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.

Getting around

13 phrases

English

Jamaican Patois

Where are you going?

Patois Weh yu a go?

Stop here, please

Patois Stap yah, pliiz

How far is it?

Patois How far it deh?

I am lost

Patois Mi lost

Which bus goes there?

Patois Which bus go deh?

Is it safe here?

Patois Dis place safe?

Be careful

Patois Watch yuself

Let us go

Patois Mek wi go

There is traffic

Patois Traffic deh

I have arrived

Patois Mi reach

Turn left here

Patois Tun lef yah

Wait for me

Patois Wait fi mi

Hurry up!

Patois Hurry up!

Want to check one of these against the engine? Translate “Where are you going?” →