Our Top 10 quotes in Papiamento

Papiamento is the official language of Aruba. Although in use as the native language for over 300 years, it was only declared Aruba’s official language (alongside Dutch) as of March 19, 2003. Next to these two official languages you will find many Arubans who speak at least four languages including English and Spanish.

At its base, Papiamento is a Creole language containing elements of Spanish and Portugese. Over the years it has grown in Syntax and Lexicon and is influenced by Dutch, English, French, as well as Arawakan and African languages. It is spoken by about 330,000 people in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao and presents a strong sense of identity.

For this blog, we selected 10 quotes in Papiamento. Which one is your favorite?

Bida ta dushi
Life is good

bida-ta-dushi

Mi por y mi lo logra
 I can and I will

Mi-por-y-mi-lo-logra

Paso pa paso, dia pa dia
Step by step, day by day

paso-pa-paso-dia-pa-dia

Pordon ta e jabi
Forgiveness is key

Pordon-ta-e-jabi

Soñ'e, dese'e, logr'e!
Dream it, wish it, achieve it!

Son-e-dese-e-logr-e

Mi ta biba na abo ta bai vakantie
I live where you vacation

Mi-ta-biba-ba-abo-ta-bai-vakantie

Papia ta un cos, hasi t'e otro
Talking is one thing, taking action the other

papia-ta-un-cos-hasi-te-otro

Felicidad no ta un meta, sino un actitud
Happiness is not a goal, it’s an attitude

Felicidad-no-ta-un-meta-sino-un-actitud

Hasi bon y bon lo bin p’abo
Do good and good will come to you

Hasi-bon-y-bon-lo-bin-p'bon

Felicidad ta bin di paden
Happiness comes from within

Felicidad-ta-bin-di-paden

One last tip: Papiamento is a fun language with its own unique rhythm. If you are planning a trip to Aruba, Bonaire or Curaçao just try and learn a few phrases. Locals LOVE to hear our visitors speak their native language. Bon Suerte! (Good Luck!)