Cajun French Translator — Free Louisiana Creole & Acadian French Converter
Convert English into Cajun French — the dialect of Louisiana's Acadian-descended communities. Explore Acadian history, Southern Louisiana fiction, or your heritage. Free, no sign-up.
Common English → Cajun French Phrases
| English | Cajun French | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Bonjou / Salut | Time of day |
| Goodbye | Arrévoir / A plus | Formal / casual |
| Thank you | Merci / Merci beaucoup | Standard |
| Friend | Ami / Nèg | Close friend |
| How are you? | Comment ça va? / Ça va? | Casual |
| I love you | Je t'aime | Standard French |
| Food | Manger | To eat |
| Water | D'leau | Contraction of "de l'eau" |
| Gumbo | Gombo | Classic stew |
| Coffee | Café noir | Black coffee |
| Bayou | Bayou | Slow river |
| House | Maison | Standard |
| Family | Famille | Standard |
| Good | Bon | Basic adjective |
| Beautiful | Beau / Belle | Masculine / feminine |
What Is Cajun French?
Cajun French is the dialect of French spoken in southern Louisiana by descendants of the Acadian people — French colonists expelled from Atlantic Canada by the British between 1755 and 1764 in "Le Grand Dérangement". It retains 17th‑century French features alongside English, Spanish, and Native American loanwords.
Cajun French vs Louisiana Creole French
Cajun French: A dialect of French descended from Acadian settlers. Structurally closer to standard French.
Louisiana Creole French: A French‑based creole language, showing more West African influence, developed among Louisiana's Creole population. The two are distinct but related.
Key Features of Cajun French
- Preservation of archaic French vocabulary
- English loanwords (e.g., "tcheque" = check, "driver" = conduire)
- Spanish vocabulary from Louisiana's Spanish colonial period
- Indigenous words from Chitimacha, Atakapa, etc.
- Distinctive nasal vowels and pronunciation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun French?
The dialect of French spoken by Acadian descendants in Louisiana, preserving 17th‑century vocabulary.
What is Louisiana Creole French?
A French‑based creole with West African influence, distinct from Cajun French.
Who are the Cajuns?
Descendants of Acadian French colonists expelled from Canada in the 1750s.
Is Cajun French an endangered language?
Yes, due to English dominance and historical suppression. Preservation is ongoing.
How is it different from standard French?
Archaic vocabulary, English/Spanish loanwords, and distinct phonology.
Is this translator free?
Completely free, no account required.