skoenlapper
/ˈskunˌla.pɛr/
The English word butterfly is skoenlapper in Afrikaans.
skoenlapper refers to the insect known as a butterfly.
Meaning: insect (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈskunˌla.pɛr/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The Afrikaans word skoenlapper literally translates to 'shoe repairer' or 'shoe mender' in English.
- Unlike English, which uses the word 'butter' to describe the insect, Afrikaans focuses on the action of repairing or patching.
Examples in context
- Daar is 'n pragtige skoenlapper in die tuin.There is a beautiful butterfly in the garden.
- Die kinders kyk na die klein skoenlapper.The children are looking at the small butterfly.
- Ek het 'n blou skoenlapper gesien.I saw a blue butterfly.
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a flower garden.
- AndriesKyk, Liezel, daar is 'n skoenlapper!Look, Liezel, there is a butterfly!
- LiezelDis regtig 'n baie mooi skoenlapper.It really is a very beautiful butterfly.
- AndriesHy vlieg reguit na die roos toe.It is flying straight towards the rose.
- LiezelAndries, kyk hoe vinnig vlieg hy!Andries, look how fast it flies!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “butterfly” translations and entries skoenlapper, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries skoenlapper, CC BY-SA 4.0.
