Greetings

1. Bon dia

   Bon di-a

   Hello / Good day

   Usage

   Common Papiamentu greeting, used in Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire

   Grammar Note

   Papiamentu is a creole language influenced by Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch

2. Danki

   Dan-ki

   Thank you

   Usage

   The most common Papiamentu expression of gratitude

   Grammar Note

   From Dutch "dank." "Danki mashá" (thank you very much) is more emphatic

3. Ayo

   A-yo

   Goodbye

   Usage

   The casual Papiamentu farewell, easy to use in any parting situation

   Grammar Note

   Related to Spanish "adiós" and Portuguese "adeus" — reflecting the language's mixed roots

4. Sí / No

   Yes / No

   Usage

   Basic Papiamentu words for yes and no

   Grammar Note

   Same form as Spanish/Portuguese — useful since most islanders speak multiple languages

5. Con ta bai?

   How are you?

   Usage

   The Papiamentu way to ask how someone is doing

   Grammar Note

   Reply "Ta bon" (it's good / I'm fine) or "Mi ta bon" (I'm fine)

6. Bon nochi

   Bon no-chi

   Good night / Good evening

   Usage

   Greeting used in the evening or when parting at night

   Grammar Note

   Same structure as Spanish "buenas noches"; paired with "Bon dia" for daytime

7. Por fabor

   Por fa-bor

   Please

   Usage

   A polite word added when making a request

   Grammar Note

   Identical to Spanish "por favor"; can be placed at the start or end of a request

8. Despensá

   Des-pen-sá

   Excuse me / I'm sorry

   Usage

   Used to get someone's attention or offer a light apology

   Grammar Note

   An apology and attention-getter. "despensá" means "sorry / excuse me"

9. Te aworó

   Te a-wo-ró

   See you later / See you in a bit

   Usage

   A casual farewell when you expect to see someone soon

   Grammar Note

   "te" is a preposition meaning "until", equivalent to Spanish "hasta"

10. Bon bini na Kòrsou!

    Bon bi-ni na Kòr-sou!

    Welcome to Curaçao!

    Usage

    Welcoming someone who has arrived to Curaçao

    Grammar Note

    "Bon bini" is the standard Papiamentu welcome expression, used across all ABC islands

11. Unda ta e baño?

    Un-da ta e ba-ño?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Essential Papiamentu phrase for asking where the bathroom is

    Grammar Note

    "Unda" comes from Portuguese "onde" (where). "Baño" is from Spanish "baño" (bathroom); in Papiamentu "banjo" means only the musical instrument

12. Mi no por papia Papiamentu

    Mi no por pa-pia Pa-pia-men-tu

    I can't speak Papiamentu

    Usage

    Used to let someone know you cannot speak Papiamentu

    Grammar Note

    "No por" expresses inability. "Papia" means to speak, related to Spanish "hablar"

13. Lo mi bin bèk.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop or restaurant

14. Mi a pasa un tempu dushi.

    Mi a pa-sa un tem-pu du-shi.

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said as you part ways

15. Danki, te otro biaha!

    Dan-ki, te o-tro bia-ha!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell

16. Di nada

    Di na-da

    You're welcome

    Usage

    Reply to "Danki" (thank you). Equivalent to Spanish/Portuguese "de nada"

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