Bonjou, bèl fi
friendly, Haitian Creole
In Haitian Creole, Bonjou, bèl fi is "hello, pretty girl". In the evening you would say Bonswa, bèl dam, "good evening, beautiful lady".
Meaning: greeting to a beautiful woman (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Creole | Note |
|---|---|
| Bonjou, bèl fi | friendly, Haitian Creole |
| Bonswa, bèl dam | evening |
Bonjou is used until about midday and bonswa after that. Bèl means beautiful and follows the greeting as a compliment.
Which one should you use?
Bèl fi fits a young woman or a friend. Bèl dam is more polite and suits an older woman.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Said by a stranger on the street, such a greeting can come across as forward, so use it with people you know.
Did you know?
- Bonjou and bonswa come from French bonjour and bonsoir and are the two daily greetings in Haitian Creole.
Examples in context
- Bonjou, bèl fi!Hello, beautiful!
- Bonswa, bèl dam. Kijan ou ye?Good evening, beautiful lady. How are you?
- Ou bèl anpil jodi a.You are very beautiful today.
Example conversation
Marc greets his friend Carine when she arrives at a birthday party.
- MarcBonswa, bèl fi!Good evening, beautiful!
- CarineBonswa, Marc. Kijan ou ye?Good evening, Marc. How are you?
- MarcMwen byen, mèsi.I am well, thanks.
