Our native language is Papiamentu - a foundation of African languages and Portuguese with Spanish, Dutch, Indian and Jewish influences. Papiamentu is the heart and soul of Curaçao’s culture and learning it can make your island experience even more meaningful. In this blog series, “Papia Papiamentu Ku Mi” (Speak Papiamentu with Me), we’ll introduce you to useful words and phrases that will help you connect with locals, navigate the island, and have fun! Here are five themed blog posts to kickstart your Papiamentu journey.
Shopping and Bargaining: How to Navigate the Market in Papiamentu
Shopping in Curaçao is fun, especially at local markets. In this blog, we’ll teach you how to ask for prices, bargain, and pay in Papiamentu.
Key Phrases:
Kuantu esaki ta kosta? – How much does this cost?
Mi ke kumpra esaki – I want to buy this
Bo por duna mi un descuento? – Can you give me a discount?
Esaki ta hopi karu – This is too expensive
Paga ku sèn – Pay with cash
Example:
At the Floating Market, you can ask the vendors “Kuantu esaki ta kosta?” (How much does this cost?) and if you're feeling bold, try bargaining with, “Bo por duna mi un descuento?”
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