gud lak
To say "good luck" in Jamaican Patois, say gud lak.
gud lak is used to wish someone fortune or to encourage them before an exam, a match or a new job. A warmer way to wish someone well is Mi hope it tun out good fi yuh, meaning "I hope it turns out well for you."
Meaning: used to wish fortune on someone or as encouragement (intj)
Did you know?
- While gud lak is understood, a Jamaican might more commonly respond to a challenge by saying Walk good, which functions as a blessing for a safe and successful journey.
- While gud lak is used for encouragement, a Jamaican might respond to it with Jah guide to acknowledge that ultimate success depends on God's guidance.
- Jamaican Patois uses a syllable-timed rhythm, meaning that the timing of the words in gud lak differs from the stress-timed rhythm used in standard English.
Examples in context
- Mek di blessin favour you and land di job!May the blessings favor you and help you land the job!
- Mi a wish yuh nuff good luck. Mek yuh pass di exam wid flyin colors!I am wishing you lots of good luck. May you pass the exam with flying colors!
- Gud lak pon yuh exam.Good luck on your exam.
- Mi a wish yuh gud lak.I am wishing you good luck.
- Gud lak wid di new job.Good luck with the new job.
Example conversation
Damion is seeing Tanesha off before her job interview.
- DamionGud lak wid di interview, Tanesha.Good luck with the interview, Tanesha.
- TaneshaTank yuh, Damion. Mi nervous.Thank you, Damion. I am nervous.
- DamionYuh ago do great, mi know it.You are going to do great, I know it.
- TaneshaMi appreciate di encouragement.I appreciate the encouragement.
