
