Language/Afrikaans/Vocabulary/Numbers-and-Shopping
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn the basic Afrikaans numbers and how to use them in shopping and bargaining situations. Numbers are an important part of everyday life, and mastering them will greatly improve your ability to navigate Afrikaans-speaking countries. We will also cover shopping-related vocabulary and phrases that will help you communicate effectively while shopping or bargaining.
Consider broadening your understanding by checking out these related lessons: How to say Good Bye? & Languages.
Afrikaans Numbers
Cardinal Numbers
Afrikaans uses a decimal system, which means that the counting system is based on groups of ten. Below are the cardinal numbers from one to ten in Afrikaans:
Afrikaans | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
een | ayn | one |
twee | tvay | two |
drie | three | three |
vier | feer | four |
vyf | fayf | five |
ses | ses | six |
sewe | say-vuh | seven |
agt | ugt | eight |
nege | nay-ghuh | nine |
tien | teen | ten |
To form the numbers from eleven to nineteen, simply add the word "tien" to the end of the cardinal number. For example, "elf" means "eleven" (een + tien), and "vyftien" means "fifteen" (vyf + tien).
To form the multiples of ten (20, 30, 40, and so on), use the cardinal number followed by the word "tig". For example, "twintig" means "twenty" (twee + tig), "dertig" means "thirty" (drie + tig), and so on.
For larger numbers, use the word "honderd" (hundred) to form the numbers from 100 to 900. Combine the cardinal number with the word "honderd" and any remaining numbers after that. For example, "driehonderd" means "three hundred" (drie + honderd), and "tweehonderdtwee-en-vyftig" means "two hundred and fifty-two" (twee + honderd + twee + en + vyftig).
Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers are used to indicate position or order. In Afrikaans, they are formed simply by adding "-de" to the cardinal number. For example, "derde" means "third" (drie + de), and "vyfde" means "fifth" (vyf + de).
Shopping and Bargaining
Vocabulary
Here are some common Afrikaans shopping and bargaining words and phrases:
- winkel - shop
- mark - market
- koop - buy
- verkoop - sell
- prys - price
- goedkoop - cheap
- duur - expensive
- bargain - bargain
- afslag - discount
- kaartjie - ticket
- kassier - cashier
- betaal - pay
- kredietkaart - credit card
- kontant - cash
- sak - bag
- pas - fit (for clothes)
- grootte - size
- ruil - exchange
- retour - return
Useful Phrases
Here are some useful Afrikaans phrases to use while shopping or bargaining:
- Mag ek vra hoeveel dit kos? - Can I ask how much this costs?
- Is daar 'n afslag beskikbaar? - Is there a discount available?
- Ek is opsoek na 'n koopie wat goedkoop is. - I'm looking for a bargain that is cheap.
- Dit is te duur, kan jy 'n beter prys gee? - That is too expensive, can you give me a better price?
- Ek wil dit graag koop. - I would like to buy it.
- Het jy dit in 'n ander grootte / kleur? - Do you have it in a different size / color?
- Kan ek dit ruil vir iets ander? - Can I exchange it for something else?
- Kan ek dit asseblief terugbring? - Can I please return it?
- Ek gebruik kontant / 'n kredietkaart om te betaal. - I will pay with cash / a credit card.
Numerical Expressions
When shopping, it's important to know how to express numbers in Afrikaans. Here are some examples:
Afrikaans | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
Een kilogram | ayn kee-lo-gram | One kilogram |
Twee bokse | tvay bocks-uh | Two boxes |
Drie pare skoene | three pah-ruh skoon-uh | Three pairs of shoes |
Vier hemde | feer hem-duh | Four shirts |
Vyf penne | fayf pen-nuh | Five pens |
When expressing larger numbers or prices, Afrikaans uses a decimal point instead of a comma. So instead of writing "10,000", Afrikaans would write it as "10.000".
Conclusion
By mastering the Afrikaans numbers and shopping vocabulary in this lesson, you will be better equipped to navigate Afrikaans-speaking countries, shop and bargain effectively, and communicate with confidence in everyday situations. Don't forget to practice and use these skills as often as possible!
Having concluded this lesson, consider checking out these related pages: Idiomatic Expressions & Feelings and Emotions.
Videos
Afrikaans in Three Minutes – Numbers 11-100 - YouTube
Other Lessons
- Days of the Week
- Countries
- Problems
- Introducing Yourself and Others
- Daily Routine and Activities
- Fruits
- Talking about Family and Friends
- Clothes
- Time
Sources
- Flashcards for learning Afrikaans with audio
- Afrikaans vocabulary for English speakers - 5000 words (Paperback ...
- Afrikaans-English Dictionary on the App Store