mooi
/ˈmoːi̯ ~ muə̯j/
The Afrikaans word for beautiful is mooi.
mooi is a versatile adjective used to describe something as beautiful, pretty or nice. You can use it to describe physical attractiveness, pleasant weather or a good and pleasant situation.
Meaning: attractive (adj)
Which one should you use?
While mooi is the standard term for beautiful, you may encounter pragtig, which is a stronger and more intense term used to describe something that is truly magnificent or exquisite.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express degrees of beauty, use the comparative form mooier for more beautiful and the superlative form mooiste for most beautiful.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmoːi̯ ~ muə̯j/
Did you know?
- The phrase mooi loop literally means 'walk beautifully' but is used as a friendly way to say 'goodbye' or 'go safely'.
- In Afrikaans, mooi can be used as an adverb to mean 'well' or 'correctly'. For example, if someone does a task properly, they might be told they did it mooi.
- In some contexts, mooi is used to encourage a child to behave, similar to the English phrase 'be a good boy'.
Examples in context
- Ek weet nie of ek jou ooit gesê het nie, maar jy het mooi oë.I don't know if I've ever told you, but you have beautiful eyes.This example shows how to use mooi to describe eyes.Tatoeba #3452801 by siener, translation #2318239 by CK
- Dit was baie mooi.It was very beautiful.This example shows how to use mooi to describe a situation or object.Tatoeba #1422335 by IlanaSA, translation #37854 by CK
- Wat 'n mooi reënboog!What a beautiful rainbow!This example shows how to use mooi to describe a rainbow.Tatoeba #1754863 by wwkudu, translation #24877 by CK
- Die sonsondergang is pragtig.The sunset is beautiful.
- Sy is 'n pragtige vrou.She is a beautiful woman.
- Sy besit 'n ongelooflike skoonheid.She possesses an incredible beauty.
- Sy dra 'n mooi rok.She is wearing a beautiful dress.
- Ek het 'n mooi prent gesien.I saw a beautiful picture.
- Die meisie is pragtig!The girl is beautiful!
- Jou pragtige glimlag maak my dag.Your beautiful smile makes my day.
- Geniet die skoonheid!Enjoy the beauty!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Stefan and Nicola are visiting an art gallery.
- StefanKyk na hierdie mooi skildery, Nicola.Look at this beautiful painting, Nicola.
- NicolaDit is inderdaad baie mooi.It is indeed very beautiful.
- StefanEk hou van die mooi kleure.I like the beautiful colors.
- NicolaEk stem saam met jou, Stefan.I agree with you, Stefan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beautiful” translations and entries mooi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
