sal
everyday, informal
This page covers Haitian Creole (Kreyòl ayisyen), the most widely spoken creole. For "nasty" in the sense of dirty or gross, the usual word is sal. It can describe objects, places or a person's behavior.
People say li sal for "it is dirty" or "it is nasty". The word is blunt, so use it carefully about people.
Meaning: dirty or unpleasant (adjective)
What mistakes should you avoid?
It does not mean "bad" in general. For that, use move.
Did you know?
- Sal comes from French sale, and the meaning "dirty" carries over directly.
Examples in context
- Kay sa a sal.This house is nasty.
- Pa manyen sa, li sal.Do not touch that, it is dirty.
Example conversation
Mother Yolande scolds her son Frantz when he comes home muddy.
- YolandeGade rad ou, yo sal anpil.Look at your clothes, they are very dirty.
- FrantzMwen te jwe deyò.I was playing outside.
- YolandeAle benyen kounye a.Go take a bath now.
