SEASON 6, EPISODE 29
The official language in Cape Verde is Portuguese but the Cape Verdean Portuguese is a dialect of European Portuguese. Though it is not prevalent in everyday conversations, it reigns supreme in governmental affairs and official documentation, reflecting the nation’s colonial ties.
One popular language spoken by Cape Verdeans is the Cape Verdean Creole or Kriolu. This language serves as the primary language for nearly all Cape Verdeans in everyday communication. The Kriolu language, rooted in Portuguese, varies across the islands, posing challenges for standardisation efforts. Some propose establishing two standards: a Barlavento standard in the north, based on São Vicente Creole, and a Sotavento standard in the south, based on Santiago Creole. Despite these differences, Cape Verdean Creole has gained prominence and prestige, with a growing body of literature since the country gained independence from Portugal.
On today’s episode of Learn Africa, we’ll be looking at some common phrases in the Cape Verdean Kriolu language. Check some of these words below.
Good morning – Bon dia
Good afternoon – Boa tardi
Good evening – Boa noite
Good night – (to go to bed) – Feliz noite
Hello – Olá
Goodbye – Ciao
How are you? – Modi bu sta?, Kuma ku bu sta?
Fine, thank you – Sta bom, obrigado
What is your name? – Kuma ku bu nome?
My name is… – Nha nome e…
Please – Di fabur
Thank you – Obrigado
You’re welcome – De nada
I love you – Nta amabo
I miss you – Im teni sodade bo
Well – Bem
Yes – Sim
No – Não
Excuse me (to get someone’s attention) – Consensa
Excuse me (to beg for pardon) – Diskulpa
I am sorry – Diskulpa
I can’t speak Creole – N’ka ta papia kriol
Do you speak English? – Bu ta papia inglés?
Does anyone here speak English? – Algin li ta papia inglês?
Help! – Ajuda!
Look out! – Quidado!
How did you sleep? – Kuma ku bu mansi?
I slept well, thank you – N’mansi bem, obrigado
I don’t understand – N’ka persibi (or) N’ka intindi
How much is this? – Es e kantu?
I want to buy this – N’misti kumpra es
It’s expensive – É caro
It’s cheap – É baratu
I would like… – N ta gostaba…
Can you recommend a… – Bu pode rakumenda un…
I forgot – N diskise
What should I do? – Kuzé ki N ta faze?
I am hungry – N’tene fome
I am thirsty – N’tene sai de iagu
I want to eat – N’misti kume
I want to drink – N’misti bibi
I’d like – Patin bianda
Food – Bianda
Water – Iagu
One – Um
Two – Dus
Three – Tris
Four – Quatro
Five – Cinco
Six – Seis
Seven – Sete
Eight – Oito
Nine – Nove
Ten – Dez
Twenty – Vinte
Thirty – Trinta
Forty – Quarenta
Fifty – Cinquenta
Sixty – Sessenta
Seventy – Setenta
Eighty – Oitenta
Ninety – Noventa
Hundred – Centenas
Written and edited by Ebby
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