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Top 50 Phrases in Afrikaans

Afrikaans is South Africa's youngest national language — and closer to English than you might think. These 50 essential phrases include native audio from a South African speaker.

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Each phrase includes native audio, an English translation, and cultural notes where relevant. Tap any play button to listen.

👋 Groete — Greetings

Hallo, hoe gaan dit?

Hello, how are you?

Afrikaans greetings are warm and direct — Afrikaans speakers often greet everyone they pass.

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Goeie môre!

Good morning!

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Goeie naand!

Good evening!

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Totsiens!

Goodbye!

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Baie dankie!

Thank you very much!

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Asseblief.

Please.

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Verskoon my.

Excuse me.

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Dit is 'n plesier om jou te ontmoet.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

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Hoe heet jy?

What is your name?

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10.

My naam is...

My name is...

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💬 Basiese Gesprek — Basic Conversation

11.

Praat jy Engels?

Do you speak English?

South Africa has 11 official languages — most Afrikaans speakers also speak English fluently.

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12.

Ek verstaan nie.

I don't understand.

Afrikaans uses double negatives: 'nie...nie' — 'Ek verstaan nie' uses one 'nie' for short phrases.

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13.

Kan jy dit herhaal?

Can you repeat that?

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14.

Praat stadiger, asseblief.

Please speak more slowly.

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15.

Ja, natuurlik.

Yes, of course.

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16.

Nee, dankie.

No, thank you.

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17.

Ek weet nie.

I don't know.

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18.

Waar is die badkamer?

Where is the bathroom?

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19.

Hoeveel kos dit?

How much does it cost?

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20.

Ek soek hulp.

I need help.

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🍽️ Kos en Drank — Food and Drink

21.

Ek is honger.

I am hungry.

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22.

Ek is dors.

I am thirsty.

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23.

Die spyskaart, asseblief.

The menu, please.

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24.

Ek wil graag bestel.

I'd like to order.

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25.

Dit was heerlik.

That was delicious.

Braai (barbecue) is central to Afrikaans culture — saying the food was 'heerlik' after a braai will delight your host.

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26.

Bring die rekening, asseblief.

Please bring the bill.

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27.

Ek is vegetariër.

I am a vegetarian.

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28.

Nog 'n bier, asseblief!

Another beer, please!

South Africa produces excellent craft beer and wine — saying this at a braai is practically mandatory.

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29.

Koffie of tee?

Coffee or tea?

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30.

Ek het 'n allergie.

I have an allergy.

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🚌 Rond Beweeg — Getting Around

31.

Waar is die naaste stasie?

Where is the nearest station?

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32.

Ek wil na... gaan.

I want to go to...

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33.

Hoe ver is dit?

How far is it?

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34.

Draai links / regs.

Turn left / right.

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35.

Bel 'n taxi vir my.

Call a taxi for me.

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36.

Ek is verdwaal.

I am lost.

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37.

Wys my op die kaart.

Show me on the map.

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38.

Wanneer vertrek die bus?

When does the bus leave?

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39.

Stop hier, asseblief.

Stop here, please.

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40.

Is dit ver om te loop?

Is it far to walk?

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🆘 Noodgevalle en Noodsaaklik — Emergencies and Essentials

41.

Help!

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42.

Bel die polisie!

Call the police!

South African police emergency: 10111. Ambulance: 10177.

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43.

Ek het my paspoort verloor.

I've lost my passport.

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44.

Ek het medisyne nodig.

I need medicine.

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45.

Waar is die naaste hospitaal?

Where is the nearest hospital?

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46.

Ek voel siek.

I feel sick.

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47.

Kan jy my help?

Can you help me?

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48.

Ek is Suid-Afrikaans / 'n toeris.

I am South African / a tourist.

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49.

Waar kan ek wifi kry?

Where can I get wifi?

Many South African restaurants and malls offer free wifi — always worth asking.

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50.

Ek geniet Afrikaans leer!

I'm enjoying learning Afrikaans!

Afrikaans speakers are incredibly proud of their language — even trying a few phrases will earn you huge smiles.

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