mek haste
The English phrase 'hurry up' is translated into Jamaican as mek haste.
To tell someone to go faster or move more quickly, you can use the phrase mek haste. Other ways to express the need to move faster include step up di pace and the informal phrase Pick up di pace!
Meaning: go faster (verb)
Did you know?
- While mek haste is used to demand speed, if you are too forceful, you might be accused of 'bad mind', a term used to describe someone with malicious or envious intentions.
- While mek haste is used to urge speed, the Jamaican concept of 'island time' means that the actual pace of activity often remains relaxed despite the urgency of the phrase.
- While 'hurry' is common in English, the use of 'haste' in Jamaican Patois preserves a more formal-sounding English noun in a highly colloquial setting.
Example conversation
Tanesha and Ricardo are leaving for a party.
- TaneshaRicardo, mek haste or we gon miss it!Ricardo, hurry up or we are going to miss it!
- RicardoMi just a look fi mi shoes.I am just looking for my shoes.
- TaneshaDi party start already!The party has started already!
- RicardoAlright, mi ready now.Alright, I am ready now.
