‘Nuff respect’

If you hear this phrase while in Jamaica, it most often will relate to gratitude. Nuff respect translates to "Thank you" or "I appreciate it". It's used to show gratitude and admiration for someone's actions, words, or presence.

‘Yuh dun know’

This phrase translates to "You already know" or "You understand". It is often used to acknowledge agreement or shared knowledge between the speaker and listener. You might hear this term used at the end of a conversation, as a response to someone saying something like, "Mi soon come" or "Inna di morrows".

‘Yu large’

This phrase can be used as a form of affirmation or to give someone credit for something they've done. It can also be used simply to convey respect or admiration within Jamaican social dynamics. Large in this context means significant or important. It can relate to someone's stature, influence, or positive qualities.

‘If a dirt, a dirt’

This phrase can be literally translated to, “If it’s dirt, it’s dirt”. It’s a way of saying you have to accept the situation or circumstances you are presented with for what they are. This is one of the newer, trendy Jamaican phrases, and it communicates an acceptance of things that cannot be changed. A well-known alternative for this would be, "It is what it is”.

‘Zeen’

“Zeen” is a simple way of responding and agreeing to something that has been said. The English translation for this is “Seen”, but, in practice, it means “Got it”, “Okay”, or “Yes”. “Irie” is a common alternative for this type of response, which we'll explain more about below.

Common Jamaican sayings and phrases

‘Weh yuh ah seh’

The Jamaican phrase “Weh yuh ah seh” is very similar to “Wah gwaan”. In a literal sense, this phrase means “What are you saying?”. In Jamaica, you can use this phrase in casual conversations to ask someone how they are doing. The phrase “Weh yuh ah seh” is sometimes shortened to “Weh yaw seh”.

‘Small up yuhself’

You might be left scratching your head if you hear this phrase while on a public bus or making your way around Jamaica. “Small up yourself" is the local way of saying, “Make room”. This phrase comes in handy in crowded spaces among friends or acquaintances. Depending on how it is said, though, strangers may find the request to be rude. So, if you’re on a bus or a taxi or just making your way through a crowded area, you might want to stick with a polite “Excuse me”.

‘One Love’

You might have heard this phrase in Bob Marley's famous reggae track "One Love/People Get Ready. The phrase 'One Love' is a greeting or farewell and encapsulates unity, respect, and universal love. It's often used within reggae culture to convey solidarity and goodwill.

‘Mi deh yah, yuh know’

“Mi deh yah, yuh know” literally translates to “Everything is okay, you already know.” This can also mean, “I’m doing well”. The phrase is commonly used in response to “Wah gwaan”. Most people who say this will say it very fast, so you’ll have to listen closely to catch on. When you’re saying it, be sure to pronounce it properly and say it quickly, like one complete word: mi-deh-yah!

‘Weh yuh deh pon’

“Weh yuh deh pon” translates in English to, “What are you up to?”. This phrase is most often used when greeting a friend. Should you run into a local acquaintance while spending the day exploring your resort or around town, this would be a perfectly welcome conversation starter. If you’re on the receiving end of this question, then you can respond by saying something like “Mi deh yah”.

‘Ya mon’

“Ya mon" is right up there with “irie” in terms of popular Jamaican phrases. Though this would literally translate to “Yeah, man”, "Ya mon” can be said to any person regardless of gender or age. In the literal sense, this phrase translates to “No problem” or “Okay.” A good time to use this phrase would be if you’re offered an ice-cold island-inspired cocktail or beer. Then you can respond with an enthusiastic, “Ya mon!”

‘Dead wid laugh’

Vacations are all about having unforgettable moments filled with relaxation and laughter. If a particular person or circumstance makes you laugh to the point that you can barely contain yourself, then you might want to use a phrase like “Mi dead wid laugh”. This phrase means “Dying with laughter”. You’re sure to come across many funny and chill people on this island, so we're sure this is one of those phrases you’ll end up using more than once.

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