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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

Papiamento: Quote

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

Papiamento: Text

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

Papiamento: List
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