Curaçao: The Language

Dushi is my favorite word in Papiamento.

The word holds a variety of meanings, and there’s no exact literal translation in English, but one thing is clear: it’s always positive.

Dushi means delicious in Papiamento.

Dushi means darling.

Dushi is sweet.

Dushi is sexy.

Dushi is beautiful.

Dushi Kòrsou used to be the name of the national anthem of the country.

In Curaçao, four languages are spoken: Dutch, English, Spanish, and Papiamento.

You can get by with English in most places, especially in tourist areas. Most residents of Curaçao understand English well, but they’ll be delighted if you take the effort to speak a few words of Papiamento.

Hello / good morning = bon dia
Good afternoon = bon tardi
Good evening = bonochi [pronounce as: bonotsji]
How are you? = kon ta bai?
Good thank you, and you? = Bon danki, i ku bo?
May I have the bill, please? = Mi por haña e kuenta porfabor?
Thank you = danki