Learning a new language is an exciting journey, and one of the most practical areas to start with is vocabulary that pertains to safety. Understanding safety-related terms in Afrikaans can be incredibly useful, whether you are traveling, living in an Afrikaans-speaking region, or simply expanding your linguistic repertoire. In this article, we will explore the terms “veilig” (safe) and “onveilig” (unsafe) and delve into various related vocabulary words that will help you navigate situations safely and securely in an Afrikaans-speaking environment.
Veilig – Safe
Veilig – Safe
This word means safe or secure. It is used to describe a situation, place, or object that poses no danger or harm.
Die buurt is baie veilig vir kinders om in te speel.
Veiligheid – Safety
Safety refers to the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury.
Ons moet altyd die veiligheid van ons kinders verseker.
Veiligheidsinstruksies – Safety instructions
These are directions provided to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
Lees asseblief die veiligheidsinstruksies voordat jy die toestel gebruik.
Veiligheidsuitgang – Emergency exit
An emergency exit is a special exit for emergencies such as a fire, which allows safe evacuation.
Die veiligheidsuitgang is aan die agterkant van die gebou.
Veiligheidshek – Safety gate
A safety gate is a barrier used to prevent access to certain areas, commonly used to keep children safe.
Ons het ‘n veiligheidshek by die trap geïnstalleer.
Veiligheidsgordel – Seatbelt
A seatbelt is a safety device designed to secure the occupant of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result from a collision or a sudden stop.
Maak seker jy dra jou veiligheidsgordel wanneer jy in die motor is.
Onveilig – Unsafe
Onveilig – Unsafe
This term means not safe or dangerous. It is used to describe situations, places, or objects that pose a risk of harm.
Dit is onveilig om in die donker alleen te loop.
Gevaar – Danger
Danger refers to the possibility of suffering harm or injury.
Die brug is in ‘n toestand van gevaar en moet vermy word.
Gevaarlik – Dangerous
This word means likely to cause harm or injury.
Dit is gevaarlik om sonder helm te fietsry.
Risiko – Risk
Risk refers to a situation involving exposure to danger.
Daar is ‘n hoë risiko van ongelukke op daardie pad.
Ongeluk – Accident
An accident is an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.
Hy het ‘n ongeluk gehad terwyl hy die trap afkom.
Bedreiging – Threat
A threat is a statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action.
Die dreigende storm is ‘n groot bedreiging vir die dorp.
Kwetsbaar – Vulnerable
Vulnerable means exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
Ouer mense is meer kwetsbaar vir siektes.
Emergency Situations
Noodgeval – Emergency
An emergency is a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
In ‘n noodgeval, skakel 112 vir hulp.
Ambulans – Ambulance
An ambulance is a vehicle equipped for taking sick or injured people to and from the hospital.
Die ambulans het vinnig by die ongelukstoneel aangekom.
Brand – Fire
Fire refers to the state of combustion in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke.
Die brand het vinnig deur die bos versprei.
Brandweer – Fire brigade
The fire brigade is an organized body of people trained and employed to extinguish fires.
Die brandweer het die vuur binne ‘n uur onder beheer gebring.
Polisie – Police
The police are a civil force responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order.
Die polisie het die verdagte gearresteer.
Hospitaal – Hospital
A hospital is an institution providing medical and surgical treatment and nursing care for sick or injured people.
Sy is na die hospitaal geneem vir verdere behandeling.
Evakueer – Evacuate
To evacuate means to remove someone from a place of danger to a safer place.
Ons moes die gebou evakueer weens ‘n gaslek.
Medikasie – Medication
Medication refers to a drug or other form of medicine that is used to treat or prevent disease.
Hy moet sy medikasie drie keer per dag neem.
Protective Measures
Helm – Helmet
A helmet is a hard or padded protective hat, various types of which are worn by soldiers, police officers, motorcyclists, athletes, and others.
Dra altyd ‘n helm wanneer jy motorfiets ry.
Handskoene – Gloves
Gloves are coverings for the hands, typically having separate parts for each finger and the thumb and worn for protection against cold or dirt and in some cases as safety gear.
Hy het sy handskoene aangetrek voor hy die chemikalieë hanteer het.
Oorbeskermers – Ear protectors
Ear protectors are devices worn to protect the ears from loud noises or cold.
Die werkers dra oorbeskermers om gehoorskade te voorkom.
Veiligheidsbril – Safety glasses
Safety glasses are protective eyewear that usually enclose or protect the area surrounding the eye to prevent particulates, water, or chemicals from striking the eyes.
Jy moet veiligheidsbril dra wanneer jy met metaal werk.
Gesigmasker – Face mask
A face mask is a protective mask covering the nose and mouth or nose and eyes.
Die dokters dra gesigmaskers tydens die operasie.
Vuurblusser – Fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is a portable device that discharges a jet of water, foam, gas, or other material to extinguish a fire.
Hou ‘n vuurblusser in die kombuis vir noodgevalle.
Veiligheidshelm – Safety helmet
A safety helmet is a form of protective gear worn to protect the head from injuries.
Die konstruksiewerkers dra veiligheidshelms op die bouperseel.
Veiligheidsklere – Safety clothing
Safety clothing refers to garments that are designed to protect the wearer from risks such as chemical exposure, electrical hazards, and other workplace dangers.
Dra altyd veiligheidsklere wanneer jy in gevaarlike omgewings werk.
Conclusion
Understanding and using safety terms in Afrikaans can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in various situations, ensuring your well-being and that of those around you. Whether you are in a potentially hazardous environment or just want to feel more secure in everyday life, these terms will serve as a valuable part of your Afrikaans vocabulary. Keep practicing and incorporating these words into your daily conversations, and you’ll find yourself becoming more confident and proficient in the language.
