Useful Phrases

1. Mi a hasi e app aki

   I made this app

   Usage

   Used when introducing an app you created

   Grammar Note

   Papiamento is a creole mixing Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch

2. E app aki ta grátis

   This app is free

   Usage

   Used to inform someone the app is free of charge

   Grammar Note

   "Grátis" is from Portuguese/Spanish meaning free of charge

3. Probá di download'é

   Please try downloading it

   Usage

   Used to encourage someone to download the app

   Grammar Note

   "Probá" means "to try" (the same word as in "Mi por probá esaki?"). "-é" is an object clitic

4. Mi ta Hapones

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   Basic phrase for introducing your nationality

   Grammar Note

   "Ta" is the Papiamento copula linking subject and predicate

5. Mi ta un biahero

   I'm a traveler

   Usage

   Used to identify yourself as a tourist/traveler

   Grammar Note

   "Biahero" is from Spanish "viajero" meaning traveler

6. Mi ta biaha so

   I'm traveling alone

   Usage

   Used to say you are traveling by yourself

   Grammar Note

   "So" means alone/only in Papiamento

7. Ta promé biaha mi bin aki

   It's my first time here

   Usage

   Common phrase when visiting a place for the first time

   Grammar Note

   "Promé biaha" means first time; "promé" means first

8. Mi por saka un foto?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Used when asking permission to take a photo

   Grammar Note

   "Por" is the modal verb meaning can/may in Papiamento

9. Nos por saka un foto huntu?

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Used to suggest taking a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "Huntu" is from Portuguese "junto" meaning together

10. Por fabor scan e QR code

    Please scan the QR code

    Usage

    Used when asking someone to scan a QR code

    Grammar Note

    "Por fabor" is from Spanish "por favor" meaning please

11. No trata di engañami!

    Don't cheat me / Stop ripping me off

    Usage

    Used informally when you feel cheated or overcharged

    Grammar Note

    "Engañami" is from Spanish "engañar" (to cheat) + "me" (me), adapted into Papiamentu

12. No subestimami!

    Don't underestimate me / Don't look down on me

    Usage

    Used informally when someone is being dismissive or disrespectful toward you

    Grammar Note

    "Subestimami" is from Spanish "subestimar" (to underestimate) + "me." Shows Papiamentu's Spanish base

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