Greetings & Expressions
These are the most essential words and phrases to start a conversation in Louisiana Creole. Pronunciation follows French patterns — many words will feel familiar to French speakers.
Bonjou
Good morning / Hello
Used any time of day as a general greeting.
Bonswa
Good evening
Used in the afternoon and evening.
Bonnwit
Good night
A farewell at night or bedtime.
Salü
Hi (informal)
Casual greeting among friends.
Arevwa
Goodbye
From French "au revoir".
Tchao
Bye (informal)
Casual farewell.
Mési
Thank you
From French "merci".
Mési bokou
Thank you very much
"Bokou" means "much" or "a lot".
Pad mési
You're welcome
Literally "don't mention it".
Souplé
Please
From French "s'il vous plaît" shortened.
Oui
Yes
Non
No
Koman to ye?
How are you?
Literally "How are you (doing)?"
Mo byen
I'm fine / I'm well
Standard reply to "Koman to ye?".
Koman to rélé?
What is your name?
Literally "What are you called?"
Mo rélé…
My name is…
Literally "I am called…"
Mo pa konprann
I don't understand
"Pa" is the negation marker.
Palé dous, souplé
Speak slowly, please
"Dous" means soft/slow.
Répété sa
Repeat that
Kès sa yé?
What is that?
From French "qu'est-ce que c'est".
Usage note
Louisiana Creole spelling is not fully standardized. You may encounter variant spellings such as bon jou for bonjou, or moin for mwen. Both forms are valid — regional and family variation is part of the language's richness.