Haiti’s streets, markets, and beaches are best experienced through simple, friendly exchanges — a quick greeting or a question can open doors and make travel easier. Learning a few local phrases helps with directions, buying food, and connecting with people beyond tourist spots.
There are 57 Useful Phrases for Tourists in Haiti, ranging from ‘Anmwe! / Ede m!’ to ‘Èske ou pale Anglè?’. Each entry is organized with Phonetic,English translation,Context (Usage) so you can see how to say it, what it means, and when to use it, and you’ll find them below.
How can I practice these phrases so I sound natural when I visit?
Start with the phonetic column and repeat short phrases aloud until they feel comfortable; pair that with smartphone audio or language apps for pronunciation, then try them in low-stakes situations like markets or cafés — locals appreciate the effort and corrections help you improve.
Will these 57 phrases be enough to get by in Haiti?
Yes for basic needs: greetings, directions, asking for help, and simple purchases — they cover common situations and will make daily life smoother, though for deeper conversations a phrasebook or a local guide is still helpful.
Useful Phrases for Tourists in Haiti
| Phrase (Creole) | Phonetic | English translation | Context (Usage) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi | wee | Yes | Answering a direct question affirmatively. |
| Non | nohn | No | Answering a direct question negatively. |
| Souple (S’il vous plaît) | soo-play (seel voo play) | Please | Making any request politely. |
| Mèsi (Merci) | meh-see | Thank you | Expressing gratitude for a service or kindness. |
| Eskize m (Excusez-moi) | ess-kew-zay mmm | Excuse me / Pardon me | Getting attention or moving through a crowd. |
| Pa gen pwoblèm (De rien) | pah gen pwo-blem (duh ree-en) | You’re welcome / No problem | Responding to “thank you”. |
| M pa konprann | mm pah kohn-prahn | I don’t understand | When you have a language barrier. |
| Bonjou | bon-joo | Good morning / Hello (daytime) | Greeting someone before noon. |
| Bonswa | bon-swah | Good evening / Hello (afternoon) | Greeting someone in the afternoon/evening. |
| Sak pase? | sock pah-say | What’s up? | An informal, very common greeting. |
| N ap boule | nap boo-lay | I’m chilling / We’re good | The informal reply to “Sak pase?”. |
| Kijan ou ye? (Comment ça va?) | kee-jahn oo yay? (koh-mahn sah vah?) | How are you? | A standard polite inquiry. |
| M byen, e ou? | mm bee-yen, ay oo? | I’m fine, and you? | The standard reply to “Kijan ou ye?”. |
| Kijan ou rele? | kee-jahn oo ray-lay | What is your name? | Asking for someone’s name. |
| Mwen rele… | mwen ray-lay… | My name is… | Introducing yourself. |
| Mwen soti… | mwen soh-tee… | I am from… | Telling someone your home country. |
| Orevwa (Au revoir) | oh-reh-vwah | Goodbye | A more formal way to say goodbye. |
| Ki kote … ye? | kee koh-tay … yay? | Where is …? | Asking for the location of a place. |
| Mwen pèdi | mwen pay-dee | I am lost | When you need help with directions. |
| Dwat / Goch | dwaht / go-sh | Right / Left | Basic directional commands. |
| Tou dwat | too dwaht | Straight ahead | Basic directional command. |
| Rete la, souple | ray-tay lah, soo-play | Stop here, please | Telling a driver where to stop. |
| Konbyen pou ale…? | kohn-bee-yen poo ah-lay…? | How much to go to…? | Asking for the fare before a trip. |
| Mwen bezwen yon taksi | mwen bez-wen yon tak-see | I need a taxi | Hailing or finding a taxi. |
| Meni an, souple | may-nee ahn, soo-play | The menu, please | Asking for the menu at a restaurant. |
| Mwen ta renmen… | mwen tah ren-men… | I would like… | Placing an order for food or drink. |
| Kisa ou rekòmande? | kee-sah oo ray-koh-mahn-day | What do you recommend? | Asking for a food recommendation. |
| Dlo | d-loh | Water | Asking for water. |
| Byè / Wonm | bee-yeh / wom | Beer / Rum | Ordering common alcoholic drinks. |
| Poul / Pwason / Bèf | pool / pwa-sohn / behf | Chicken / Fish / Beef | Naming common proteins. |
| Mwen grangou / Mwen swaf | mwen grahn-goo / mwen swahf | I’m hungry / I’m thirsty | Expressing that you need to eat or drink. |
| Li te bon anpil! | lee tay bohn ahn-peel | It was very delicious! | Complimenting the food. |
| Nòt la, souple (L’addition) | nawt lah, soo-play (lah-dee-see-ohn) | The bill, please | Asking to pay for your meal. |
| Konbyen sa koute? | kohn-bee-yen sah koo-tay? | How much does this cost? | The first step in any purchase. |
| Li twò chè | lee troh sheh | It’s too expensive | A common bargaining phrase. |
| Ban m yon pi bon pri | bahn mmm yon pee bohn pree | Give me a better price | Directly asking for a discount. |
| Dènye pri? | den-yay pree? | Last price? | Asking for the final, best offer. |
| M ap pran li | mm app prahn lee | I’ll take it | Agreeing to buy an item. |
| Èske m ka peye ak kat? | ess-keh m kah pay-yay ak kaht? | Can I pay with a card? | Asking about payment methods. |
| Goud | good | Gourde (Haitian currency) | The name of the local currency. |
| Dola Ayisyen | doh-lah ah-ee-see-yen | Haitian Dollar | A common pricing unit (equal to 5 gourdes). |
| En / De / Twa | ehn / duh / twah | One / Two / Three | The numbers 1, 2, 3. |
| Kat / Senk / Sis | kaht / senk / sees | Four / Five / Six | The numbers 4, 5, 6. |
| Sèt / Uit / Nèf | set / weet / neff | Seven / Eight / Nine | The numbers 7, 8, 9. |
| Dis / San / Mil | dees / sahn / meel | Ten / One Hundred / One Thousand | The numbers 10, 100, 1,000. |
| Mwen gen yon rezèvasyon | mwen gen yon ray-zeh-vah-see-ohn | I have a reservation | Checking into a hotel. |
| Yon chanm, souple | yon shahm, soo-play | A room, please | Asking for a room without a reservation. |
| Anmwe! / Ede m! | ahn-mway! / ay-day mmm! | Help! | An urgent cry for assistance. |
| Rele lapolis! | ray-lay lah-poh-lees! | Call the police! | Asking for law enforcement. |
| Mwen bezwen yon doktè | mwen bez-wen yon dok-tuh | I need a doctor | Requesting medical assistance. |
| Ki kote lopital la ye? | kee koh-tay loh-pee-tahl lah yay? | Where is the hospital? | Asking for the nearest hospital. |
| Ki kote anbasad la ye? | kee koh-tay ahn-bah-sahd lah yay? | Where is the embassy? | Finding your country’s embassy. |
| Ki sa sa a ye? | kee sah sah ah yay? | What is this? | Asking to identify an object or food. |
| Èske ou pale Anglè? | ess-keh oo pah-lay ahn-glay? | Do you speak English? | Inquiring if someone speaks English. |
| Pale pi dousman, souple | pah-lay pee doos-mahn, soo-play | Speak more slowly, please | When someone is speaking too fast. |
| Mwen renmen Ayiti | mwen ren-men ah-ee-tee | I love Haiti | Expressing appreciation for the country. |
| Foto, souple? | foh-toh, soo-play? | Photo, please? | Asking permission to take a photo. |
Descriptions
Wi
The most fundamental affirmative word. Use it to agree, confirm, or answer “yes” to any question. It’s simple, direct, and universally understood across Haiti.
Non
Just as essential as “yes.” A clear and polite “non” is crucial for declining offers, correcting misunderstandings, or setting boundaries respectfully during your travels.
Souple (S’il vous plaît)
Adding “souple” to any request shows respect. Whether you’re ordering food, asking for directions, or getting a driver’s attention, this small word makes a big difference.
Mèsi (Merci)
A universal sign of appreciation. Use it generously when someone helps you, serves you, or offers a kindness. It’s a simple way to build goodwill with locals.
Eskize m (Excusez-moi)
Perfect for navigating a busy market, getting a waiter’s attention, or apologizing if you bump into someone. It’s a versatile phrase for maintaining politeness in public spaces.
Pa gen pwoblèm (De rien)
This is the friendly, common Haitian response to “mèsi.” It literally means “no problem,” conveying a relaxed and helpful attitude that is very characteristic of Haitian hospitality.
M pa konprann
An essential phrase for any traveler. It signals that you need the speaker to slow down, repeat themselves, or use gestures to help you understand their message.
Bonjou
This is the standard greeting used throughout the morning and daytime. It’s a warm and respectful way to acknowledge everyone you meet, from shopkeepers to people on the street.
Bonswa
Once the sun starts to set, switch from “bonjou” to “bonswa.” It serves as both “good afternoon” and “good evening,” making it the go-to greeting for the latter half of the day.
Sak pase?
This is a very popular, informal Haitian Creole greeting. You will hear it everywhere from friends and strangers alike. The classic response is “N ap boule.”
N ap boule
The cool, standard response to “Sak pase?”. It literally means “we are burning,” but it’s used to mean “everything is cool,” “we’re hanging in there,” or “just chilling.”
Kijan ou ye? (Comment ça va?)
The most common way to ask someone how they are. Asking this shows you care and opens the door for a friendly, brief exchange beyond a simple hello.
M byen, e ou?
This is the classic response. It’s polite to always return the question by adding “e ou?” (“and you?”), showing you’re interested in their well-being too.
Kijan ou rele?
A friendly way to get to know someone better. Use it when you’re having a more extended conversation and want to learn the person’s name to be more personal.
Mwen rele…
This is the straightforward way to introduce yourself after someone asks for your name, or if you want to offer it first to be friendly and start a conversation.
Mwen soti…
A common question you’ll be asked is where you’re from. This phrase allows you to share a little bit about yourself and build a connection with the people you meet.
Orevwa (Au revoir)
While more casual goodbyes exist, “orevwa” is universally understood and appropriate for any situation, whether you’re leaving a shop, a restaurant, or a new friend’s company.
Ki kote … ye?
Your go-to phrase for finding anything. Just add the place you’re looking for, like “Ki kote otèl la ye?” (Where is the hotel?) to ask for directions.
Mwen pèdi
A crucial phrase if you find yourself disoriented. People are generally very willing to help you find your way if you let them know you are lost.
Dwat / Goch
Essential for understanding directions from a driver or a pedestrian. Knowing these two words can save you from getting turned around while navigating streets on foot or in a car.
Tou dwat
When someone is giving you directions, this phrase tells you to continue on your current path without turning. It’s simple but incredibly useful for navigation.
Rete la, souple
Use this to tell your taxi, tap-tap, or moto driver that you have arrived at your destination and would like them to stop. The “souple” makes it polite.
Konbyen pou ale…?
This is one of the most important phrases for transport. Always agree on the price *before* you get into a taxi or moto-taxi to avoid confusion or overcharging later.
Mwen bezwen yon taksi
A direct and clear way to get a ride. Use this phrase when speaking to a hotel concierge or someone on the street who can point you to the nearest taxi stand.
Meni an, souple
This is your first step to ordering a meal. It’s a polite and direct way to let the server know you’re ready to see what food and drink options are available.
Mwen ta renmen…
The most polite and common way to start your order. Follow it with the name of the dish or drink you want, for example, “Mwen ta renmen pwason an.” (I would like the fish).
Kisa ou rekòmande?
A great way to try local specialties. Servers are often happy to point you to the freshest or most popular dish, giving you an authentic taste of Haitian cuisine.
Dlo
A crucial word, especially in the tropical heat. You may want to specify “dlo trete” or “dlo nan boutèy” (bottled water) to ensure it’s purified and safe to drink.
Byè / Wonm
Haiti is famous for its Barbancourt rum and Prestige beer. These are the words you’ll need to order the country’s most popular alcoholic beverages at any bar or restaurant.
Poul / Pwason / Bèf
Knowing these words will help you understand menus and order the main component of your meal. They are staples in Haitian cuisine and found in many traditional dishes.
Mwen grangou / Mwen swaf
Simple ways to communicate a basic need. Use them to let your guide, driver, or friends know it’s time to find a place for a meal or a refreshing drink.
Li te bon anpil!
A wonderful compliment to give the chef or your host. Expressing your enjoyment of the meal is a great way to show appreciation for their cooking and hospitality.
Nòt la, souple (L’addition)
When you’re finished eating and ready to leave, use this phrase to politely ask your server for the check. It’s the standard way to signal the end of your meal.
Konbyen sa koute?
This is the essential question for any shopping experience, from a bustling market to a souvenir shop. It’s the starting point for any potential negotiation.
Li twò chè
This is a key phrase in the art of bargaining, especially in local markets. Saying it politely can often open the door for the seller to offer you a lower price.
Ban m yon pi bon pri
A more direct approach to bargaining. It shows you’re interested but believe the initial price is too high. Use it with a friendly smile for the best results.
Dènye pri?
When you’re nearing the end of a negotiation, this question asks the vendor for their absolute best price, signaling you’re ready to buy if the price is right.
M ap pran li
Once you’ve agreed on a price, this phrase confirms your intention to purchase the item. It effectively seals the deal after a successful negotiation.
Èske m ka peye ak kat?
While cash is king in most markets, larger hotels, restaurants, and shops may accept credit cards. It’s always a good idea to ask about payment options beforehand.
Goud
This isn’t a number, but it’s essential for any financial transaction. You’ll hear prices quoted in “goud” constantly, so knowing this word is an absolute must.
Dola Ayisyen
This can be confusing. Many prices are quoted in “Haitian dollars.” Always clarify if a price is in “goud” or “dola” to avoid accidentally paying five times the intended amount.
En / De / Twa
Essential for counting, buying items, or telling time. Knowing the first few numbers makes basic transactions in markets and restaurants much smoother.
Kat / Senk / Sis
Continue building your counting skills. These are useful for communicating quantities in various daily situations, like buying a small bunch of bananas from a street vendor.
Sèt / Uit / Nèf
Useful for understanding prices, addresses, or quantities. Having these numbers in your vocabulary expands your ability to handle everyday transactions.
Dis / San / Mil
Key numbers for understanding prices and handling money. With these, you can comprehend most costs, from a small snack to a hotel bill.
Mwen gen yon rezèvasyon
The standard phrase to use when you arrive at your hotel’s reception desk. It immediately lets the staff know who you are and that you have a booking with them.
Yon chanm, souple
If you’re a walk-in guest at a hotel or guesthouse, this is the simple and polite way to inquire about room availability for the night.
Anmwe! / Ede m!
Anmwe! is a strong, traditional cry for help. “Ede m” is a more direct “help me.” Both are crucial to know for any serious emergency situation.
Rele lapolis!
In case of a crime or serious dispute, this is the direct command to ask someone to contact the police for you. It communicates urgency and a specific need.
Mwen bezwen yon doktè
A critical phrase if you or someone with you is sick or injured. It clearly communicates the need for immediate medical attention to anyone around you.
Ki kote lopital la ye?
In a medical emergency, knowing how to ask for the location of the nearest hospital can be life-saving. It’s a vital piece of information for any traveler.
Ki kote anbasad la ye?
In case of a lost passport, legal trouble, or other serious issues, you may need to contact your embassy. This phrase helps you ask locals for directions.
Ki sa sa a ye?
A great phrase for learning. Use it at the market to ask about unfamiliar fruits, or in a shop to inquire about a particular craft or object.
Èske ou pale Anglè?
A polite way to check if you can switch to English. Many people in the tourism industry speak some English, but it’s always respectful to ask first in Creole.
Pale pi dousman, souple
This is an incredibly useful phrase for language learners. If you’re trying to understand Creole but the speaker is too fast, this politely asks them to slow down for you.
Mwen renmen Ayiti
A heartfelt compliment that will always be well-received. Sharing your positive feelings about the country and its culture is a wonderful way to connect with local people.
Foto, souple?
It is always respectful to ask for permission before taking a picture of someone, especially children. A simple “Foto, souple?” with a gesture is a polite way to do so.
