kind
/kənt/
The English phrase child is translated into Afrikaans as kind.
The word kind refers to a son, a daughter or someone's offspring. Note that kind is a false friend to the English word 'kind'. In Afrikaans, the English meaning of 'nice' is vriendelik and the meaning of 'type' is soort.
Meaning: son or daughter, someone's child (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Cape Flats region of South Africa, the term poppie is used as an affectionate way to refer to a young child, specifically a little girl. Additionally, siblings in some regions may use boetie to refer to a little brother and sussie to refer to a little sister.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of kind is kinders. To show possession for a single child, use the construction kind se (child's). To show possession for multiple children, use kinders se (children's).
How do you pronounce it?
/kənt/
Did you know?
- In some colloquial settings, adding the prefix klein to kind as in kleinkind changes the meaning from 'small child' to 'grandchild'.
- Afrikaans frequently creates compound nouns with kind, such as kinderspeletjies, which literally means 'child's games' but can be used metaphorically to mean 'child's play' or something trivial.
- While kind means 'child', Afrikaans speakers often use the diminutive kindjie to express tenderness or to describe a very small child.
Examples in context
- Ek wil nie oor my kind praat nie.I don't want to talk about my child.This sentence shows how to use kind when talking about your own child.Tatoeba #2783895 by Diablofire, translation #2590857 by CK
- Pietro verdedig kinderpornografie.Pietro defends child pornography.This sentence demonstrates the use of kind in the context of a compound noun.Tatoeba #13585261 by Pietpetoors, translation #11719712 by Amastan
- Die skool fokus op die ontwikkeling van die kind se akademiese en emosionele groei.The school focuses on the development of the child's academic and emotional growth.
- Julle kindjies is so dierbaar vir ons.Your little ones are so precious to us.
- Kom hier, my poppie. Ek het 'n verrassing vir jou.Come here, my darling. I have a surprise for you.
- My boetie is die slimste in die familie.My little brother is the smartest in the family.
- My sussie is die slimste in die familie.My little sister is the smartest in the family.
- Die kind speel in die tuin.The child is playing in the garden.
Example conversation
Anika and Stefan are talking about their family.
- StefanHet jy nog 'n kind?Do you have another child?
- AnikaNee, ek het net een kind.No, I only have one child.
- StefanIs jou kind gelukkig?Is your child happy?
- AnikaJa, Stefan, sy is baie gelukkig.Yes, Stefan, she is very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “child” translations and entries kind, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
