Learn a few Papiamento phrases and Aruba opens differently — shopkeepers grin, bartenders lean in, and the island treats you like a returning cousin. Papiamento is Aruba’s heart language, blending Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, and African roots. Here are the words locals actually love to hear.
🗣️ Hear Papiamento from a local
Our private jeep tours with ISLA Aruba are led by island-born guides. Expect stories, slang and spots tourists miss.
Private toursHear Papiamento for real: local culture tours
Small-group tours led by Arubans, the best place to try your new phrases.
Greetings — start every conversation here
| Papiamento | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bon dia | Good morning |
| Bon tardi | Good afternoon |
| Bon nochi | Good evening / good night |
| Bon bini | Welcome — the first word the island says to you |
| Con ta bai? | How are you? |
| Mi ta bon | I am doing well |
| Ayo | Goodbye |
| Te aworo | See you later |
Dushi — the island’s favorite word
One word does the most work in Papiamento: dushi. It means sweetheart when you call someone dushi. It means sweet or delicious when the food is dushi. The island itself is dushi. Learn this one word and you understand half of Aruba’s conversations — and all of its menus.
Politeness — the fast track to local smiles
| Papiamento | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Danki | Thank you |
| Masha danki | Thank you very much |
| Por fabor | Please |
| Di nada | You are welcome |
| Dispensa | Excuse me / sorry |
Practical phrases
| Papiamento | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cuanto e ta costa? | How much does it cost? |
| Mi no ta comprende | I do not understand |
| Unda … ta? | Where is …? |
| Cuminda | Food |
| Awa | Water |
| Bon probecho | Enjoy your meal |
| Hopi bon | Very good |
| Pabien | Congratulations |
| Biba Aruba! | Long live Aruba! |
What does “te aworo” mean?
“Te aworo” means “see you later” in Papiamento — the island’s everyday goodbye when you expect to meet again soon. Dutch speakers: it is the exact equivalent of “tot straks.” Heard all day across Aruba — from the bakery counter to the beach bar — and answering with your own “te aworo!” earns instant smiles.
Where you will hear it
Everywhere — though everyone also speaks English and Dutch, and most people Spanish too. Try your Papiamento at the local eating spots, order dushi pastechi from the food dictionary, and sing along at Carnival — where the music plays in both English and Papiamento. Masha danki for learning; the island notices.
Common Aruba sayings you will actually hear
These are the Aruba sayings that fill everyday life here — the ones visitors ask us to translate most:
- Bon bini — welcome. The island’s first word to everyone.
- Te aworo — see you later (Dutch: tot straks).
- Dushi — sweet, delicious, sweetheart. All at once.
- Masha danki — thank you very much.
- Con ta bai? — how are you?
- Bon probecho — enjoy your meal.
- Biba Aruba! — long live Aruba, shouted loudest at Carnival.
Experiences worth booking
Aruba sayings, proverbs & mottos (with meanings)
These are the lines you will see on T-shirts, hear from taxi drivers and read on signs around the island. Use one and watch the smiles.
| Saying | Meaning | When you hear it |
|---|---|---|
| Bon bini | Welcome | At the airport, hotels, restaurants: the first words you will see |
| Poco poco | Little by little, take it slow | Island time. When things are not rushed (and they rarely are) |
| Poco poco ta yena saku | Little by little fills the bag | A classic proverb: patience pays off |
| Aruba, dushi tera | Aruba, sweet land | The title of the national anthem and a proud local phrase |
| One happy island | Aruba’s official motto | On every license plate on the island |
| Pasa un bon dia | Have a nice day | Shops and cashiers as you leave |
| Hopi bon | Very good | The answer to “Con ta bai?” (How’s it going?) |
| Te aworo | See you later | Friendly goodbye among friends |
🗣️ Want to hear it from a local?
Our private jeep tours with ISLA Aruba are led by island-born guides. Expect stories, slang and the spots tourists miss.
See private tours
