Basic Words

1. Sí

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

   Grammar Note

   Papiamento is a creole drawing on Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and English; the core vocabulary is mostly Iberian.

2. No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Por fabor

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

4. Danki

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

5. Despensá

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

   Grammar Note

   "Despensá" comes from Spanish "dispensar" and is used both for passing someone and for getting attention.

6. Mi ta lamentá

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Ta bon

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. Mi no ta komprondé

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Mi ta komprondé

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Mi a kaba

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Por fabor warda

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Un momentu

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Un adulto, por fabor

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. Mi no tin reservashon

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

15. Mi tin reservashon

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Por fabor yuda mi

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. Un bes mas, por fabor

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Papia poko poko, por fabor

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. Mi ta papia un tiki

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. Bo ta papia ingles?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. Esaki

    This one

    Usage

    Point at something within reach

22. Esei

    That one

    Usage

    Point at something near the other person

23. Esaya

    That one over there

    Usage

    Point at something further away

24. Akinan

    Here

    Usage

    While pointing at a map or the ground

25. Einan

    There

    Usage

    While pointing at a map or the ground

26. Ayanan

    Over there

    Usage

    While pointing into the distance

27. Mi

    I / me

    Usage

    To make clear who you mean

28. Bo

    You

    Usage

    To make clear who you mean

29. Huntu

    Together

    Usage

    For travelling, rooming, or paying as a group

30. Mas

    More

    Usage

    When you want more of something

31. Un tiki

    Just a little

    Usage

    When you want only a small amount

32. Mitar

    Half

    Usage

    When half of it is enough

33. Tur

    All of it

    Usage

    When you want the whole lot

34. Ta basta

    That's enough

    Usage

    To stop a refill or a hard sell

35. Awor aki

    Right now

    Usage

    To make clear it is urgent

36. Un persona

    One person

    Usage

    For a table, a room, or a ticket count

37. Dos persona

    Two people

    Usage

    For a table, a room, or a ticket count

38. Tres persona

    Three people

    Usage

    For a table, a room, or a ticket count

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