Prepositions
What is a preposition?
A preposition links a noun, pronoun, or phrase to another part of a sentence. Because many prepositions show direction, some say that "a preposition is anywhere a object can go." Today we will be dealing with four very important prepositions that are commonly used in Kwéyòl.
AT
Use the Kwéyòl word nan or an in generally the same way you would use the English word "at" for directions and locations, in some cases lakay or kay is used. I will give an example of the appropriate use of each of these prepositions.
1. I'm at a conference. - Mwen an/nan yon konsit.
2. We were at a concert. - Nou té an/nan yon konsè.
3. She saw the pope at a party. - Li té wè lipap-la an/nan yon fèt.
4. Yesterday you were at the school. - Yè ou té an/nan lékòl.
5. They are at Thomas' house. - Yo lakay Toma.
6. No I'm not at the store - Non mwen pa an/nan magazen-an.
7. I will be at the lecture. - Mwen ké an/nan lèkti-a.
8. She's at work. - Li an/nan twavay.
9. I saw your sister at the wedding. - Mwen wè sésé'w an/nan nòs-la.
10. It happened at the best time. - Sa wivé an/nan pli bon moman-an.
11. We all saw him at the doctor's. - Nou tout wè'y lakay dòktè-a.
Use the Kwéyòl preposition "a" when telling time and asking questions with "at".
Examples:
1. At what time are you coming? - A kilè ou ka vini?
2. At five. - A senkè.
3. At what temperature? - A ki tanpéwati?
4. At what age? - A ki laj?
The preposition "a" can also be used with some nouns where the first letter is a consonant. In general the use of this preposition is very restricted.
1. Turn to the the left. - Viwé a goch.
2. Turn to the right. - Viwé a dwèt.
3. We arrived on time. - Nou wivé a lè.
4. Your mother is at the table eating. - Maman'w a tab ka manjé.
To
The preposition "to" is dropped in sentences that involve directions and locations, and infinitive clauses.
1. I'm going to Basse Terre. - Mwen ka alé Bas Tè.
2. They thought you went to Martinique. - Yo té kwè ou té alé Matnik.
3. I hope to see you - Mwen éspéwé wè'w.
4. The girl tried to scream - Tifi-a éséyé hélé.
You may also use the Kwéyòl word "nan" to translate preposition "to" in places where you could also use "at".
1. I'm going to the hospital. - Mwen ka alé nan lopital-la.
2. Frank went to the bank. - Fwank alé nan labank-la.
3. The children went to the pool. - Sé ti-moun-an té alé nan pisin-an.
4. They went to the park. - Yo alé nan pak-la.
On
The Kwéyòl word "asou" /"lasou" / "sou" (ah-soo / lah-soo / soo) usually translates the preposition "on".
Examples;
1. The bowl of rice is on the table. - Bòl diwi-a asou tab-la.
2. You can sleep on the couch - Ou sa dòmi asou kouchton-an
3. Sit on the red chair. - Asiz asou chèz wouj-la.
4. Put this on the shelf for me. - Mété sa'a asou létajè-a ban mwen.
IN
The Kwéyòl words "nan", or "adan" (ah-dahn) usually translates the proposition "in"
Examples:
1. She lives in the forest. - Li ka wèsté nan lafowé-a.
2. Put some sugar in the juice. - Mété tjèk sik adan ji-a
3. We saw her in the man's house. - Nou wè li nan lakay nonm-lan.
4. In what month were you born? - Nan ki mwa ou té fèt?
5. He put the two loaves in the oven. - Li mété dé pen-an adan fou-a.
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