weh yuh waan
The English phrase "what do you want" is translated into Jamaican as weh yuh waan.
The phrase is used to ask someone about their desires or what they would like to have. You may also hear Wha yuh feel like? when asking this informally.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal combination of weh (what), yuh (you) and waan (want).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some rural areas, you may encounter the alternative expression A wah yuh want?
How does it change in a sentence?
In Jamaican, the auxiliary verb "do" is typically omitted in this question structure.
Did you know?
- Depending on the intonation, weh yuh waan can be used as a sharp challenge or a way to tell someone to stop bothering you, rather than a genuine question about their needs.
- The word weh in weh yuh waan can also mean 'where' in other contexts, though the meaning is determined by the surrounding words in the sentence.
- In certain Jamaican musical genres like Reggae, the cadence of such questions is often used to create a rhythmic 'hook' in a song rather than just for communication.
Examples in context
- Hey, what's up? Wha yuh feel like?Hey, what's up? What do you want?
- Weh yuh waan fi eat?What do you want to eat?
- Tell mi, weh yuh waan?Tell me, what do you want?
Example conversation
Damion is offering to help Shanice while they are shopping.
- DamionShanice, weh yuh waan?Shanice, what do you want?
- ShaniceMi waan di blue dress.I want the blue dress.
- DamionDat one look good pon yuh.That one looks good on you.
- ShaniceYes, mi a go buy it.Yes, I am going to buy it.
