When learning a new language, it’s essential to be equipped with a variety of vocabulary, and color terms are no exception. In Afrikaans, colors are not only used to describe objects but also to express moods and emotions. Here’s a breakdown of some fundamental color terms in Afrikaans, along with their definitions and examples.
Wit translates to “white” in English. It’s used to describe something that is the color of milk or snow.
Die wolke is baie wit vandag.
Swart is the Afrikaans word for “black.” It often describes objects that are the color of coal or the night sky.
My kat is heeltemal swart.
Rooi means “red.” This vibrant color term is used to describe anything that is the color of blood or tomatoes.
Die rooi appel lyk heerlik.
Blou is the word for “blue” – the color of the ocean or the sky on a clear day.
Die lug is so blou soos die see.
Groen translates to “green,” reminiscent of grass or emerald gems.
Die blare aan die bome is heldergroen.
Geel is the Afrikaans term for “yellow.” It’s the color of sunshine or ripe lemons.
Die sonblomme is ‘n helder geel kleur.
Oranje means “orange,” and it’s used for objects that are the color of the fruit of the same name.
Ek het ‘n oranje hemp gekoop vir die partytjie.
Pers is “purple” in English. It describes things that are the color of lavender or grapes.
Haar pers rok pas by haar skoene.
Pienk translates as “pink,” often associated with the softer tones of flowers like roses or cherry blossoms.
Die babadogtertjie dra ‘n pienk baret.
Bruin means “brown” and describes the color of chocolate or the earth.
Die boomstam is diepbruin.
Grys is the word for “gray” and is used to describe things that are the color of ash or fog.
Die rotse aan die kus is donkergrys.
Silwer is “silver,” a color associated with metal or the shiny surface of a mirror.
Die silwer juwele blink in die lig.
Goud translates to “gold.” This color term is often used to describe objects that have the rich, shiny yellow color of the precious metal.
Sy dra ‘n ketting wat van egte goud gemaak is.
Understanding these color terms in Afrikaans will not only expand your vocabulary but also enhance your descriptive ability when conversing in the language. With practice, you’ll soon be able to integrate these terms naturally into your conversations, making your Afrikaans richer and more vivid.
