Basic Words

1. Wi

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. Non

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Souple

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

4. Mèsi

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

5. Eskize m

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

6. Padon

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Pa gen pwoblèm

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. Mwen pa konprann

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Mwen konprann

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Mwen fini

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Tanpri tann

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Yon ti moman

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Yon granmoun, souple

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. Mwen pa gen rezèvasyon

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

15. Mwen gen yon rezèvasyon

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Tanpri ede m

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. Ankò yon fwa, souple

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Pale dousman souple

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. Mwen pale yon ti kras

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. Èske ou pale angle?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

    Grammar Note

    "Ou" is the standard second person, appropriate for strangers and elders alike; the contracted "w" belongs to familiar speech.

21. Sa a

    This one

    Usage

    Point at something within reach

22. Sila a

    That one over there

    Usage

    Point at something further away

23. Isit la

    Here

    Usage

    While pointing at a map or the ground

24. La

    There

    Usage

    While pointing at a map or the ground

25. Laba

    Over there

    Usage

    While pointing into the distance

26. Mwen

    I / me

    Usage

    To make clear who you mean

27. Ou

    You

    Usage

    To make clear who you mean

28. Ansanm

    Together

    Usage

    For travelling, rooming, or paying as a group

29. Plis

    More

    Usage

    When you want more of something

30. Yon ti kras

    Just a little

    Usage

    When you want only a small amount

31. Mwatye

    Half

    Usage

    When half of it is enough

32. Tout

    All of it

    Usage

    When you want the whole lot

33. Sa ase

    That's enough

    Usage

    To stop a refill or a hard sell

34. Kounye a menm

    Right now

    Usage

    To make clear it is urgent

35. Yon moun

    One person

    Usage

    For a table, a room, or a ticket count

36. De moun

    Two people

    Usage

    For a table, a room, or a ticket count

37. Twa moun

    Three people

    Usage

    For a table, a room, or a ticket count

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