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a4 local
Friday 17 January 2025

Papiamento words and phrases you may want to know!

(Oranjestad)—Aruba is a melting pot of different which means “good afternoon”. “Tardi” ac-
nationalities, cultures and languages. Primarily tually comes from the word “atardi”, which
for this reason, the average Aruban can under- directly translates to “afternoon”. However,
stand and speak Dutch, English and Spanish the shortened “tardi” is used to keep the
relatively well. However, as much as we pride rhythm on the phrase. And the same could
ourselves in being able to communicate with be said for our last greeting of the day.
almost everyone, we cherish our native tongue 3. Bon nochi. You guessed it, “bon nochi”
Papiamento above all else. Want to learn some means “good night”. Just like “tardi”, “no-
common words in our language? Here are a chi” is actually the shortened version of the
few basic words and phrases that can get you word “anochi”.
a hat tip from an Aruban. When we say goodbye, we use the word “ayo”
(not like the Ayo Rock Formation, but also…kin- Yes…no…maybe?
When you arrive at the airport in Aruba, one of da?). We may also use “te oro”, which means The affirmative and negative expression is very
the first words in Papiamento you may encoun- “see you later”. simple in Papiamento. Just like Spanish, our yes-
ter is “Bon bini.” Bon bini in Papiamento means es are “si” and our no’s are “no”. Pretty easy
welcome, and is probably the most famous Pa- Greetings during the day right? If you want to gain some extra points from
piamento word for tourists. Most, if not all, languages have different ways younger locals, you can also say “se”, which is
to greet according to the time of day, and Pa- a more casual affirmative used mostly by the
Hi! Bye! piamento is no different. Since Papiamento is younger generation. However, do note: some
To be fair, there is no unique way to say “hello” heavily influences from Portuguese and Span- older generations may find this improper and
in Papiamento. At least, not officially. We often ish, some of these phrases may look very famil- not respectful, so keep that in mind.
just use the English “hello” or “hey”, or Dutch iar.
“hallo” to greet someone. We do however, Thanks man…
always follow it up with “con bay?” or “con 1. Bon dia is used in the morning, up to about Lastly, a word that we can also say more often
ta?” Con bay is a shortened version of “con ta noon. Bon dia essentially means good is “danki”, which means literally “thank you”.
bay?”, which essentially means “how are you?” morning. The word “bon” means “good”, “Danki” is derived from the Dutch word “be-
and while “dia” does not directly mean dankt”. Though we don’t really have a transla-
The word “con” in Papiamento means “how?” “morning” in English, it is used often to refer tion for “I appreciate it” in English, we do use
and is pronounced with a rounder “o” sounds, to the morning time. “masha danki” to convey the message. “Ma-
like in the English word “cone”. “Ta bay” refers 2. Bon tardi. In the afternoon to early evening sha” means “a lot” or “very”, so “masha danki”
to how you are doing. hours, we use “bon tardi” to greet people, means “thank you very much”.q

Dining in? Try making a local favorite

How to make “funchi hasa”

(Oranjestad)—A night in can be just like to fry sticks of funchi for a quick much. At this phase of cooking, you
as fun as a night out on the town, and filling snack. want a goopy thick mixture, but thin
especially if you got the right snacks enough so you can continue to stir
to munch on. One of the most fa- Ingredients (measured by heart) to get all the lumps out.
mous Aruban snacks or appetizers is 1. Polenta flour* After reaching a semi-firm, yet flex-
“funchi hasa” (fried polenta sticks). 2. Water ible texture, grab a baking pan or
A super easy meal that adults and 3. Butter any large, deep plate, and pour the up some oil in a pan and fry those
children will both enjoy. Here’s how 4. Salt to taste mixture in. Be sure that this plate is babies up! After frying, you can top
to make it! wet or greased so that the mixture it with some cheese or enjoy it with
Directions does not stick to the bottom. Let this your favorite dipping sauce.
Before we start, get to know the basics Bring water to a boil in a medium- cool completely while it firms up for Note: We recommend the FUNCHI
So what is funchi hasa? Funchi, or sized sauce pan. Add in some salt the last time. Once it’s cooled you FRESKU polenta flour brand that is
Aruban polenta, is a popular side and butter to taste in the boiling water can enjoy it as is, topped with some sold in all supermarkets on the island.
dish for local dishes, like soups, stews and let this dissolve and melt. Then, butter or shredded cheese. Or, you You can also use yellow corn flour
and fried fish. Made from a corn flour, gradually add the flour while stirring can take it to another level of de- from the brand PAN.
water and butter mixture, this appe- with a wooden spoon. The mixture liciousness.
tizer is traditionally eaten alongside will start to begin to harden pretty When your funchi is firm enough, cut Photo credit of fried funchi sticks: Jac-
a warm meal. However, locals also fast, so be careful not to add too it into strips (size is up to you). Heat queline Felida on Pinterest.