Phonics for "OU" and its contracted form "W"

"w" is the contracted form of Haitian Creole "ou".

Part1

"w" or "ou" both translate the words 'you, your, and yours'

Examples:

papa ou - your father

papa w - your father

M renmen ou - I love you

M renmen w - I love you

Ou ap dòmi. - You're sleeping.

Wap dòmi. - You're sleeping.

Sa se pa ou la. - This is yours

Sa se pa w la. - This is yours

Part 2

Haitian Creole speakers often use "w" instead of "ou" in writing and speaking.

"w" comes after words that end with nasal and non nasal vowels only.

Examples:

manman w - your mother

kò w - your body

chapo w - your hat

M rele w - I call you

Nou kwè w. - We believe you.

Part 3

"w" does not come after words that end with a consonant.

"ou" is used instead.

Examples:

pitit ou - your child

tèt ou - your head

machin ou - your car

pawòl ou - your word

M konprann ou - I understand you

Part 4

Examples:

Listen to the "ou" and "w" sound after the words in the list below.
Feel free to repeat after me.

Click on the play button and listen:
1. Papa w - your father

2. Kò w - your body

3. vwazen w - your neighbor

4. kabann ou - your bed

5. liv ou - your book

6. M ekri w - I write to you

7. M renmen w. - I like you.

8. M konprann ou. - I understand you

9. Sa se manman w. - This is your mom.

10. Lave figi w. - Wash your face

See other lessons with "OU" and "W"

Learn more about Nasal and non nasal vowels

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