Page 8 - AHATA

A9
LOCAL Monday 25 noveMber 2024

Papiamento words and phrases you may want to know!

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

Feeling parched? Grab refreshment by the side of the road!

(Oranjestad)—Touring the island in the blistering heat can leave one feeling rather thirsty
and looking to cool off. Luckily there are a few stands along the roads of Aruba that can
offer you just what you need: a nice, refreshing beverage!

These “coconut stands” can be found at several locations on the island, where you can
cool off with delicious smoothies, drinks, snacks, and of course, fresh coconuts! Perfect
during family outings around the island, these stands can be found in the following
locations:
- Near the red Anchor in San Nicolas
- On the Linear Park in Oranjestad (in front of airport runway)
- At the California Light House hill
- Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruin
- Bushiribana Beach (Near the Ling & Song Supermarket)