Papiamentu, The Heart Language of Curaçao

A few words in the local language will completely change how you're welcomed on the island.

The local language

More than a language, an identity

Papiamentu is a creole language born from a unique blend of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and African languages. It's the official language of Curaçao alongside Dutch and English, spoken by around 330,000 people across the Dutch Caribbean. It's the language of the market, families, music and daily life. Locals love when visitors make the effort to learn a few words, even imperfectly.

Essential vocabulary

Phrases to know

These few phrases will transform your interactions with locals.

Bon bini
bon BEE-ni
Welcome
What you will hear at every arrival. Respond with a smile.
Bon dia
bon DEE-ya
Good morning
Use until around noon. Dia is pronounced like in Spanish.
Bon tarde
bon TAR-deh
Good afternoon
From noon until sunset.
Bon nochi
bon NO-tchi
Good evening, good night
After sunset. Also used to say goodbye in the evening.
Masha danki
MA-sha DAN-ki
Thank you very much
The equivalent of thank you very much. Essential at the floating market vendors.
Por fabor
por fa-BOR
Please
Identical to Spanish. Used the same way.
Con ta bai?
kon ta BAY
How are you?
The standard greeting. The typical reply is Ta bon.
Ta bon
ta BON
I am fine, good
The reply to Con ta bai. Can also mean okay or all good.
Ayo
AY-yo
Goodbye
Simple and warm. Less formal than Adiós in Spanish.
Dushi
DOU-shi
Sweetheart, delicious, lovely
The most versatile word on the island. Can describe a person, food or a moment. You will hear it everywhere.
Kuantu ta kosta?
KWAN-tou ta KOS-ta
How much does it cost?
Essential at the floating market and with artisans. Vendors appreciate the effort.
Unda mi por haña?
OUN-da mi por ha-NYA
Where can I find?
Complete with what you are looking for. Ex: Unda mi por haña awa? (Where can I find water?)
Mi no komprende
mi no kom-PREN-deh
I do not understand
Say it with a smile. Locals will happily switch to English or Dutch.
Bon provecho
bon pro-VEH-tcho
Enjoy your meal
Said before or at the start of a meal. Identical to Spanish.
Pasa bon
PA-sa bon
Have a good time, enjoy
A warm farewell. Literally means pass well.

The word to remember

Dushi, the word that sums up Curaçao

Dushi is the most versatile and most-used word in Curaçao. It can describe a person ("sweetheart"), food ("delicious"), a place ("beautiful") or a situation ("awesome"). You'll hear it everywhere. If you only learn one word of Papiamentu, make it this one.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce it

Papiamentu pronunciation is fairly intuitive. Key rules: "j" sounds like English "y", and "dj" sounds like the "dj" in "djembe". Don't worry too much about perfect pronunciation, the people of Curaçao are warm and enthusiastic when visitors make the effort.

Westpunt viewpoint overlooking the Caribbean coastline

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