Bonjou
polite, morning, Haitian Creole
The standard way to say hello in Haitian Creole is Bonjou before midday and Bonswa after it. Alo is used when answering the phone.
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Creole | Note |
|---|---|
| Bonjou | polite, morning, Haitian Creole |
| Bonswa | afternoon and evening |
| Alo | phone |
Salut is a casual hello among friends. For the polite options, pick Bonjou or Bonswa by the time of day.
Which one should you use?
The change from Bonjou to Bonswa happens around noon, earlier than in English "good afternoon".
Did you know?
- The Creole alo comes from French allô, used on the phone.
Examples in context
- Bonjou, madam.Hello, ma'am.
- Bonswa, mesye.Good afternoon, sir.
- Alo, se Marie.Hello, this is Marie.
Example conversation
Marie answers a call from her friend Joël.
- MarieAlo?Hello?
- JoëlAlo, Marie. Se Joël.Hello, Marie. It is Joël.
- MarieBonjou, Joël. Kijan ou ye?Hello, Joël. How are you?
