Haitian Creole Proverb

This is a good proverb about the past:

Pa rele “fèmen baryè!” lè chwal fin pase.

 

“Don’t yell, ‘Close the gate!’ after the horse has already gone out.” What’s done is done.

Haitian Creole Proverb

Here’s a great Haitian Creole proverb about neighbors:

Vwazinaj se fanmi.

“Neighbors are family.” Good neighbors are like family. What one wants for one’s family, one should want for one’s neighbors.

Haitian Creole Proverb

This is a good proverb about God:

Se Bondye ki pout a Bondye vre.

“It is truly God who would have to be God.” There is no one like God.

Haitian Creole Proverb

This is a good proverb about influences in our lives:

Sa ki kouche ak chen, se li ki leve ak pis.

“He who lies with dogs rises with fleas.” Bad influences lead to bad character.

Haitian Creole Proverb

This is a good proverb about God’s justice and judgment:

 

Jistis Bondye se kabouèt bèf.

 

“God’s justice is an oxcart.” God’s judgment is slow but strong.

Donkeys

Pa kite bourik pou bat makout.

“Don’t miss the donkey and beat the saddlebag.” Don’t blame the wrong one.

Livestock is seemingly everywhere in rural Haiti. Donkeys are a common means of transportation and cargo-carrying in third world countries. The donkey pictured in the photo above was tied in the lot beside the mission house we stayed at in Haiti. A few of the guys named her Maurice, and she was unfortunately on the receiving end of many team jokes. But she may have deserved them to some degree; you see, Maurice seemed to think that braying as loud as she possibly could at 5 a.m. was a great way to introduce herself to the team. We did not agree.

Haitian Proverb

Here is a good Haitian proverb:

Atansyon pa kapon.

“Careful isn’t cowardly.” Being cautious does not make you a coward.

Haitian Proverb

Here is a good Haitian proverb:

Avan ou monte bwa, gade si ou ka desann li.

“Before you climb a tree, look to see if you can climb down.” Make sure you know what you’re getting into.

Haitian Proverb

Here is a slightly comical Haitian proverb:

Vant grangou fè lapriyè kout.

“A hungry belly makes a short prayer.” Let’s get to it. Cut to the chase. When you are in a hurry you take shortcuts.

Haitian Proverb

Here is another good Haitian proverb:

Pa koke makout ou pi wo pase men ou.

“Don’t hang your bag higher than your hand.” Don’t get into a situation that surpasses your ability.

Haitian Proverb

Here is another good Haitian proverb:

Pa mete pye nan tout soulye.

“Don’t put your foot in every shoe.” Don’t meddle with things that don’t concern you.

Haitian Proverb

Here is a Haitian proverb about power:

 

Ti nèg fè sa l’ kapab. Gran nèg fè sa l’ vle.

 

“The little guy does what he can. The big shot does what he wants.” Those without power don’t have the luxury of choice.

Haitian Proverb

Here is another Haitian proverb:

 

Kouri pou lapli; tonbe nan gran rivyè.

 

“Run from the rain to fall into the river.” To flee from one disaster to a bigger one.

 

Haitian Proverb

Here is a good Haitian proverb about bad habits:

 

Bonbonou renmen se li ki fini ak kòb ou.

 

“The sweet you like is the one that finishes your money.” Bad habits are expensive.

Haitian Proverb

Here is a good Haitian proverb about the present and the future:

Wè jodi a men sonje demen.

 

“See today, but remember tomorrow.” Live in the present, but plan for the future.

Haitian Proverb

This Haitian Creole Proverb is a good reminder that hard times fall on everyone:

 

Ri moun kout, men pa ri moun touni.

 

“Laugh at short people, but don’t laugh at naked people.” You may not be short but anyone could be naked.

Haitian Proverb

I know this is a little late, but here is a good Haitian proverb about Mothers:

Yo pa ka achte moso manman nan mache.

“One can’t buy a piece of mother in the market.” Mothers are irreplaceable.

Haitian Proverb

Here is another Haitian proverb about important people:

M’ pap soti zan zorey pou m’al nan talon.

“I’m not going to leave the ear to go on the heel.” I already have access to someone more important.

Haitian Proverb

Here is a good Haitian proverb about drunkenness:

Kabrit bwè, mouton sou.

“Goats drink, sheep get drunk.” Avoid that lifestyle. You are better than that. It will hurt you more.

Haitian Proverb

Here is another good Haitian proverb about trouble:

Pa kontrarye danje si twou poko fouye pou antere malè.

“Don’t annoy danger if misfortune’s grave is not yet dug” If you look for trouble, you might find it.