Bonjou
everyday, Haitian Creole
In Haitian Creole, the best known French-based creole, hello is Bonjou during the day and Bonswa in the evening. Alo is a casual hello, and Sak pase? asks what's up?
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Bonjou | everyday, Haitian Creole |
| Sak pase ? | casual |
| Alo | casual, phone |
Bonjou works with everyone, from strangers to elders. Alo is how people answer the phone and also how many greet a friend at the door.
Which one should you use?
Sak pase? is friendly and informal. The usual reply is N ap boule, which means we are getting by or all is well.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Other French-based creoles have close but not identical greetings. This page gives the Haitian forms.
Did you know?
- The phone greeting Alo is used the same way as in French, but people also use it face to face.
Examples in context
- Bonjou, madanm.Hello, ma'am.
- Alo, ki moun ki la a?Hello, who is this?
- Sak pase? N ap boule.What's up? We are doing fine.
Example conversation
Jean meets his neighbor Marie on the street and greets her.
- JeanBonjou, Marie.Hello, Marie.
- MarieBonjou, Jean. Sak pase?Hello, Jean. What's up?
- JeanN ap boule.We are doing fine.
