Do you know how to say “I will be right back” or “Well done” in Jamaican? Do you have a Jamaican friend you want to communicate with? Are you planning to travel to Jamaica in the near future? Jamaican patois (patwah) is another language and is spoken by all the people on the island. Learning a few patois (patwah) phrases will go a long way in communicating with Jamaicans. Below is a list of 18 Jamaican Patois phrases translated to English.
- I Will Be Right Back – Mi Soon Come
- To Eat – Nyam
- Jamaica – Jamrock, Jamdown, Yard
- Jamaican – Yardie, Yard man
- Friend – Bredren (male), Sistren (female)
- Well Done – Big up, Respect
- Excellent – Sell off, Tun up, Wicked
- What’s up? – Wah gwaan, Whappen, Whe yu a seh?
- Everything is good – Mi deh yah, Everyting criss
- See you later – Likkle more, Walk good
- I understand – Zeen
- Over there – Ova deh
- What Are You Up To – Wha Yuh Deh Pon
- I Don’t Care – Mi Nuh Biznizz
- Jealous – Badmind
- Step up your game – Tun Up De Ting
- The party was good! – De Party Tun Up
- OMG – Jeezum Pees
- Don’t mess with me – Nuh romp wid mi
- Move Over – Small up yuhself
- Mix Up – Pasa Pasa
- Bonus: Take my picture – Tek Mi Picha
- Bonus: Happy Earthstrong – Happy Birthday
The learn more about Jamaican Patois see our dictionary.
Photo – Deposit Photos
