Bonswa
evening, Haitian Creole
In Haitian Creole "good evening" is Bonswa. It is also the greeting for the afternoon, so the same word works from midday into the night.
Say Bonswa when you arrive at a home or meet someone after dark. You can add kijan ou ye? to ask how they are.
Meaning: evening greeting (phrase)
Which one should you use?
The morning greeting is Bonjou. Using Bonjou in the evening sounds off to a Haitian ear.
Did you know?
- The Creole bonswa comes from French bonsoir.
Examples in context
- Bonswa, tout moun.Good evening, everyone.
- Bonswa, kijan ou ye aswè a?Good evening, how are you tonight?
- Bonswa, mwen vini wè ou.Good evening, I came to see you.
Example conversation
Evening visit at a neighbor's house.
- VisitèBonswa, Madan Lwi.Good evening, Mrs. Louis.
- Madan LwiBonswa! Antre non.Good evening! Come in.
- VisitèMèsi.Thank you.
