Exploring the sun-soaked beaches and rugged coastlines is a quintessential part of experiencing South Africa and other Afrikaans-speaking regions. Understanding the local vocabulary can not only enhance this experience but also help you navigate and appreciate the natural beauty even more. Here is a list of beach and coastal vocabulary in Afrikaans that will enrich your vocabulary and your adventures along the shores.

Strand
The word ‘strand’ translates to ‘beach’ in English. It refers to the shores typically covered with sand or pebbles along the edge of a sea or lake.

Ons gaan môre na die strand om te ontspan en die son te geniet.

Kus
‘Kus’ means ‘coast’ and refers to the land along the sea’s edge.
Die kuslyn van Suid-Afrika is asemrowend en baie divers.

Branders
This word refers to ‘waves’ that break on the shore.
Die branders was sterk vandag, wat dit perfek vir branderplankry gemaak het.

See
‘See’ is the word for ‘sea’ and is used to describe the expanse of saline water that covers much of the Earth’s surface.
Daar is niks so rustig soos die geluid van die see in die nag nie.

Sandkasteel
A ‘sandkasteel’ translates to ‘sandcastle,’ a structure made of sand usually found on beaches by children.
Die kinders het die hele middag deurgebring met die bou van ‘n sandkasteel.

Sonbrand
The direct translation of ‘sonbrand’ is ‘sunburn,’ a common condition where the skin turns red and hurts due to excessive sun exposure.
Ek het vergeet om sonskerm aan te smeer en het nou ‘n erg sonbrand.

Sonsopkoms
‘Sonsopkoms’ means ‘sunrise,’ the time in the morning when the sun appears on the horizon.
Ons het vroeg opgestaan om die sonsopkoms oor die see te sien.

Sonsondergang
This term translates to ‘sunset,’ the time in the evening when the sun disappears below the horizon.
Die sonsondergang langs die kus was asemrowend met al sy kleure.

Duine
‘Duine’ means ‘dunes,’ the hills of sand formed by the wind near the beach.
Die duine beskerm die binneland teen stormvloede van die see af.

Skulpe
‘Skulpe’ are ‘shells,’ the hard, protective outer layers created by sea creatures.
Ons het langs die strand geloop en verskillende soorte skulpe opgetel.

Haai
A ‘haai’ is a ‘shark,’ a type of fish known for its sharp teeth and predatory nature in the sea.
Tydens ons bootrit het ons ‘n haai gesien wat naby die kus geswem het.

Reddingswemmer
‘Reddingswemmer’ translates to ‘lifeguard,’ a person responsible for overseeing the safety of the swimmers at the beach.
Die reddingswemmer was op volle waaksaamheid weens die rowwe see.

Koraalrif
‘Koraalrif’ means ‘coral reef,’ structures underwater built by colonies of coral polyps.
Ons het gesnorkel by ‘n kleurvolle koraalrif.

Armed with this vocabulary, you can confidently stroll along any strand or explore the kus of an Afrikaans-speaking region. Not only will you enhance your language skills, but you will also be more connected to the beautiful coastal surroundings and engage in more meaningful conversations with locals about their spectacular seaside landscapes.