Visiting South Africa or Namibia soon? Learning a few essential phrases in Afrikaans can be incredibly helpful and endearing to local speakers. Afrikaans, a derivative of Dutch, is spoken widely in these countries and knowing key phrases will enhance your travel experience. Below, you’ll find a list of phrases complete with definitions and example sentences to get you started.

Goeiemôre
Translation: Good morning
A polite way to greet someone in the morning.
“Goeiemôre, kan ek ‘n koffie asseblief kry?” (Good morning, can I get a coffee please?)

Goeienaand
Translation: Good evening
Use this phrase to greet individuals in the evening.
“Goeienaand, ek hoop julle het ‘n lekker dag gehad.” (Good evening, I hope you had a nice day.)

Totsiens
Translation: Goodbye
A common way to bid farewell in Afrikaans.
“Totsiens, ons sien mekaar weer volgende week.” (Goodbye, we’ll see each other again next week.)

Dankie
Translation: Thank you
This is the standard way to express gratitude.
“Dankie vir die geskenk, dit beteken baie vir my.” (Thank you for the gift, it means a lot to me.)

Asseblief
Translation: Please
Used when requesting something politely.
“Kan ek ‘n glas water kry, asseblief?” (Can I have a glass of water, please?)

Verskoon my
Translation: Excuse me
Say this to grab someone’s attention or to apologize if you bump into someone.
“Verskoon my, waar is die naaste bushalte?” (Excuse me, where is the nearest bus stop?)

Ja
Translation: Yes
A positive response to a question or agreement with a statement.
“Ja, ek sal graag saam met jou gaan stap.” (Yes, I would like to go for a walk with you.)

Nee
Translation: No
The opposite of ja (yes), use it when you need to disagree or decline something.
“Nee, dankie, ek is nie honger nie.” (No, thank you, I’m not hungry.)

Hoe gaan dit?
Translation: How are you?
A common way to inquire about someone’s well-being.
“Hoe gaan dit met jou vandag?” (How are you doing today?)

Ek’s jammer
Translation: I’m sorry
Useful when you need to apologize for a mistake or misunderstanding.
“Ek’s jammer, ek het die tyd verkeerd verstaan.” (I’m sorry, I misunderstood the time.)

Hoeveel kos dit?
Translation: How much does it cost?
A must-know phrase when shopping or dealing with services.
“Hoeveel kos hierdie pragtige handsak?” (How much does this beautiful handbag cost?)

Waar is die badkamer?
Translation: Where is the bathroom?
A practical question that could become very necessary.
“Verskoon my, waar is die badkamer asseblief?” (Excuse me, where is the bathroom, please?)

Kan jy Engels praat?
Translation: Can you speak English?
This phrase can be a lifesaver if you’re struggling to communicate.
“Goeie môre! Kan jy Engels praat?” (Good morning! Can you speak English?)

Eet smakelijk
Translation: Enjoy your meal
Said before eating, much like “bon appétit” in French.
“Eet smakelijk, ek hoop jy hou van die kos.” (Enjoy your meal, I hope you like the food.)

Aangename kennis
Translation: Pleased to meet you
It’s a polite expression to use when you meet someone for the first time.
“Aangename kennis, ek het soveel van jou gehoor.” (Pleased to meet you, I have heard so much about you.)

With these essential Afrikaans phrases at your disposal, you’ll be better equipped to navigate your way through South Africa and Namibia, connect with locals, and immerse yourself in the culture. Remember, practice is key, so try using these phrases as often as you can during your travels. Veilige reise (safe travels)!