---
title: The Past Marker TE in Haitian Creole
description: Use te before the verb phrase to move a sentence into the past.
url: "https://oukaap.com/en/okahub/the-past-marker-te-in-haitian-creole/"
updated: "2026-08-02"
category: Grammar
tags:
  - beginner
  - grammar
  - "haitian-creole"
  - practice
  - pronunciation
---

# The Past Marker TE in Haitian Creole

Haitian Creole Grammar, Lesson 03

 The Past Marker TE in Haitian Creole

Use te before the verb phrase to move a sentence into the past.

   3

te + verb

## 1. Grammar focus

The verb itself stays the same. The marker **te** carries the past meaning before the verb phrase.

**Pronunciation guide:** te = teh; say it clearly before the action word.

## 2. Rule

 Build the pattern as **subject + te + verb**: **Mwen te vini**, **Li te manje**, **Yo te pale**.

## 3. Examples and building blocks

The same verb form works with every subject.

| Creole pattern | English sounds-like guide | English meaning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mwen te vini. | *Mwen teh vee-nee* | I came. |
| Li te manje. | *Lee teh mahn-zheh* | He / she ate. |
| Nou te travay. | *Noo teh trah-vigh* | We worked. |
| Yo te pale. | *Yoh teh pah-leh* | They spoke. |
| Ou te koute. | *Oo teh koo-teh* | You listened. |

## 4. Interactive practice station

 Coming soon**Interactive practice is being prepared.**

Come back soon for the exercise.