Bonjou, kijan ou ye?
polite, Haitian Creole
To say "hello, how are you" in Haitian Creole, use Bonjou, kijan ou ye? With friends you can say Alo, sak pase?
Meaning: greeting with a question about well-being (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Creole | Note |
|---|---|
| Bonjou, kijan ou ye? | polite, Haitian Creole |
| Alo, sak pase? | casual |
A common answer is Mwen byen, mèsi for "I am fine, thanks". After noon, replace Bonjou with Bonswa.
Which one should you use?
Kijan ou ye? is polite and neutral. Sak pase? is closer to "what's up?" and fits friends.
Did you know?
- Greeting is important in Haitian culture, and asking about the other person is part of every first exchange.
Examples in context
- Bonswa, kijan ou ye?Good evening, how are you?
- Alo, sak pase?Hey, what's up?
Example conversation
Two coworkers meet in the morning.
- FrantzBonjou, kijan ou ye?Hello, how are you?
- YolandeMwen byen, mèsi. E ou menm?I am fine, thanks. And you?
- FrantzMwen byen tou.I am fine too.
