Last updated: August 28, 2026
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.
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.
