Tense Markers
Unlike English or French, Louisiana Creole verbs do not conjugate. Instead, small words called **preverbal markers** are placed before the verb to indicate when an action occurs.
Quick Reference
| Marker | Tense / Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (none) | Habitual / generic | Mo manjé rizi. — I eat rice. |
| Té | Past | Mo té manjé. — I ate. |
| Ka / Ap | Progressive | Mo ka manjé. — I am eating. |
| Ké / Va | Future | Mo ké manjé. — I will eat. |
| Fini | Completive (just) | Mo fini manjé. — I just ate. |
| Pa | Negation | Mo pa manjé. — I don't eat. |
Placed before the verb to indicate a past action. Does not change the form.
Mo té tris
I was sad.
Li té manjé deja.
He/She had already eaten.
Nou té vini yé.
We came yesterday.
Indicates an action currently in progress. Similar to "-ing" in English.
M'ap manjé.
I am eating (right now).
L'ap kouri.
He/She is running.
Y'ap parlé kréyòl.
They are speaking Creole.
Indicates an action that will happen in the future.
Mo va kouri dmin.
I will go tomorrow.
Li va vini astè.
He/She will come now.
Nou va manjé ensenm.
We will eat together.
Placed before the verb (or after the tense marker) to negate the statement.
Mo pa konprann.
I do not understand.
Li pa alé.
He/She did not go.
Nou té pa la.
We were not there.