Do you know how to say “Look at that” or “Wow” or “Take My Picture” in Jamaican? Do you have a Jamaican friend you want to communicate with or are you traveling to Jamaica? There is a heated debate amongst Jamaicans on whether “patois” (patwah) is a language or an English “dialect”. If you don’t know Jamaican patois (patwah) it definitely sounds like another language. Below is a list of 20 Essential Jamaican Patois phrases translated to English.
Feel free to download and share the above poster with “20 Essential Jamaican Patois Phrases Translated to English”.
- Don’t bother me – Nuh Badda Mi
- It is mine – A Fi Mi
- Good Looking Girl – Criss Ting
- Just a little – Jus a toops
- Con Artist – Ginnal
- Look at that – Coo Deh
- Can you please – A Beg Yuh
- Leave me Alone – Lef Mi
- Oh My Gosh – Jessum Peace
- Excuse Me – Jus a word
- Can I pass – Beg yuh pass
- Take Care – Walk Good
- Hey there – Pssst
- Turn there – tun deh so
- Thank You – tanks
- Girlfriend – Dawta
- Fantastic – Irie
- Children – Pickney
- Father – Fahda
- Mother – Madda
- Right here – yahso
- I am okay – ya man
- Serve you just right – ah good
- Wow – Blouse an skirt
- Bonus: Take my picture – “Tek Mi Picha”
- Bonus: Happy Birthday – Happy Earth Strong
Photo Source: Deposit Photos
