la
after a consonant, Haitian Creole
Haitian Creole has no word placed before the noun for "the". Instead the article comes after the noun and is la, a, an or yo for the plural.
Meaning: definite article (article)
Ways to say it
| Creole | Note |
|---|---|
| la | after a consonant, Haitian Creole |
| a | after a vowel |
| an | after a nasal vowel |
| yo | plural |
Which one should you use?
For more than one thing, use yo as in kay yo (the houses).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form depends on the last sound of the noun. After a consonant use la as in chat la (the cat). After a vowel use a as in fi a (the girl). After a nasal vowel use an as in chen an (the dog).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often put the article first. In Creole you say chat la, not la chat.
Did you know?
- The Creole articles la and a probably trace back to French là, meaning "there".
Examples in context
- Chat la dòmi.The cat is sleeping.
- Fi a bèl.The girl is beautiful.
- Chen an grangou.The dog is hungry.
- Kay yo gwo.The houses are big.
Example conversation
A teacher named Claude drills articles with Marc.
- ClaudeKijan ou di "the cat"?How do you say "the cat"?
- MarcChat la.The cat.
- ClaudeE "the girl"?And "the girl"?
- MarcFi a.The girl.
