Adjectives

1. Grandi

   Big

   Usage

   For asking for another size; use it with a gesture

2. Chikitu

   Small

   Usage

   For describing clothing or room size

3. Pisá

   Heavy

   Usage

   For excess baggage, or asking someone to lift something

4. Livian

   Light (weight)

   Usage

   About weight only — in many languages this is a different word from “bright”

   Grammar Note

   "Livian" is light in weight; do not confuse it with "lihé," which means quick.

5. Karu

   Expensive

   Usage

   The opening move in a haggle; pair it with a face

6. Barata

   Cheap

   Usage

   For asking whether a cheaper option exists

7. Kayente

   Hot (thing)

   Usage

   About food, drink, or water — not the same word as hot weather

   Grammar Note

   "Kayente" is a hot object; hot weather is "ta hasi kalor."

8. Friu

   Cold (thing)

   Usage

   About drinks and food — not the same word as cold weather

9. Nobo

   New

   Usage

   For checking whether something is unused

10. Bieu

    Old (thing)

    Usage

    For objects only; used of people it is rude in many languages

    Grammar Note

    "Bieu" is for objects; used of a person it is impolite, so say "hende grandi" (an elder).

11. Hóben

    Young

    Usage

    About a person’s age; a small-talk word

12. Hende grandi

    Old (person)

    Usage

    The dedicated word for people; pick the respectful one

    Grammar Note

    "Hende grandi" is the courteous way to refer to an older person.

13. Limpi

    Clean

    Usage

    For a clean room or clean water

14. Sushi

    Dirty

    Usage

    Useful when asking to change rooms

15. Bon

    Good

    Usage

    The all-purpose word for agreement and approval

16. Malu

    Bad

    Usage

    For saying that your health or an item’s quality is poor

17. Serka

    Near

    Usage

    For checking whether somewhere is within walking distance

18. Leu

    Far

    Usage

    Tells you whether you need transport

19. Trempan

    Early

    Usage

    About clock time; in many languages a different word from “fast”

    Grammar Note

    "Trempan" is early in time; fast in speed is "lihé."

20. Lat

    Late

    Usage

    About clock time; in many languages a different word from “slow”

    Grammar Note

    "Lat" is late in time; slow in speed is "poko poko."

21. Hopi

    Many

    Usage

    About quantity or how crowded somewhere is

22. Poko

    Few

    Usage

    Also useful for asking for a smaller portion

23. Ta hasi kalor

    Hot (weather)

    Usage

    About the weather — a different word from a hot object

24. Ta hasi friu

    Cold (weather)

    Usage

    About the weather — a different word from a cold object

25. Bunita

    Cute

    Usage

    Used for people and things; closer to "beautiful/lovely"

26. Dushi

    Delicious

    Usage

    The word you will reach for most often at the table; one of Papiamentu's most iconic words, also covering "sweet/darling"

27. Tremendo

    Amazing

    Usage

    An expression of surprise and admiration

28. Alegre

    Fun

    Usage

    For describing an experience itself; also covers "happy"

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