FAQs: Afrikaans Phrases an American Traveler Should Know

Stormy Brooke Swain
When an American vacationer visits parts of South Africa, there are numerous Afrikaans words and phrases they should learn to be able to communicate requests and needs efficiently. It is sensible to understand enough Afrikaans so that one can talk with the locals and get a cultural understanding from their vacation. Visiting South Africa becomes a memorable encounter if one is able to verbalize Afrikaans phrases, with the people who reside in the land. Most people will be glad to help if a traveler is having a hard time communicating, however there are a few that visitors run across, that become disappointed with travelers who don't speak the Afrikaans dialect.

These words will provide an American traveler a starting point, however building a vocabulary of various Afrikaans phrases, permits a vacationer to converse sufficiently. Most individuals are not fluent in speaking Afrikaans, when they vacation, but can comprehend the spoken word better. Comprehending the verbal language of Afrikaans, is accomplished suitably by listening to others speak it, get a tutor or telecommuting tutor to speak to you in Afrikaans. This allows somebody to identify with the total theme of the dialogue, and increases listening skills, proper pronunciation and memorization of Afrikaans phrases.

How do I say "Hello" and "Goodbye" in Afrikaans?

"Hello" or "Haai" in Afrikaans is the one word you will exercise right away in parts of South Africa. "Good bye" or "Totsiens" in Afrikaans is the last word you will use in every encounter with someone conversing with you in South Africa.

How to I say "have a nice day,"in Afrikaans?

The phrase for "have a nice day," in Afrikaans, is "Lekker dag!"

How to I say, "I love you," in Afrikaans?

The phrase for "I love you," in Afrikaans, is "Ek het jou lief."

How do I say "Excuse me," "Thank You," and "Your Welcome," in Afrikaans?

"Excuse me," "Thank You" and "Your Welcome" are "Verskoon my!," "dankie" and "nie te danke" in Afrikaans.

What are the traditional greetings in Afrikaans?

The standard greeting for "Happy Birthday" is "Gelukkige Verjaarsdag" in Afrikaans.
The phrase for "Pleased to meet you," is "Pleased to meet you," in Afrikaans.

How do I introduce myself?

To introduce yourself say "My naam is ...." For example "My naam is Stormy," is the acceptable way to say "My name is Stormy," in Afrikaans, if your name is Stormy.

How do I ask for a price, prior to purchasing a product?

If you are asking a phrase for what something costs in Afrikaans, you should say, "Hoeveel kos dit?"

Sources:

Omniglot, http://www.omniglot.com/index.htm

1 Comments

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  • Jason Riley2/15/2011

    Afrikaans language courses at University of Sydney http://www.cce.usyd.edu.au/courses/languages+&+culture/afrikaans

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