Learn 20 words in Papiamento

Papiamento is the most widely spoken language in Aruba, serving as a vital part of the island’s cultural identity. It is a creole language that blends elements from Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, African languages, and Arawak, reflecting the diverse influences in the region’s history.

While Aruba is multilingual, with many people also speaking English, Spanish, and Dutch, Papiamento remains central to everyday communication, media, and education, distinguishing it as a unique and integral aspect of Aruban life. This is why it is really good to learn a few words before starting your project:

Everything is possibleTur cos ta posibel
Good MorningBon dia
Good AfternoonBon tardi
Good evening / nightBon nochi
WelcomeBon Bini
How are you?Conta bay?
I am fineMi ta bon
Fine, thank youBon, danki
Very goodHopi bon
GoodbyeAyo
See you laterTe aworo
Have a good dayPasa un bon dia
What time is it?Cuant’or tin
Where do you live?Unda bo ta biba
I can speak PapiamentoMi por papia Papiamento
Happy BirthdayMasha pabien
MeAmi
YouAbo
How muchCuanto
I’m hungryMi tin hamber