How Use the Haitian Creole Word "Menm"

Advanced Lesson

What You Will Learn

You will learn six different ways of using the Haitian Creole word menm:

1. To say that something is the same

2. To say even (e.g. even in the summer it can get cold).

3. To say even if.

4. To emphasize personal pronouns.

5. To add emphasis to a question.

6. To use as the negative intensifier at all for when something is not done or not true (e.g. No food at all.)

1. Using 'Menm' to Say Something is the Same

Say menm in situations where you would normally say something is the same in English.

The Haitian Creole word menm can mean that something is the same.

Examples

1. He has the same smile as his dad.

Li gen menm souri ak papa l.

2.They go to the same school.

Yo ale nan menm lekòl.

2. Using 'Menm' to Say 'Even'

Say menm in situations where you would normally say even in situations that are unexpected or surprising.

The Haitian Creole word menm can mean the same as the English word even to show contrast.

Examples

1. Even in December it can get hot in some places in Haiti.

Menm nan mwa Desanm li konn fè cho kèk kote ann Ayiti.

2. Even when Recarddo studies, school was still hard for him.

Menm lè Ricard etidye, lekòl te toujou difisil pou li.

3. Using 'Menm' to Say 'Even If' or 'Even Though'

1. Say menmsi in situations where you would normally say even if in English.
2. The Creole word si can mean if.

The Haitian Creole word menm can mean the same as the English word even if or even though.

Examples

1. Even though it's hot in Haiti, there is good breeze.

Menmsi li fè cho ann Ayiyi, gen bon ti van.

2. Even though school is difficult for Ricardo, he will succeed because he perseveres.

Menmsi lekòl difisil pou Ricardo, l ap reyisi paske li pèsevere.

4. Using 'Menm' to Emphasize Pronouns

1. Say menm to emphasize personal pronouns
2. Personal pronouns are Creole words like mwen, ou, nou, li and yo.
3. You can also say the word menm twice to stress the pronouns more to drive the point home.

Examples

1. He himself is always eating

Li menm ki toujou ap manje.

Note: Repeat the word menm to add even more emphasis.

2. He HIMSELF is always eating.

Li menm menm toujou ap manje.

5. Using 'Menm' to Emphasize a Question

1. Say menm at the end of a question to add more emphasis.

You can say menm at the end of a question to add more emphasis about what you are asking about.

*Note: Menm does not necessarily mean really. You can simply use it at the end of a question for more emphasis.

Examples

1. How are you, really?

Kòman w yemenm?

2. How many people came, really?

Konbyen moun ki te vini menm?

6. Using 'Menm' to Say 'At All'

Use menm to say at all to stress something can't be done or is not true.

You can say menm at the end of a sentence in Creole in situations you would normally say at all in English.

Examples

1. He doesn't like peanuts at all!

Li pa renmen pistach menm!

2. We didn't go at all!

Nou pa t ale menm!

Some Things to Keep in Mind

1. The Haitian Creold word menm comes from the French word même. Like Haitian Creole, there are many ways you can use the French word même.

2. Out of all the ways to use menm, using it to emphasize pronouns will likely be the most challenging. The reason is because you can use it as a way emphasize pronouns in general, not just to say reflexive pronouns. Another one of our lessons will go deeper as to how to use menm to emphasize pronouns.