bel
In Afrikaans, the verb to call (in the sense of contacting someone by telephone) is bel.
The word bel is used specifically for telephonic contact. If you wish to specify that you are making a phone call, you can use the phrase Maak 'n oproep.
Meaning: to contact by telephone (verb)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between different types of calling. Use bel for telephone calls, but use roep if you are calling out to someone or shouting using your voice.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of bel is gebel.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using bel to mean 'to name' or 'to call someone a name'. In Afrikaans, bel is strictly used for telephonic contact.
When do people say it?
When answering a telephone call, you use Halo? to mean 'Hello?' Additionally, the phrase Oproep gemis is used to indicate a 'call missed'.
Did you know?
- The word bel is related to the English word 'bell', as it originates from the sound of a bell used to summon people before telephones existed.
- To say someone is 'calling' in the sense of visiting, Afrikaans doesn't use bel but instead uses besoek for 'visit'.
- The word bel is shared with Dutch, where it also refers to the act of ringing a bell or phoning.
Examples in context
- Moenie haar nou bel nie.Don't call her now.This sentence shows how to use bel in a negative command.Tatoeba #1948721 by wwkudu, translation #1342868 by Eldad
- Tom sal nie vanaand bel nie.Tom won't call this evening.This sentence demonstrates the use of bel to describe a future action.Tatoeba #5540597 by zvzuibqx, translation #5539166 by CK
- Is dit goedkoper om na 9 uur te bel?Is it cheaper to call after 9:00?This sentence shows how to use bel when asking about the cost or timing of a call.Tatoeba #4869622 by zvzuibqx, translation #72279 by CK
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Stefan and Anika are discussing who will contact the doctor.
- StefanWie gaan die dokter bel?Who is going to call the doctor?
- AnikaEk kan hom nou bel, Stefan.I can call him now, Stefan.
- StefanDankie, Anika. Laat weet my wat hy sê.Thank you, Anika. Let me know what he says.
- AnikaEk sal dit doen.I will do that.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
