• Mother and daughter hugging each other

    Martinique Creole expressions

Born in the first half of the 17th century, the Creole language is a vibrant mosaic. The legacy of the Amerindians was joined by the dialects of French colonists, West Africans, and later coolies from India and China. Creole expressions, some of which have existed for centuries, have enriched the language and become fully integrated into the local culture, lifestyle, and linguistics. Click on the title to read the translation and explanation.a vibrant



To another sun

This poetic expression is a common way of saying goodbye when you don't know when you'll see each other again next time.

Let's go!

The expression Annou is used to encourage people to do the verb that follows it.

"Annou manjé an zoranj" means "Let's eat an orange".

Without a following verb, Annou means "let's go" without further ado.

Give a package to deliver

Komisyon means "message or report". The word komisyon is used in Creole to refer to someone reporting to someone.

"An pa té ba ou komisyon pou Marcel" means: I didn't ask you to go and tell everything / report to Marcel.

Thanks a lot

Thank you so much

Looking for clothes

Going shopping

Well

"Ébé" is placed at the beginning of a sentence. It is used to express astonishment.

"Ébé, David kité travay-li" means "Well, David quit his job" (resigned).

Make a round

Expression meaning to take a tour and then specify the place.

"Man ka fè an won Gran Riviè", "I'm going to Grand'Rivière".

Il est 8 heures du matin

En créole, les heures sont utilisées de la même manière que dans les pays anglophones. On précise si c'est le matin ou le soir.

« I uitè d'maten » signifie « Il est 8 heures du matin ».

« I sizè d'swè » signifie « Il est 6 heures du soir ».

I stay in Fort-de-France

I live in Fort-de-France

I am tired.

I am tired.