If you’re planning a holiday to Cape Verde, you may be wondering what language is spoken there and whether you’ll be able to communicate easily during your trip.
The good news is that while Portuguese is Cape Verde’s official language, most locals actually speak Cape Verdean Creole (known locally as Kriolu) in their everyday lives. English is also commonly spoken in many hotels, resorts and tourist attractions, meaning most visitors have no trouble getting by.
Here’s everything you need to know before you travel.
What Language Is Spoken in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde has two main languages:
- Portuguese is the country’s official language.
- Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is the language most people speak at home and in everyday conversation.
Portuguese is used in schools, government, official documents and the media, while Creole is the language you’ll hear most often in streets, cafés, markets and local communities.
For holidaymakers, this means you’ll encounter both languages throughout your trip.
Is Portuguese or Creole Spoken More in Cape Verde?
Although Portuguese is the official language, Cape Verdean Creole is by far the most commonly spoken language among locals.
Portuguese
Portuguese has been Cape Verde’s official language since the islands were under Portuguese rule.
Today, it is used for things like government and legal documents within schools, in newspapers and on television, or official announcements. Every Cape Verdean learns Portuguese at school, making it a language almost everyone understands.
Cape Verdean Creole
Cape Verdean Creole is the language people naturally speak with family, friends and neighbours, as is the language you’ll encounter more when exploring more local settings.
You’ll commonly hear it used in:
- Restaurants
- Shops
- Markets
- Taxi journeys
- Local events
- Conversations around towns and villages
Although Portuguese and Creole share many similarities, they are distinct languages with different grammar and pronunciation. This is something to keep in mind if you are thinking about learning some phrases before visiting Cape Verde on holiday.
What Is Cape Verdean Creole?
Cape Verdean Creole, or Kriolu, developed hundreds of years ago as Portuguese settlers and enslaved Africans communicated with one another.
Over time, it evolved into a unique language that combines Portuguese vocabulary with influences from several West African languages.
Today, Creole is an important part of Cape Verde’s culture and identity, with many traditional songs, stories, and everyday expressions passed down in the language.
Does the Language Change Between the Islands?
Each inhabited island of Cape Verde has its own variation of Cape Verdean Creole.
For example, the Creole spoken on Sal differs slightly from that spoken in Santiago or São Vicente.
Despite these regional variations, speakers from different islands generally understand one another without difficulty. For tourists, these differences are unlikely to be noticeable.
Do People Speak English in Cape Verde?
People in Cape Verde do speak English, particularly in areas popular with international visitors, such as in hotels, tourist-heavy restaurants/bars, and guided tours.
The islands of Sal and Boa Vista, which welcome the majority of British visitors, are especially well equipped for English-speaking tourists. However, once you venture away from the main tourist resorts, English becomes less common. In local towns and villages, Portuguese or Creole is more widely spoken.
Can You Visit Cape Verde Without Speaking Portuguese?
Most British holidaymakers spend their entire trip communicating comfortably in English, particularly if they’re staying in one of Cape Verde’s resorts.
However, with that being said, learning a few simple local phrases can make interactions more enjoyable and is often appreciated by locals. Even a simple greeting or “thank you” can help create a more personal connection.
Why Learning a Few Local Phrases Can Improve Your Holiday
You certainly don’t need to be fluent in Portuguese or Cape Verdean Creole to enjoy your holiday, especially if you’re staying in one of the country’s popular tourist resorts. However, learning a handful of simple words and phrases can make your trip feel even more rewarding.
Whether you’re ordering food in a local restaurant, greeting shop owners, or chatting with taxi drivers, making the effort to speak a little of the local language often leads to warmer interactions and a greater appreciation of Cape Verde’s culture.
It can also give you the confidence to explore beyond the main resort areas, helping you experience a more authentic side of the islands. Many travellers find that these small moments of connection become some of the most memorable highlights of their holiday.
Useful Cape Verde Phrases to Learn
While English is widely understood in tourist areas, learning a few common phrases can be helpful, particularly as you stray from the tourist hotspots.
Here are a few useful Portuguese phrases we recommend learning:
- Hello = Olá
- Good morning = Bom dia
- Good afternoon = Boa tarde
- Thank you = Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)
- Please = Por favor
- Yes = Sim
- No = Não
- Goodbye = Adeus
Discover Cape Verde with The Lagoon
No matter if you’re planning to spend your time relaxing on the golden beaches of Sal, exploring the colourful streets of São Vicente or experiencing the local culture of Santiago, understanding a little about Cape Verde’s language and heritage can make your holiday even more memorable.
With a selection of fantastic hotels across Cape Verde, The Lagoon makes it easy to experience everything these beautiful islands have to offer. Explore our collection of hotels and start planning your perfect island escape today.
– Tortuga Hotel (Family)
– Dunas Hotel (Family & Groups)
– Llana Hotel (Adults Only)
– Laguna (Adults Only)
– Sol Dunas (Family)
What Language is Spoken in Cape Verde FAQs
Is Cape Verdean Creole the same as Portuguese?
Although Creole developed from Portuguese and shares much of its vocabulary, it has its own grammar, pronunciation and regional variations.
Which language should I learn before travelling to Cape Verde?
If you’re only visiting for a holiday, English will usually be enough. However, learning a few Portuguese or Creole greetings is a great way to engage with local culture and can make your trip even more rewarding.
Is English spoken in Cape Verde restaurants?
English is widely spoken in restaurants located within Cape Verde’s main tourist destinations, particularly on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. If you choose to dine in smaller, family-run restaurants away from the main resorts, staff may speak mainly Portuguese or Cape Verdean Creole.
Will I need a translation app in Cape Verde?
Most visitors won’t need a translation app if they’re staying in popular resort areas, where English is commonly spoken by hotel staff, tour operators and many restaurant employees. However, if you plan to explore local towns, use public transport or visit less tourist-focused islands, having a translation app such as Google Translate downloaded on your phone can be helpful. It’s also worth downloading Portuguese for offline use before you travel, just in case you don’t have internet access.
What language are road signs and menus written in?
Road signs throughout Cape Verde are written in Portuguese, as it is the country’s official language. In popular tourist destinations, many restaurants provide menus in both Portuguese and English, making it easy for international visitors to order food. Outside the main tourist areas, however, menus are more likely to be written only in Portuguese, although staff are often happy to help explain dishes if needed.
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