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Phrases for this situation

Understanding local Jamaican conversations

Listen for common patterns without expecting every speaker to sound alike.

Everyting good?

Understand it first

Meaning: Is everything okay?
Pronunciation: ev-ree-ting good
You may hear: “Everyting good wid yuh?”
English: Is everything okay with you?
Possible response: Yeah, man.
Tone: informal
Visitor guidance: Friendly check-in; wording varies along the language continuum.

Mi mean seh…

Understand it first

Meaning: I mean that… / What I mean is…
Pronunciation: mee mean seh
You may hear: “Mi mean seh wi soon ready.”
English: I mean that we’ll be ready soon.
Tone: informal
Visitor guidance: Useful discourse pattern for comprehension.

Mi nuh understand.

Understand it first

Meaning: I don’t understand.
Pronunciation: mee nuh un-der-stand
You may hear: “Mi nuh understand; yuh can say it again?”
English: I don’t understand; can you say it again?
Possible response: Alright.
Tone: neutral
Visitor guidance: Clear request to repeat or slow down.

Mi soon come.

Understand it first

Meaning: I’ll be back / I’m coming shortly.
Pronunciation: mee soon come
You may hear: “Wait yah suh; mi soon come.”
English: Wait here; I’ll be back.
Possible response: Alright.
Tone: informal
Visitor guidance: “Soon” is context-dependent and should not be presented as an exact time promise.

Say it again, please.

Safe to say respectfully

Meaning: Please say it again.
Pronunciation: say it again please
You may hear: “Say it again, please.”
English: Please repeat that.
Possible response: Alright.
Tone: neutral
Visitor guidance: Standard English is respectful and effective.

Wah yuh mean?

Understand it first

Meaning: What do you mean?
Pronunciation: wah yuh mean
You may hear: “Wah yuh mean by dat?”
English: What do you mean by that?
Possible response: Mi mean seh…
Tone: informal
Visitor guidance: Tone can sound direct; reviewer should clarify usage.