CUR TravelGuide 02.04.20 - Flipbook - Page 27
LANGUAGE
The official languages of Curaçao are Papiamentu, Dutch and English.
Papiamentu, the most widely spoken language, developed as slaves
from different origins arrived on Curaçao from different lands. It
emerged from African languages, Spanish, Dutch, French, Portuguese,
English and Arawak. Unlike other Creole languages, Papiamentu is
spoken through all levels of society. Dutch, Spanish and English are
also widely spoken today. In general, visitors can easily get by in English.
HELPFUL PHRASES TO KNOW
Bon dia
Bon deea
Good morning
Bon tardi
Bon tardi
Good afternoon
Bon nochi
Bon nochi
Good evening
Awe
Ahway
Today
Ayera
Ahyeeraa
Yesterday
Danki
Dahnkee
Thanks
Bon
Bon
Good
Dushi
Dooshee
Kind, sweet, tasty
Bon Biní
Bon Beenie
Welcome
Kon ta bai?
Contabye
How are you?
Mi ta bon
Meetabon
I’m fine
Danki
Dahnkee
Thank you
Ayó
Ah io
Good bye
Kon ta bo nòmber?
Kontabo number?
What is your name?
Mi yama...
Meeyama...
My name is…
Mi nòmber ta…
Meenomber ta...
My name is…
Mi ta bini di...
Meeta beenee dee...
I come from...
Di nada
Deenada
With pleasure
Te otro biaha
Te otro biaha
Until next time
Hòmber
Homber
Man
Muhe
Moohe
Woman
Muchanan
Muchanan
Children
27 • people and culture