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.

Family & diaspora

12 phrases

English

Jamaican Patois

How is your family?

Patois How yu family deh?

Greet your mother for me

Patois Tell yu madda howdy

I am travelling abroad

Patois Mi a go a farrin

'japa' became the everyday Nigerian word for emigrating

When are you coming home?

Patois Wen yu a come back?

I miss you

Patois Mi miss yu

My child is in school

Patois Mi pickney deh a school

We are managing

Patois Wi a manage

God will provide

Patois Gad wi provide

She is pregnant

Patois Shi breed

My brother is married

Patois Mi bredda married

The baby is sleeping

Patois Di baby a sleep

Greet everybody at home

Patois Tell everybody a yaad hello

Want to check one of these against the engine? Translate “How is your family?” →