Useful Aruban Phrases in Papiamento, Dutch, & Spanish

English is widely spoken in Aruba, but knowing some key phrases in Papiamento is extremely helpful if you want to immerse yourself deeper into the local culture. Papiamento is the native language of Aruba and allows you to communicate more effectively with the local community.

Below, I’ve included a few tables with useful phrases covering common greetings, polite expressions, directions, dining, shopping, and emergencies in the many languages used in Aruba. This multilingual guide will help you navigate the island more comfortably and show respect and appreciation to Arubans by trying out their native tongue.

Before diving into the phrases, let’s look at the many languages spoken in Aruba.

Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Most Spoken Languages in Aruba

As I’ve mentioned, Papiamento is the language of One Happy Island. However, there are actually four main languages in use. According to the World Factbook, the most used languages in Aruba are:

• 69.4% Papiamento (official language of Aruba): Papiamento is a creole language that is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and, to a lesser extent, French. It also features elements of African languages and the language of the Arawak.

• 13.7% Spanish

• 7.1% English (widely spoken): Don’t worry if you only speak English. You’ll be able to communicate with most locals, but it’s worth showing respect by learning a few phrases in their official languages.

• 6.1% Dutch (official language of Aruba)

Common Greetings and Polite Expressions

You can start here to learn the most basic phrases and words in Papiamento. It’s a good way to build goodwill with the local community.

Phrase	Papiamento	Dutch	Spanish
Hello	Bon dia	Hallo	Hola
Good afternoon	Bon tardi	Goedemiddag	Buenas tardes
Good evening	Bon nochi	Goedenavond	Buenas noches
Goodbye	Ayo	Tot ziens	Adiós
Please	Por fabor	Alsjeblieft	Por favor
Thank you	Danki	Dank je	Gracias
You’re welcome	Di nada	Graag gedaan	De nada
Yes	Si	Ja	Sí
No	No	Nee	No
Excuse me	Sori	Pardon	Perdón
I’m sorry	Mi ta sorry	Het spijt me	Lo siento

Basic Questions

Want to take it a bit further? Here are helpful questions in Papiamento along with simple answers for when you meet someone new.

Phrase	Papiamento	Dutch	Spanish
How are you?	Con ta bai?	Hoe gaat het?	¿Cómo estás?
What is your name?	Con yama bo?	Hoe heet je?	¿Cómo te llamas?
My name is…	Mi yama…	Ik heet…	Me llamo…
Do you speak English?	Bo por papia Ingles?	Spreek je Engels?	¿Hablas inglés?
Where is…?	Unda ta…?	Waar is…?	¿Dónde está…?

Directions and Transportation

Of course, getting around the island is of the utmost importance. If you want to give Papiamento a try for directions, these phrases have you covered!

Phrase	Papiamento	Dutch	Spanish
Left	Robes	Links	Izquierda
Right	Drechi	Rechts	Derecha
Straight ahead	Direct	Rechtdoor	Recto
Bus	Autobus	Bus	Autobús
Taxi	Taxi	Taxi	Taxi

Dining and Shopping

Want to shop local? Here are the phrases you need most to purchase souvenirs like local handicrafts at the best rates!

Phrase	Papiamento	Dutch	Spanish
I would like…	Mi ta desea…	Ik zou graag…	Me gustaría…
How much does this cost?	Cuantu e ta costa?	Hoeveel kost dit?	¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
Water	Awa	Water	Agua
Food	Cuminda	Eten	Comida
Beer	Cerveza	Bier	Cerveza
Bill/Check	Cuenta	Rekening	Cuenta

Emergency and Assistance

Of course, emergency phrases should always be with you in case you run into trouble. Take these Papiamento phrases and learn them or write them down. Then should you run into trouble, you’re covered in all the Aruban languages!

Phrase	Papiamento	Dutch	Spanish
Help!	Yuda!	Help!	¡Ayuda!
I need a doctor	Mi tin mester di un dòkter	Ik heb een dokter nodig	Necesito un médico
Call the police	Llama polis	Bel de politie	Llama a la policía

Miscellaneous Papiamento Words

Last but not least, here are some helpful Papiamento phrases including one of my favorite things in Aruba: The Beach!

Phrase	Papiamento	Dutch	Spanish
Beach	Playa	Strand	Playa
Beautiful	Bunita	Mooi	Hermoso
Fun	Divertí	Leuk	Divertido
Friend	Amigo	Vriend	Amigo