Learn Papiamentu
Learn Papiamentu online with an app that helps you speak confidently from day one. Start now to master basic Papiamentu phrases using native speaker audio, building your confidence in everyday conversations on the ABC Islands.
Get Started
Trusted by language learners at
Speak Papiamentu beyond basic vocabulary
People often want to learn Papiamentu to connect with the beautiful culture of the ABC Islands. But finding quality lessons for this official language can be difficult.
uTalk is the solution. We'll help you avoid:
- Searching endlessly for apps that actually teach Papiamento or Papiamentu
- Relying on sparse videos that skip basic vocabulary and real-life usage
- Missing out on conversations with locals because you lack practical phrases and proper pronunciation
Learn to speak Papiamentu fast, and unlock meaningful experiences across Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.
Get Started
Three Steps to learn Papiamento online
No classes to schedule. No jargon. Just a clear path.
Start in minutes
Subscribe now, download the app or open the web app. Choose Papiamento, and select your first category.
Get StartedPractise real phrases
Learn through short lessons that have native speaker audio and memory-boosting games. To help you learn faster, reviews focus on the words you get wrong.
Speak like a local
Try your new Papiamento language skills in real life. Beginners and more experienced learners can both build on the basic and practical spoken language and start enjoying meaningful experiences.
Why uTalk is the best Papiamento learning app
uTalk helps you speak and recognise essential words and phrases at your own pace, as it's app-based, online and available when you are.
Speak first
Enjoy practical content that covers greetings, family, travel and everyday spoken Papiamentu. Build basic vocabulary for use in real conversations.
Authentic native speakers
Learn from locals instead of voices generated from computers. Hear the beautiful language as it's actually spoken across the ABC Islands.
Beginner friendly, fun and effective
Build your confidence through game-like practice. Our lessons are short, focused and based on situations you'll actually encounter.
Speak Papiamentu today – Hear native speaker audio
uTalk helps you learn how to speak and recognise key words and phrases. It's app-based, online and ready when you are.
Mi por haña un kòfi, por fabor.
I’d like a coffee, please.
Kumbai.
Hello.
Sí.
Yes.
Si por fabor.
Yes please.
Nò.
No.
Enjoying uTalk?
Get access to over 2500 words and phrases with more games like this one.
Get Started
Nò danki.
No thanks.
Por fabor.
Please.
Danki.
Thank you.
Masha danki.
Thank you very much.
Enjoying uTalk?
Get access to over 2500 words and phrases with more games like this one.
Get Started
Na bo òrdu.
You’re welcome.
Dos serbes, por fabor.
Two beers, please.
bùs
bus
outo
car
Enjoying uTalk?
Get access to over 2500 words and phrases with more games like this one.
Get Started
taksi
taxi
trein
train
stashòn di trein
railway station
èrpòrt
airport
Enjoying uTalk?
Get access to over 2500 words and phrases with more games like this one.
Get Started
hotèl
hotel
pasport
passport
telefòn
telephone
Despensá mi.
Excuse me.
Enjoying uTalk?
Get access to over 2500 words and phrases with more games like this one.
Get Started
Kuant'or tin?
What time is it?
Bo por ripiti esei por fabor?
Can you repeat that please?
Por fabor papia mas sosegá.
Please speak more slowly.
Mi no ta komprondé.
I don’t understand.
Enjoying uTalk?
Get access to over 2500 words and phrases with more games like this one.
Get Started
Despensa.
Sorry.
Unda e toilètnan ta?
Where are the toilets?
Tualèt di Damas
Ladies’ Toilet
Tualèt di Kabayeros
Gents’ Toilet
Enjoying uTalk?
Get access to over 2500 words and phrases with more games like this one.
Get Started
Unda e playa ta?
Where is the beach?
Unda e banko ta?
Where is the bank?
Kuantu esaki ta kosta?
How much does this cost?
tarheta di krédito
credit card
Enjoying uTalk?
Get access to over 2500 words and phrases with more games like this one.
Get Started
bankomátiko
cash machine
Ayó.
Goodbye.
parasetamòl
paracetamol
yabinan
keys
Enjoying uTalk?
Get access to over 2500 words and phrases with more games like this one.
Get Started
mapa
map
robes
left
drechi
right
un
one
Enjoying uTalk?
Get access to over 2500 words and phrases with more games like this one.
Get Started
dos
two
tres
three
Where is it spoken?
Aruba
Bonaire
Curaçao
Number of speakers
323,000
Language family
Creole
Spanish-based
Portuguese-based
Fun facts | Papiamentu
- The word ‘dushi’ is probably the most versatile word in Papiamentu and can mean darling, tasty, babe, sweet, sexy, nice or well-done.
- The language is variously called Papiamentu on Bonaire and Curaçao, Papiamento on Aruba and Papiaments in the Netherlands; the name originates from the Portuguese word ‘papia’ meaning to chat.
- Papiamentu words can change in meaning depending on which syllables are stressed. For example, nèchi means ‘beautiful’ but nechi means ‘nut’ or ‘nuts’.
- The liqueur Curacao takes its name from the Curaçao island and is made from the bitter orange fruit ‘laraha’ grown on the island.
- Many locals in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, nicknamed the ABC islands, speak Dutch, English and Spanish as well as Papiamentu.
- The name of Tula Rigaud, an enslaved man, is commemorated in place names in Curaçao after he led a revolt against slavery on the island in 1795.
How our Papiamentu lessons work
Learning how to speak Papiamentu should be straightforward. Start with basic greetings and common phrases such as kumbai. Then try practical categories such as family, colours, vegetables and essential phrases. The lessons are brief, fun and intended for beginners and intermediates wanting to fill in gaps in their knowledge. Practise with native speaker audio, and test yourself on what you've learned to make it easier to remember. The review sessions quiz you on the words you tend to get wrong, adapting to your progress.
Select a category, and the app will order the content to provide some quick wins. You can choose English or another language to learn Papiamentu from, as the app works for speakers of more than 140 languages. uTalk is available on mobile or desktop, and you can learn online or offline. Tailor the app to your goals by changing categories at any time. If you have any questions, check the in-app help or contact our support services. We're a friendly UK-based company, and we're here to help.
Papiamento vs. Papiamentu
Here’s what people mean when they use ‘Papiamento’ and ‘Papiamentu’
Get Started
Key points
- Papiamento and Papiamentu are the same language. Both refer to the Creole language spoken across the ABC Islands. The spelling varies between islands, as Aruba tends to use Papiamento, while Curaçao and Bonaire often use Papiamentu.
- In the uTalk app, you'll find this language listed as Papiamentu. This language is a mix of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and African influences. It's an official language in Aruba and Curaçao, and it's widely spoken in Bonaire too.
- Whatever spelling you're used to, you're learning the same beautiful language. Our content features native speakers from the region, so you'll be able to hear authentic pronunciation and build practical spoken language skills.
Learn Papiamentu alongside Dutch and other languages
- Papiamentu is the native language of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. It's spoken by hundreds of thousands of people and reflects the rich culture and history of the ABC Islands. While Dutch is also an official language in these countries, you can more easily connect with locals by learning Papiamentu.
- The Netherlands connection means some people throughout the islands speak Dutch too. If you're interested in learning both languages, uTalk also supports Dutch. You'll be able to compare words, pronunciation and phrases between the two languages as you learn.
- There are many other languages across the Caribbean. uTalk supports 150+ languages worldwide, so you can explore languages from different regions and even learn more than one.
"We help make learning Papiamentu easy"
"At uTalk, every language is precious to us, and we recorded Papiamentu because it is part of people's culture and identity across Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. We recorded native speakers so you can learn the language as it's really spoken, helping you to connect with family, explore your heritage or prepare for future travel."
Get Started
Richard Howeson
uTalk Founder
Why learners trust uTalk
We go out of our way to support minority and regional languages, making sure our content is recorded by native speakers from the community. The app works for English speakers and for speakers of more than 140 other languages. Check out our reviews to see how our learners turn practice into progress and have great experiences using their new skills.
Your language learning journey in Papiamentu
You'd like to connect with family, explore the ABC Islands or understand the culture of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Papiamentu is a beautiful language with a rich mix of influences. While it can be hard to find quality Papiamentu lessons, it doesn't have to be.
Get StarteduTalk can help. To begin, choose a category or start with First Words, such as kumbai. Then, build a collection of useful words and basic phrases to use in real-life situations. Listen to native speakers, record yourself copying them and then compare the two. The games make learning fun for beginners, but the content is practical for everyone. You can choose to learn online or offline. You can either follow a guided learning pathway, or you can explore and decide for yourself what you want to learn and when you want to learn it.
The outcome is simple. You'll speak Papiamentu with confidence, understanding more of what people say. You'll be able to use your skills with friends, family and new connections, making progress in a way that fits with your schedule.
Learn real-life topics in Papiamentu
Explore the Creole language family
Papiamentu belongs to the Creole language family, which is a collection of contact languages that developed through cultural exchange. If you're curious about comparing words, sounds or everyday phrases across the language family, check out Haitian Creole, Nigerian Pidgin and Tok Pisin.
These languages share historical roots in trade and culture, often blending European languages with African and Indigenous influences. Cross-learning them might feel familiar once you start exploring the patterns.
Get StartedYour Papiamentu questions answered
Do you offer live online classes or is it just an app?
uTalk is an app and online language learning software. Lessons are digital, short and practical. If you want a tutor, the app still helps you prepare for class and review between sessions.
Can I start as a beginner?
Yes. The course begins with basic greetings and everyday words and phrases and takes you to an A1-A2 level on the CEFR scale. Some of our topics even cover material you’d learn as you grow your skills to B1 or B2.
What application languages do you support? Can I learn without English?
Yes. uTalk works for speakers of more than 140 languages. Choose the one that suits you in Settings.
How is content selected and ordered?
Topics are based on real life situations. You can select any category and the app suggests a smart learning order for beginners. You can change it at any time.
How does uTalk compare with YouTube lessons?
YouTube can be useful, but it’s hard to check pronunciation or get structured reviews. uTalk gives you native speaker audio, games that test tricky words more often and a clear path from basic to practical use.
Where can I learn a language with uTalk?
We’re available on iOS, Android, web, Mac and PC. Get started now and you’ll be directed to download uTalk for your device.
Does Duolingo have Papiamentu?
No, Papiamentu is not available on Duolingo. But it is available on uTalk, which features 150+ languages, highlighting and preserving languages from all over the world.
How quickly can I learn to speak Papiamentu?
Short, regular sessions work best. After a few weeks of steady practice, many learners can handle simple conversations. Your speed depends on how often you use the app and how much you review your progress.
Is Papiamentu hard to learn?
Not at all. Papiamentu grammar is simple compared with that of many European languages. With regular practice using native speaker audio, you'll pick up basic phrases quickly. The game-like approach in uTalk makes learning feel natural and enjoyable.
Can I learn Papiamentu online for free with uTalk?
Getting started with uTalk is easy, and you can cancel whenever you want. We want you to love uTalk, so we even offer a 28-Day Money Back Guarantee if you're not satisfied.
Topics
- Accommodation
- Adjectives
- Animals' Bodies
- Animals
- Bathroom
- Body
- Business
- Calendar
- Camping
- Military Peace Keeping
- Clothes
- Colours
- Military Commands
- Football Commentary
- Cooking
- Countries
- Directions
- Disaster Relief - Volunteers
- Natural Disasters
- Doctor
- Driving
- Emergencies
- Family
- Farming
- First Words
- Food and Drink
- Fruit
- Golf
- Holiday
- Home
- Illness
- Ingredients
- Military Intelligence
- Kitchen
- Leisure
- Likes and Dislikes
- Football Match Abroad
- Numbers up to Ten Million
- Numbers up to Twenty
- Occupations
- Olympics
- Outdoors
- Places
- Prepositions
- Restaurant
- Sailing
- School
- Shopping Phrases
- Shopping Words
- Essential Phrases
- Skiing
- Social Phrases
- Sports
- Free Starter Words
- Summer Olympics
- Technology
- Time
- Timetable
- Tools
- Transport
- Travelling
- Vegetables
- Winter Olympics
Get by with basic greetings, words and phrases including 'hello', 'thank you' and 'I'd like a coffee please'.