Aruba speaks Dutch and English, but its heart speaks Papiamento. It is a creole language built from Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, African languages and a little English, and it is entirely the island's own. Learn a handful of words and Aruba opens up. Here are the ones worth carrying.
Bon bini, welcome
The first thing the island says to you. It is on the sign at the airport, on shopfronts, and in the way people greet you. Say it back and you are already halfway to a local.
Dushi, sweet, lovely, the good life
The most Aruban word there is. Food is dushi. A person can be dushi. A slow beach afternoon is dushi. It means sweet, but really it means this is good, and I am glad to be here. If you learn one word, learn this one.
Masha danki, thank you very much
Danki is thanks. Masha danki is thank you very much. Use it with the person who brings your food and watch the room warm up.
Con ta bai, how are you
The everyday greeting. The reply you will hear back is often tur cos ta bon, everything is good, which, on Aruba, it usually is.
Ayo, bye
Soft and easy. The gentle way to leave a conversation or a shop.
Pabien, congratulations
Birthdays, weddings, good news. A small word that makes you feel less like a tourist.
Why it matters
Papiamento is a point of pride here, spoken at home, on the radio, in the market. Tourists rarely try it, so when you do, it lands. A single word, said with a smile, is the shortest path from visitor to guest.
We put Papiamento on cotton because it deserves to travel. The Dushi and Bon Bini tees carry the two words every visitor should know home with you. Browse the Best of Aruba to find yours.