How to Say “Stand Up” in Haitian Creole

By Belinda Olive • Updated October 16, 2026

Leve kanpe

phrase, everyday

To say "stand up" in Haitian Creole, say Leve kanpe. The shorter Kanpe means "stand".

Meaning: asking someone to stand (phrase)

Ways to say it

“Stand Up” in Creole
Creole	Note
Leve kanpe	phrase, everyday
Kanpe	verb, everyday

Leve kanpe is the full command and you hear it in classrooms and from parents. Kanpe alone works when the person is already getting up.

Which one should you use?

Kanpe can also mean to stop and stay in place, so tone and context matter.

Did you know?

Leve alone means "get up" or "raise", and adding kanpe fixes the meaning as standing.

Examples in context

Leve kanpe, tanpri.
Stand up, please.
Li kanpe bò pòt la.
He is standing by the door.
Nou tout leve kanpe.
We all stood up.

Example conversation

A teacher, Mèt Ronald, begins the school day.

Ronald

Bonjou, timoun yo. Leve kanpe.
Good morning, children. Stand up.
Timoun

Bonjou, Mèt.
Good morning, teacher.
Ronald

Chita, n ap kòmanse.
Sit down, we are beginning.

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About The Author

Belinda Olive

Bonjour! I’m Belinda, your go-to girl for everything Creole. I’ve spent countless hours immersing myself in the extraordinary language and culture to share its nuance and flavour with you. When I’m not serving up linguistic treats, I’m likely chillin’ at the lac, sipping on diri ak pwa or relishing a playful chaje kochon. I also spend time perfecting my square foot gardening, tending to my karmakòl and mindlessly flipping through colourful katalòg aleman. Whether you want to congratulate someone with 'Felicite' or express love with 'Mwen renmen ou', I’m here to help you converse like a native. Alò, are you ready for this adventure?

Belinda OliveHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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