come
The Jamaican expression "come on" is translated as come in Jamaican.
In Jamaican, come is used as an expression of encouragement.
Meaning: expression of encouragement (intj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In rural country areas, the phrase Come along yah! is used to mean "Come on over here."
How does it change in a sentence?
In Jamaican Patois, when using this as an expression of encouragement, the particle "on" is often dropped, leaving only come.
Did you know?
- While come encourages someone to act, adding the word nuh as in come nuh can transform the phrase from a friendly nudge into a expression of impatience.
- If you use the full 'come on' instead of the shortened Come, you may sound more like a tourist than a local resident.
- In many parts of Jamaica, if you shout Come!, you might actually be telling someone to hurry up rather than just inviting them to a location.
Examples in context
- Come on, yuh can do it!Come on, you can do it!
- Come on, pick up di pace!Come on, pick up the pace!
- Come on, jus' try yuh best.Come on, just try your best.
Example conversation
Ricardo is encouraging Latoya while she practices running.
- RicardoCome on, Latoya, yuh almost deh deh!Come on, Latoya, you are almost there!
- LatoyaMi tired, Ricardo, mi legs a burn.I am tired, Ricardo, my legs are burning.
- RicardoCome on, just a few more steps!Come on, just a few more steps!
- LatoyaAlright, mi a try.Alright, I am trying.
