Creole is a dialect which appeared during the colonialism. The majority of Cape Verdeans who are fluent in Portuguese, will use Creole for informal occasions such as with friends and family. However, for administration and school, Portuguese will be used. The dialects vary a little from island to island, however, everybody understands each other.
Most locals speak a little to fluent English but it’s always good to learn these words just in case! 😀
Yes = Sim
No = Não
Hello =Olá
Good Morning = Bom dia
Good Evening = Boa noite
Good bye = Ciao
How are you? = Tud dret?
I’m fine= M ta dret
What is your name? = Manera k’é bo nome?
My name is = Nha nome é
Nice to meet you = Prazer de concheb
Please = Por favor
Thank you = Obrigado
Sorry = Desculpom
Do you speak English = Bo ta fala Ingles?
I don’t speak Creole = M ka ta fala Creol
How do you say ___ in Creole? = Manera ke ta falod ___ em Creol?
Where is ___ = Onde k’ta fca___?
It’s hot = Ta ke calor
It’s windy = Ta ke vent
The Car = Cor
The boat = Bark
The bus = Autocar
The Toilets = Casa de banho
May I please have a ___? = Um pode tem um ___?
I’m not feeling well = M ka ta sinti dret
Call the police/ambulance= Xma Policia/ Ambulancia
What is the direction to____?= Kual é direção___?
We arrived ___ = No d’jga___
We are leaving___= No ta bai embora___
Our staff will be happy to practice with you when staying with us! If it’s not over night, you are welcome to visit our bars and restaurants
See you soon!