A Living Archive of Haitian Wisdom
Epi Dat7
"And That's It."
Discover the proverbs, homophones, and sayings that have shaped Haitian culture across generations. A playful resource for learning, remembering, and sharing.
"Kè m pa lajan pou m mete l nan bank."
My heart isn't money to put in the bank.
Love can't be stored away safely — it must be given freely and lived.
Haitian Proverbs
Words That Shaped a Nation
Haitian proverbs carry generations of wisdom, humor, and truth. Each one a small window into the Haitian soul.
Dèyè mòn gen mòn.
Behind mountains there are mountains.
There's always another challenge ahead. A reminder of resilience — no matter what you overcome, life keeps going.
Bourik travay, chwal galonnen.
The donkey works, the horse gallops.
One person does the hard work while another gets the credit. A commentary on labor and inequality.
Piti piti, zwazo fè nich li.
Little by little, the bird builds its nest.
Patience and persistence pay off. Every small effort contributes to something greater.
Sak vid pa kanpe.
An empty sack cannot stand.
You can't function or think clearly on an empty stomach. Take care of basic needs first.
Wòch nan dlo pa konnen doulè wòch nan solèy.
The rock in the water doesn't know the pain of the rock in the sun.
Those who are comfortable can't truly understand the suffering of others. A call for empathy.
Kreyòl pale, Kreyòl konprann.
Creole speaks, Creole understands.
Speak plainly and directly — those who need to understand, will. No need for pretense.
Creole Homophones
What Are Haitian Creole Homophones?
In Haitian Creole, many words and phrases sound alike but carry different meanings — sometimes hilariously so. These homophones are a beloved part of everyday conversation, wordplay, and humor.
Epi Dat7 itself is a homophone — a casual expression meaning "And that's it," used to punctuate a story, end a debate, or drop a mic.
And That's It
The body / The group
It's dark / To make black
Generation
Wisdom Across Generations
How Haitian proverbs traveled through time, adapting to each era while keeping their truth intact.
Elders of Old
Proverbs were the textbooks. Elders used them to teach morality, survival, and community values in a society where oral tradition reigned.
Radio Generation
Radio programs and kompa music carried proverbs into every household. Sayings became anthems, woven into lyrics and daily broadcasts.
Diaspora
As Haitians migrated, proverbs became a thread to home — whispered at kitchen tables in Brooklyn, Montreal, and Miami, keeping culture alive.
Digital Generation
Memes, TikToks, and group chats have given proverbs a second life. A new generation remixes old wisdom with modern humor.