weh
The English word "what" is translated to Jamaican as weh.
In Jamaican Patois, weh is a common way to say "what". It is used when asking questions, expressing surprise or disbelief. You might also use it alone as a request for repetition, equivalent to "What?" in English.
Meaning: what? (interrogative pronoun) (pron)
Which one should you use?
The related form Whappen is used in Jamaican Patois to ask "what's going on?" or "what's up?"
Did you know?
- In some contexts, weh is used to indicate location, functioning like 'where' in English. This can lead to confusion for learners who think weh only refers to objects or ideas.
- In Jamaican Patois, weh often functions as a relative pronoun, meaning 'that' or 'which' in English. For example, a speaker might say di man weh come to mean 'the man who came'.
- The transition from 'what' to weh reflects the historical linguistic pattern of vowel reduction common in the development of many English-based creoles.
Examples in context
- Weh yuh a do?What are you doing?
- Weh yuh seh?What did you say?
- Weh yuh see?What did you see?
- Whappen?What's happening?
- Weh di matter?What is the matter?
Example conversation
Damion and Shanti are talking in the kitchen.
- DamionShanti, weh you cooking?Shanti, what are you cooking?
- ShantiI just making some rice and peas.I'm just making some rice and peas.
- DamionWeh time it will be ready?What time will it be ready?
- ShantiIt should be ready in ten minutes.It should be ready in ten minutes.
