Haitian Creole Grammar, Lesson 06
Questions with ESKE and Intonation in Haitian Creole
Ask simple yes/no questions with intonation or with èske at the beginning.
6
èske + sentence
1. Grammar focus #
Many Haitian Creole yes/no questions keep the same word order as a statement. Intonation or èske tells the listener it is a question.
Pronunciation guide: èske = es-keh; keep both syllables clear.
2. Rule #
Use a statement pattern and raise the intonation, or add Èske before it: Ou byen? / Èske ou byen?
3. Examples and building blocks #
English learners should avoid forcing English-style inversion.
| Creole pattern | English sounds-like guide | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ou byen? | Oo byen | Are you well? |
| Èske ou byen? | Es-keh oo byen | Are you well? |
| Li vini? | Lee vee-nee | Did he / she come? |
| Èske yo konprann? | Es-keh yoh kohn-prahn | Do they understand? |
| Kijan ou ye? | Kee-zhan oo yeh | How are you? |
4. Interactive practice station #
Coming soonInteractive practice is being prepared.
Come back soon for the exercise.