Phrasebook

Phrases as speakers actually say them, next to the English. These are hand-written, not machine output — useful as a check on the translator, and as a way to see where the two creoles converge and where they part company.

Everyday expressions

10 phrases

English

Jamaican Patois

Wow, this is serious

Patois Lawd a massi

Come on, let us go

Patois Come nuh, mek wi go

That is how it is

Patois A so it go

It is no big deal

Patois A nuh nutten

I swear, it is true

Patois Mi swear, a true

Take it easy

Patois Tek it easy

Mind your own business

Patois Mind yu business

He is very stubborn

Patois Im hard-ears bad

She is jealous of me

Patois Shi badmind mi

Thank God

Patois Tank Gad

Want to check one of these against the engine? Translate “Wow, this is serious” →