Jamaica is a beautiful island nation known for its beaches, music, cuisine and rich culture. One unique aspect of Jamaican culture is its language, Jamaican Patois, which is a combination of English, African languages, and Spanish. It is known for its colorful expressions and unique slang words, which can make it difficult for those who are not familiar with it to understand. However, by learning some of the most common Jamaican Patois words and phrases, you will be able to understand and participate in conversations with locals, making your trip to Jamaica much more enjoyable.
Whether you're traveling for pleasure or business, understanding Jamaican Patois will give you a deeper understanding of the culture, and help you to connect with locals on a more personal level. In this article, we will be discussing some of the most important Jamaican Patois words and phrases that you should know before traveling to Jamaica.
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- “Wah Gwaan „
- Definition This is a common greeting, similar to saying "What's up?" or "How are you?"
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Wah gwaan bredrin, everyting irie?
(English) What’s going on brethren, Is everything good?
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- “Irie „
- Definition This is a term used to describe a positive feeling or situation. It can also be used as a greeting, similar to saying "What's good?"
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Everyting irie?
(English) Is everything good?
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- “Bumboclaat „
- Definition This is a swear word, similar to saying "damn", "hell" or "f*ck" in English. It is considered a very strong curse word and should be used with caution.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Bumboclaat! Mi jus drap
(English) F*ck! I just fell
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- “Fulljoy „
- Definition This word means to fully enjoy something, or to make the most of a situation.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Guh out and fulljoy yuhself
(English) Go out and enjoy yourself
- Learn correct word pronunciation
- Understand grammar and structure
- Handy everyday phrases
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- “Mi deh yah „
- Definition This means "I'm here" in English. It is a way of saying that you are present and ready to engage in conversation or activity.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi deh yah still
(English) I'm here still
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- “Nyam „
- Definition This means "to eat" in Jamaican patois. It's also commonly used as an expression of appreciation for food.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Yuh got any food fi nyam?
(English) Do you have any food to eat?
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- “Rasta „
- Definition This is a term used to describe a person who follows the Rastafarian religion and lifestyle.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) When did yuh become a rasta?
(English) When did you become a Rastafarian?
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- “Yute „
- Definition This means "young person" in Jamaican patois. It can also be used as a term of endearment for someone you know well.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) My yute, Weh yu deh go?
(English) Friend, where are you going?
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- “Yah man „
- Definition This phrase can be used as a way of agreeing or acknowledging something.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Yah man mi viewers and subscribas
(English) Yeah man my viewers and subscribers
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- “Pree „
- Definition This word means to look or check something out, or to admire something.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Wah mek yuh deh pree mi?
(English) Why are you watching me?
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- “Livity „
- Definition This term is associated with the Rastafarian culture and refers to living a positive and righteous life.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Di Rastafari livity ah promote peace.
(English) The Rastafari lifestyle promotes peace.
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- “Gwaan „
- Definition This phrase means "go on" or "go away" and is often used as a way to dismiss someone or something.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Gwaan weh yu ago
(English) Go on where you are going
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- “Link „
- Definition This word means "to meet" or "to hang out", often used as a verb, such as "Let's link up later"
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi a guh link Mark tomorrow
(English) I am going to see Mark tomorrow
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- “Dweet „
- Definition This word means "to do something" or "to handle something", often used as a verb as in "Dweet and done"
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mek wi dweet
(English) Let us do it
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- “Roun yah „
- Definition This phrase means "around here" and can be used to describe a location or an area.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) I'm not from around here
(English) Mi nuh cum fram roun yah
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- “Babylon „
- Definition This word is associated with the Rastafarian culture and refers to the oppressive forces of society, often used as a synonym of the government or the police.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Waah Babylon bwoy a cum.
(English) A police man is coming.
Beginner's Guide to Speaking Jamaican Patois
Looking for a quick and easy way to learn Jamaican Patois? Our Beginner's Guide has everything you need to get started;
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By familiarizing yourself with these Jamaican patois words and phrases, you will be better equipped to navigate conversations and interactions while on your trip to Jamaica.
