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Jamaican Patois Translator

Translators

Translate English into Jamaican Patois (Patwa), and back.

100% private. Processing happens entirely in your browser.
EnglishPatois
Patois glossary (40 words & phrases)
  • a — of
  • ago — going to
  • big up — big (also: to praise / respect)
  • bredren — friend (male friend; ‘sistren’ for female)
  • chat — talk
  • come yah — come
  • cuz — because
  • dat — that
  • deh — there
  • dem — they
  • di — the
  • dis — this
  • everyting irie — everything is fine
  • fi — to
  • fi real — really
  • happy bad — happy (intensifier ‘bad’ = very)
  • im — he
  • irie — good (good / alright / at peace)
  • know seh — know
  • likkle — little
  • mi — i
  • mi a — i am
  • moni — money
  • now now — now (right now)
  • nuff — more (also ‘plenty / a lot’)
  • nuh — not
  • nyam — food (to eat / food)
  • overstand — understand (Rasta-influenced)
  • pickney — child
  • pickney dem — children
  • seen — okay (‘seen’ = understood / okay)
  • shi — she
  • tyaad — tired
  • wah a gwaan — what is happening
  • wah gwaan — what's going on (common greeting)
  • well — very
  • wi — we
  • wid — with
  • yaad — house (home / yard)
  • yuh — you

Jamaican Patois (Patwa) is a real creole language. This is a curated word-and-phrase map, not a full grammar engine — unmapped words pass through.

Jamaican Patois Translator lets you translate English into Jamaican Patois (Patwa), and back. Everything runs entirely in your browser, so your text never leaves your device. It’s free, needs no sign-up, and works on any device.

How to use the Jamaican Patois Translator

  1. 1Enter your text. Type or paste your text into the “English or Patois text” box.
  2. 2Pick a direction. Use the Swap button to choose which way to translate.
  3. 3Get your result. Read the result instantly. Your translated text + glossary appears in the output box.
  4. 4Copy it. Tap “Copy” to copy the result to your clipboard.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Jamaican Patois Translator free?

Yes. Jamaican Patois Translator is completely free to use, with no sign-up, account, or limits.

Does the Jamaican Patois Translator store or upload my text?

No. This tool processes everything locally in your browser. Your text is never uploaded, stored, or logged.

Can I use the Jamaican Patois Translator on my phone?

Yes. The tool is mobile-friendly with large tap targets and works in any modern browser on phones, tablets, and desktops.

Can it translate both ways?

Yes. Use the Swap button to translate in either direction between english or patois text and the result.

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