Afrikaans, one of the official languages of South Africa, is a daughter language of Dutch and has several loanwords from various languages. For beginners looking to dive into this rich language, here’s a list of top Afrikaans words that will form a solid foundation for your learning journey.

Hallo
Meaning: Hello
Hallo, hoe gaan dit?
(Hello, how are you?)

Ja
Meaning: Yes
Ja, ek verstaan wat jy sê.
(Yes, I understand what you are saying.)

Nee
Meaning: No
Nee, ek kan nie more kom nie.
(No, I can’t come tomorrow.)

Asseblief
Meaning: Please
Kan jy dit asseblief vir my aangee?
(Could you pass that to me, please?)

Dankie
Meaning: Thank you
Dankie vir die geskenk, dit is baie mooi!
(Thank you for the gift, it is very beautiful!)

Verskoon my
Meaning: Excuse me
Verskoon my, waar is die badkamer?
(Excuse me, where is the bathroom?)

Totsiens
Meaning: Goodbye
Ek moet nou gaan, totsiens!
(I have to go now, goodbye!)

Seun
Meaning: Son/Boy
Die seun speel in die park.
(The boy is playing in the park.)

Meisie
Meaning: Girl
Die meisie teken ‘n prentjie.
(The girl is drawing a picture.)

Man
Meaning: Man
Die man werk by die kantoor.
(The man works at the office.)

Vrou
Meaning: Woman
Die vrou kook aandete vir haar gesin.
(The woman is cooking dinner for her family.)

Liefde
Meaning: Love
Daar is groot liefde tussen hulle.
(There is great love between them.)

Water
Meaning: Water
Mag ek ‘n glas water hê, asseblief?
(May I have a glass of water, please?)

Kos
Meaning: Food
Die kos op die tafel lyk heerlik.
(The food on the table looks delicious.)

Huis
Meaning: House
Hulle het ‘n mooi huis.
(They have a beautiful house.)

Boek
Meaning: Book
Het jy die boek gelees wat ek jou geleen het?
(Have you read the book I lent you?)

Werk
Meaning: Work/Job
Hy begin volgende week met sy nuwe werk.
(He starts his new job next week.)

Getting to know these essential words will not only help you understand basic conversations, but they will also be building blocks as you continue to expand your Afrikaans vocabulary. Immerse yourself in the language, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. With determination and the right set of words, you’re well on your way to mastering Afrikaans. Veels geluk! (Good luck!)