Haitian Creole Pronouns
Is it confusing and fascinating how one Kreyòl word can have various meanings?
Haitian Creole pronouns are no exception. Are you sure you’re using them correctly?
Personal and Demonstrative
- What is a pronoun?
** sometimes children’s videos are the easiest to understand
A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun (i.e., I, we, you, etc.). In Kreyòl, there are five (5) pronouns.
mwen
ou
li
nou
yo
What are personal pronouns?
Personal pronouns relate to the person speaking (1st person), the person being spoken to (2nd person), and the person being spoken about (3rd person).
1st person
mwen = I
mwen = me
nou = we
nou = us
2nd person
ou = you
nou = you (plural)
3rd person
li = he, she, it
li = him, her, it
yo = they, them
What are possessive pronouns?
Some people call them possessive determiners. Possessive pronouns (my, your, his, her, its, our, their) are pronouns that help to know who or what owns or possesses someone or something. They express possession or belongingness.
mwen = my
ou = your
li = his, her, its
nou = our
yo = their
What are demonstrative pronouns?
Using demonstrative pronouns is like pointing at someone or something.
sa a = this, that (singular)
“This” is used when the person or thing is close to the speaker (either physically or contextually).
“That” means the same as above. However it’s used when the person or thing is far from the speaker.
sa yo = these, those (plural)
“These” means the same as above. However it’s used when people or things are close to the speaker.
“Those” is used when people or things are far from the speaker (either physically or contextually).
New words to remember
moun sa yo
When saying “these / those” in reference to people, use “moun sa yo”.
Moun sa yo se fanmi ameriken yo. These are the American families.
moun ki / moun sa yo ki
When saying “those/these + who/who/that…” in reference to people, you can use “moun ki…” or “moun sa yo ki” depending on the context. Click on the appropriate blue phrase to review when to use each one.
Moun ki manje ap kontan. Those who eat will be happy.
L ap pale ak moun sa yo ki bezwen èd. He will speak to those who need help.
Did you notice?
Notice that we didn’t talk about subject and object pronouns. Why? Because in Kreyòl, whether you’re using the subject or object form a personal pronoun, the pronoun doesn’t change (i.e., we / us = nou).
Related lesson
Let's Practice
Become a premium subscriber to unlock the rest of the lesson, including practice activities and a detailed explanation of exactly when to use the shortened form of each pronoun.
Short and Emphatic
Become a premium subscriber to unlock the rest of the lesson, including practice activities and a detailed explanation of exactly when to use the shortened form of each pronoun.
