Sak pase ?
casual, Haitian Creole
In Haitian Creole, the best known French-based creole, a casual hi is Sak pase? or Alo. Sak pase? literally asks what is happening?
Meaning: casual greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Sak pase ? | casual, Haitian Creole |
| Alo | casual |
Use Sak pase? with friends and people your age. The usual reply is N ap boule, meaning we are doing fine.
Which one should you use?
With an elder or a stranger, Bonjou or Bonswa sounds more respectful than Sak pase?
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?
- Haitians often say N ap boule even when things are hard, as a calm way to say they are managing.
Examples in context
- Sak pase?Hi, what's up?
- Alo, zanmi mwen.Hi, my friend.
Example conversation
Pierre runs into his friend Jean outside school.
- PierreSak pase, Jean?Hi, Jean, what's up?
- JeanN ap boule, e ou menm?We are doing fine, and you?
- PierreN ap boule tou.We are doing fine too.
