Jamaican Patois, a vibrant fusion of English, African, and Spanish influences, is the heart and soul of Jamaican communication. While English is the official language, Patois reigns supreme in everyday life, offering a glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage.
If you are planning a trip to Jamaica, it is a good idea to learn a few Patois words and phrases. This will help you to communicate with the locals and to experience the true Jamaican culture. Here are 15 of the most common and useful Jamaican Patois words:
Greetings and Responses
Kickstart Your Conversations with These Welcoming Greetings:
-
- “ Wah Gwaan „
- English Translation: What's going on
- Definition A popular greeting phrase meaning What's going on? or How are you?
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) Wah gwaan? How yuh doin'?
(English) What's going on? How are you doing?
-
- “ Mi deh yah „
- English Translation: I'm Here
- Definition Used as a greeting response, it means "I'm ok" and may be used in response to greetings such as "How are you?".
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) John: "How yuh stay?" Brian: "Mi deh yah"
(English) John: "How are you?" Brian: "I'm okay"
-
- “ Mi nice „
- English Translation: I’m great
- Definition Response given when someone ask how you are doing. The literal translation is “I’m nice”. It means one is feeling great, fantastic, excellent etc...
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) Man1: “How yuh stay?” Man2: “Mi nice”
(English) Man1: “How are you?” Man2: “I’m great”
-
- “ Mi gud „
- English Translation: i’m good
- Definition Indicates that one is doing well or okay.
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi gud nuh worry bou I
(English) I'm good don't worry about me
-
- “ Likkle more „
- English Translation: see you later
- Definition A phrase used to say see you later or until next time, often used as a farewell or parting expression
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) Alright, mi a go now, likkle more
(English) Alright, I'm going now, see you later
Everyday Phrases
Spice Up Your Everyday Conversations with These Jamaican Expressions
-
- “ Irie „
- English Translation: Feeling good
- Definition A state of well-being or contentment
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) Di vibes a di reggae concert did irie
(English) The vibes at the reggae concert were feeling good
-
- “ Pree „
- English Translation: Check Out
- Definition To take notice or pay close attention someone or something.
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) From yestideh mi a pree har
(English) From yesterday I’ve been checking her out
-
- “ Big up „
- English Translation: Give Props /Respect
- Definition Used to show someone admiration or pleasure in a job well done , respect
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) Come mek wi big up the chef for his delicious Ital foods and ting .
(English) Let us give our respect to the chef for his delicious ital food
-
- “ Jamrock „
- English Translation: Jamaica
- Definition Slang term for the country Jamaica.
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) Wi deh go back to Jamrock
(English) We are going back to Jamaica
-
- “ Badmind „
- English Translation: Envious
- Definition A term used to describe jealousy or ill will towards someone's success or accomplishments
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) Sum people hav badmind, always a try bring dung addas
(English) Some people are envious, always trying to bring others down
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;
- Learn correct word pronunciation
- Understand grammar and structure
- Handy everyday phrases
Get Your Copy
Describing People
Expand Your Jamaican Vocabulary with These Expressive Words for Describing People
-
- “ Yaadie „
- English Translation: Jamaican
- Definition The Jamaican term "yaadie" refers to a person who is originally from Jamaica or has strong Jamaican roots. It is derived from the word "yaad," which is a commonly used term in Jamaican Patois to refer to one's home or neighborhood.
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi proud fi be a real yaadie, yuh know!
(English) I'm proud to be a true Jamaican, you know!
-
- “ Bredrin „
- English Translation: Friend
- Definition A term used to refer to a close friend or companion, emphasizing a strong bond and camaraderie
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi and mi bredrin guh way back, we always have each other's back
(English) Me and my friend go way back, we always have each other's back
-
- “ Gyal „
- English Translation: girl
- Definition A term for a girl or young woman.
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) Come nuh gyal
(English) Come over here girl
-
- “ Bwoy „
- English Translation: boy
- Definition A term for a boy or young man.
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) Cum yah bwoy!
(English) Come here boy!
-
- “ Rasta man „
- English Translation: Rastafarian man
- Definition a male that practices rastafarianism (may or may not wear a dreadlocks)
-
Example Sentences
(Patois) Bob Marley did a rasta man suh mi nuh think him did nyam pork
(English) Bob Marley was a rasta man so I don't think he ate pork
Subcribe to Our Youtube Channel
Learn Jamaican Patois & Get more of the Jamaican Vibe with our easy to follow video lessons.
Subscribe
