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.
This is a hallmark feature of creole languages worldwide.
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 form.
Mo té alé lakay.
I went home.
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.
Mo ka manjé.
I am eating (right now).
Li ap kouri.
He/She is running.
Zot ka parlé kréyòl.
They are speaking Creole.
Indicates an action that will happen in the future.
Mo ké alé demen.
I will go tomorrow.
Li va vini astè.
He/She will come soon.
Nou ké manjé ansanm.
We will eat together.
Indicates an action just completed. Similar to "just finished" in English.
Mo fini manjé.
I just finished eating.
Li fini travay.
He/She just finished working.
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.
Used to indicate continuation or emphasis.
Li kombien travay.
He/She is still working.