One love
/ WUN luv /Quick answer: One love (pronounced WUN luv) is unity, peace and goodwill — a blessing or goodbye.
What does One love mean?
One love expresses unity, peace and love among all people. Jamaicans use it as a goodbye, a blessing or a sign-off, and it carries a sense of togetherness.
Where does One love come from?
It is rooted in Rastafari ideas of universal love and was made world-famous by Bob Marley’s 1977 song One Love/People Get Ready, later named the song of the millennium by the BBC. It’s now part of Jamaica’s tourism identity too.
How to use One love
Say ‘One love’ when parting with friends, or ‘One love, mi bredda’ as a warm goodbye.
| Jamaican Patois | English |
|---|---|
| One love, mi bredda. | Peace and unity, my brother. |
| Aright, one love! | OK, take care! |
| Wi a one love family. | We’re one united family. |
Other spellings
Because Patois is mostly spoken, spellings vary. You may also see: one love, one heart.
Related Patois words
Bless up · Walk good · Respect · I an I
Frequently asked
What does one love mean in Jamaica?
Unity, peace and love — used as a goodbye or blessing.
Who made ‘One Love’ famous?
Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Look up more words in the Jamaican Patois Dictionary, or see One love in the dictionary.