Papiamento is a Creole language containing elements of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English and French, as well as Arawakan and African languages. It is spoken by about 330,000 people in Curaçao, Bonaire and Aruba, which were formerly known as the Netherlands Antilles. There are also Papiamento speakers in the Netherlands and Sint Maarten. In Curaçao and Bonaire the language is known as Papiamentu, and it is known as Papiamento in Aruba.
In Aruba the official languages are Papiamento and Dutch but English is widely spoken. Knowing a few pleasantries in Papiamento will get you a long way with the locals. Give it a try!
PAPIAMENTO
Aruba's native language
Aruba travel info
Useful words & phrases
Bon dia
-
good morning
Bon tardi
-
good afternoon
Bon nochi
-
good evening (good night)
Danki
-
Thank you
Di nada
-
You're welcome
Want more?
Con bay?
~ How are you?
Hopi bon.
~ Very good.
Dushi
~ Sweet/Nice
Pasa bon dia.
~ Have a good day.
Masha danki
~ Thanks much
Te oro
~ See you later
Bon bini
~ Welcome
Ayo
~ Goodbye