Language/Afrikaans/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions

Afrikaans Vocabulary - Idiomatic expressions

Hi Afrikaans learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will explore some common idiomatic expressions in Afrikaans. We will also include cultural information and interesting facts to make the lesson more fun and engaging.

With the completion of this lesson, consider investigating these related pages: Animals & Problems.

What are idiomatic expressions?

Idiomatic expressions are phrases or sayings with a figurative meaning that cannot be inferred from the literal meaning of the individual words used. Idioms are an essential part of any language, and learning them is crucial for developing fluency and understanding culture.

Idiomatic expressions in Afrikaans

1. Voetjie vir voetjie

Voetjie vir voetjie (footing for footing) means taking things one step at a time or proceeding cautiously.

• Person 1: Weet jy waar ons huis is? (Do you know where our house is?)
• Person 2: Nee, laat ons voetjie vir voetjie gaan en kyk. (No, let's go one step at a time and see.)

2. Met die aap op die rug

Met die aap op die rug (with the monkey on your back) means feeling burdened or stressed out by a problem.

• Person 1: Hoe gaan dit met jou? (How are you doing?)
• Person 2: Nie goed nie, ek het baie werk en voel met die aap op my rug. (Not good, I have a lot of work and feel burdened by the problem.)

3. Die kat uit die sak laat

Die kat uit die sak laat (letting the cat out of the bag) means revealing a secret or disclosing information that was supposed to be kept secret.

• Person 1: Hoe weet jy dat daar 'n verrassing partytjie is? (How do you know there's a surprise party?)
• Person 2: Ek het die kat uit die sak laat. (I let the cat out of the bag.)

4. Die koeël is deur die kerk

Die koeël is deur die kerk (the bullet has gone through the church) means that a decision has been made and actions will be taken soon.

• Person 1: Hoop jy dat jy die werk kry? (Do you hope to get the job?)
• Person 2: Ja, ek wag net vir die antwoord. Maar ek dink die koeël is deur die kerk. (Yes, I'm just waiting for the answer. But I think the decision has been made.)

5. 'n Goeie draai gee

'n Goeie draai gee (giving a good turn) means visiting someone for a brief period. In Afrikaans culture, it's customary to visit friends and family for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.

• Person 1: Kom kuier asseblief vir 'n rukkie. (Please come and visit for a while.)
• Person 2: Ek sal graag 'n goeie draai wil gee, dalk volgende week. (I would love to give a good turn, perhaps next week.)

Why learn idiomatic expressions in Afrikaans?

Learning idiomatic expressions in Afrikaans is essential for understanding the language more deeply and obtaining cultural knowledge. Here are some great reasons to study idiomatic expressions:

• Improving comprehension: Since idiomatic expressions are widely used in everyday language, understanding them can greatly aid in comprehension.
• Native-like fluency: Using idiomatic expressions is a sign of fluency and mastery of a language.
• Cultural immersion: Idiomatic expressions are an essential aspect of a language's culture. Learning idioms can help you understand cultural nuances, humor, and traditions.

Vocabulary retention strategies

Learning idiomatic expressions can be challenging at first, but with practice and persistence, it can become more manageable. Here are some tips to help you master these expressions quickly:

• Use them in context: Practice using idiomatic expressions in different contexts to help you remember them better.
• Break them down: Try to understand the literal and figurative meanings of idiomatic expressions to help you memorize them.
• Use visual aids: Visual aids like posters or images can help reinforce the meaning of idiomatic expressions.

To improve your Afrikaans Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

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➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Other Lessons

• Count to 10
• Family
• Colors
• Time
• Education
• Drinks
• Basic phrases
• Clothes
• Days of the Week

Sources

• 20 Popular Afrikaans Idioms To English - Ling App
• 25 Hilarious Afrikaans Idioms That Should Exist in English
• Comparison of Afrikaans and Dutch - Wikipedia