Con bo yama?
Con bo ya-ma?
What is your name?
Usage
The standard way to ask someone's name in Papiamentu
Grammar Note
"Con bo yama?" literally "how are you called?" is the standard name question
Di unda bo ta bin?
Di un-da bo ta bin?
Where are you from?
Usage
Asking someone where they are from
Grammar Note
"unda" is the question word for "where"; "ta bin" uses the progressive form to express origin
Mi yama ____.
Mi ya-ma ____.
My name is ____.
Usage
Introducing yourself by stating your name
Grammar Note
"yama" is a verb meaning "to be called" or "to be named"
Mashá alegre di konoseté.
Ma-shá a-le-gre di ko-no-se-té.
Very pleased to meet you.
Usage
Greeting someone with pleasure upon first meeting
Grammar Note
"alegre" from Spanish (happy/pleased); "konosé" means "to know/meet"
Mi email ta ____.
Mi e-mail ta ____.
My email address is ____.
Usage
Sharing your email address as a contact
Grammar Note
"ta" is the Papiamentu copula (linking verb) expressing state or identity
Mi ta biba na ____.
Mi ta bi-ba na ____.
I live in ____.
Usage
Telling someone where you live
Grammar Note
"biba" derives from Portuguese "viver" meaning "to live"
Kiko ta bo número di telefon?
Ki-ko ta bo nú-me-ro di te-le-fon?
What is your phone number?
Usage
Asking for someone's phone number
Grammar Note
"número" is identical to Spanish; "telefon" is borrowed from Dutch or English
Mi lo manda bo un mensahe.
Mi lo man-da bo un men-sa-he.
I will send you a message.
Usage
Promising to send someone a message
Grammar Note
"manda" derives from Spanish "mandar" meaning "to send"
Bo ta na Instagram?
Bo ta na In-sta-gram?
Are you on Instagram?
Usage
Asking whether someone uses Instagram as a way to stay in touch
Grammar Note
"na" is a Papiamentu preposition meaning "at/on/in", used in digital contexts too
Mi ta bai ekstrañá bo.
Mi ta bai eks-tra-ñá bo.
I am going to miss you.
Usage
Expressing that you will miss someone when saying goodbye
Grammar Note
"ekstrañá" derives from Spanish "extrañar" (to miss someone); Latinate verbs of three or more syllables carry final stress, written -á
More Papiamentu phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Beach & Activities
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Dating Apps
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Diving & Water Sports
- Skiing & Winter Sports
- Hot Springs & Baths
- Yoga & Wellness
- Casino & Gambling
- Beauty & Grooming
- Remote Work
- Fashion & Clothing
- Convenience Store
- Martial Arts
- Signs
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Feelings
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences