tan
time in general, Haitian Creole
Haitian Creole uses different words for "time". The general word is tan, lè is the time on the clock and fwa is a time as in "one time".
Meaning: time, hour, occasion (noun)
Ways to say it
| Creole | Note |
|---|---|
| tan | time in general, Haitian Creole |
| lè | hour, time of day |
| fwa | occasion, "time" |
To ask the time say Ki lè li ye? For "I have no time" say Mwen pa gen tan.
Which one should you use?
Yon fwa is "once" and de fwa is "twice". Tan also means weather in some uses.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use tan for "what time is it". That needs lè.
Did you know?
- Eskize m is the usual way to say "excuse me" when starting a question.
Examples in context
- Ki lè li ye?What time is it?
- Mwen pa gen tan.I do not have time.
- Mwen wè l yon fwa.I saw him once.
Example conversation
Edwige asks a stranger the time at a bus stop.
- EdwigeEskize m, ki lè li ye?Excuse me, what time is it?
- Moun nanLi twa è.It is three o'clock.
- EdwigeMèsi anpil.Thank you very much.
