gi
To say 'give' in Jamaican, use gi.
The verb gi is used to describe the act of transferring the possession of something to someone else.
Meaning: transfer the possession of something to someone else (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb gi does not change its form for the third person singular. For example, instead of saying 'he gives me', you would say im gi mi.
When do people say it?
The phrase 'Share di love' is used to encourage generosity and the act of giving.
Did you know?
- In Jamaica, if someone says gi mi di benefit, they are not necessarily asking for a physical gift, but are often asking for a favor or an advantage in a situation.
- In Jamaican Patois, the word gi is often paired with up to create the phrase gi up, which can mean to surrender or to give up hope.
- In Jamaican Patois, 'gi' can be used to describe the act of providing an answer or a verbal response, treating information as a transferable object.
Examples in context
- Gi mi da one deh.Give me that one.This sentence shows how to use gi to request an object.Tatoeba #5712250 by Kyle, translation #4141376 by Hybrid
- Gi mi di bookGive me the book
- Gi im a dringkGive him a drink
- Gi di book to him.Give the book to him.
- Can yuh gi mi a drink?Can you give me a drink?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Shanti and Damion are in the kitchen.
- ShantiDamion, gi mi di sugar.Damion, give me the sugar.
- DamionYuh want it fi di tea?You want it for the tea?
- ShantiYeah, mi need it right now.Yeah, I need it right now.
- DamionAlright, here it go.Alright, here it goes.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
