Saying Goodbye in Jamaican Patois

As with any other language, there are multiple ways of saying goodbye in Jamaican Patois. Some expressions are used in a formal setting while others are used in a more informal atmosphere. In a formal situation, Standard English goodbye expressions such as “goodbye” or “see you later” are acceptable. When conversing in an informal situation, more creative Jamaican Patois phrases such as the ones listed below are normally used.

1. “Likkle More „

   English Translation: See You Later

   Definition This is one of the most popular goodbye expressions normally used by a Jamaican. If you ever had a conversation with a Jamaican, you’ve probably heard him utter this phrase at one point or the other. The literal translation of “likkle more” is “little more” but when used as a goodbye expression it means “see you later”. Alternatively, “likkle more” may also be said as “lilli more”

   Example Sentences (Patois) Mi deh leff, likkle more
   (English) I am leaving, see you later

2. “Walk Good „

   English Translation: Take Care / Stay Safe

   Definition This expression is normally used when saying goodbye to family or friends. It means to stay out of trouble or to be careful

   Example Sentences (Patois) Man1: “Mi deh goweh now” Man2: “Ok bredrin, walk good”
   (English) Man1: “I am going away now” Man2: “Ok friend, take care”









3. “Inna di morrowz „

   English Translation: See you tomorrow

   Definition This expression is used when saying goodbye to friends. It means “I’ll see you when we meet again tomorrow”. The literal translation of “Inna di morrowz” is “In the tomorrows”.

   Example Sentences (Patois) Mi late fi di meeting, inna di morrowz
   (English) I’m late for the meeting, see you tomorrow

4. “Lata „

   English Translation: See you later

   Definition Pronounced “Lay-tah”, this is a popular goodbye expression similar to “likkle more”. The literal translation is “later”, but when used as a means for saying goodbye, it means “see you later”.

   Example Sentences (Patois) Mi deh touch di road, lata
   (English) I’m going out, see you later

5. “Inna di likkle bit „

   English Translation: See you soon

   Definition This expression is used when saying goodbye to friends. It means “I’ll see you soon”. The literal translation of “Inna di likkle bit” is “In the little bit”.

   Example Sentences (Patois) Mi ago pick up mi truck, inna di likkle bit
   (English) I’m going to pick up my truck, I’ll see you soon

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