Language/Afrikaans/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions
Hi Afrikaans learners! 😊
In this lesson, you will learn the most important Afrikaans idiomatic expressions you need to know. We will cover the meaning, pronunciation and translation of each expression.
Introduction
Idiomatic expressions are phrases or sayings that have a figurative meaning. They are usually not taken literally. In Afrikaans, there are many idiomatic expressions that are used in everyday conversations. Knowing these expressions will help you understand native speakers better and sound more natural when speaking Afrikaans.
To improve your Afrikaans Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Common Afrikaans Idiomatic Expressions
= Ek is skoon uit
(IPA: /ɛk ɪs skun uɪt/)
Translation: I'm out of luck.
This expression is used to express disappointment or frustration. It is usually used when something doesn't go as planned.
Example dialogue:
- Person 1: Ek het gedink ek gaan die werk kry. ("I thought I was going to get the job.")
- Person 2: Jammer, jy is skoon uit. ("Sorry, you're out of luck.")
Hy is soos 'n kat met ses poeie
(IPA: /hi ɪs sos n kat mɛt sɛs poi/)
Translation: He is like a cat with six paws.
This expression is used to describe someone who is very lucky. It is usually used when someone has achieved something that seems impossible.
Example dialogue:
- Person 1: Hoe het hy dit gedoen? ("How did he do it?")
- Person 2: Hy is soos 'n kat met ses poeie. ("He is like a cat with six paws.")
Hy is soos 'n vis sonder water
(IPA: /hi ɪs sos n fɪs sondər vatər/)
Translation: He is like a fish without water.
This expression is used to describe someone who is feeling lost or confused. It is usually used when someone is struggling to find their way.
Example dialogue:
- Person 1: Wat gaan aan met hom? ("What's going on with him?")
- Person 2: Hy is soos 'n vis sonder water. ("He is like a fish without water.")
Hy is soos 'n haas wat deur die bos hardloop
(IPA: /hi ɪs sos n has vat dør di bɔs hartlop/)
Translation: He is like a hare running through the woods.
This expression is used to describe someone who is very busy and always on the go. It is usually used when someone is constantly running around and never seems to slow down.
Example dialogue:
- Person 1: Waar is hy altyd? ("Where is he always?")
- Person 2: Hy is soos 'n haas wat deur die bos hardloop. ("He is like a hare running through the woods.")
Hy is soos 'n kat wat sy stert agtervolg
(IPA: /hi ɪs sos n kat vat sɛ stɛrt agtərfolg/)
Translation: He is like a cat chasing its tail.
This expression is used to describe someone who is going around in circles and not getting anywhere. It is usually used when someone is stuck in a situation and can't seem to find a way out.
Example dialogue:
- Person 1: Wat is hy aan die doen? ("What is he doing?")
- Person 2: Hy is soos 'n kat wat sy stert agtervolg. ("He is like a cat chasing its tail.")
Hy is soos 'n kraai wat na die son vlieg
(IPA: /hi ɪs sos n krai vat na di sun fli/)
Translation: He is like a crow flying towards the sun.
This expression is used to describe someone who is ambitious and always striving for more. It is usually used when someone is trying to reach a goal that seems impossible.
Example dialogue:
- Person 1: Wat is sy planne vir die toekoms? ("What are his plans for the future?")
- Person 2: Hy is soos 'n kraai wat na die son vlieg. ("He is like a crow flying towards the sun.")
Hy is soos 'n leeu wat sy prooi agtervolg
(IPA: /hi ɪs sos n liu vat sɛ proi agtərfolg/)
Translation: He is like a lion chasing its prey.
This expression is used to describe someone who is determined and never gives up. It is usually used when someone is trying to achieve something despite all the obstacles in their way.
Example dialogue:
- Person 1: Wat is hy besig om te probeer bereik? ("What is he trying to achieve?")
- Person 2: Hy is soos 'n leeu wat sy prooi agtervolg. ("He is like a lion chasing its prey.")
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed learning about Afrikaans idiomatic expressions. Now you know how to use them in conversations and understand them when they are used by native speakers. Remember to practice using these expressions in conversations with native speakers to improve your Afrikaans skills.
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➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎