wan
The Jamaican word for the cardinal number one is wan.
wan is used to represent the number one. In certain contexts, the phrase one whole heap is used to convey a large amount or a significant number.
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Did you know?
- In some Jamaican contexts, wan is used in the phrase wan-way, which refers to a particular stubborn habit or a singular way of doing things.
- While wan is the standard way to say one, in Jamaican Patois, people often use the word 'one' instead of 'a' or 'an' before a noun, such as 'one girl' instead of 'a girl'.
- In Jamaican Patois, using wan in the phrase wan more doesn't always mean a single additional item but can be a general request for 'some more'.
Examples in context
- Mi have wan sister.I have one sister.
- Dem only have wan chair left.They only have one chair left.
- Wan minute, mi deh deh.One minute, I'm almost there.
Example conversation
Andre and Latoya are at a small roadside fruit stall.
- AndreHow much fi wan coconut?How much for one coconut?
- LatoyaDat jus' wan hundred dollar.That is just one hundred dollars.
- AndreGive mi wan, please.Give me one, please.
- LatoyaAlright, Andre, here yuh go.Alright, Andre, here you go.
