geluk
/χəˈlœk/
The English phrase 'congratulations' is expressed in Afrikaans using geluk.
geluk is used to express approbation. While it functions as an exclamation for 'congratulations', it also serves as a noun meaning 'luck' or 'happiness' in other contexts.
Meaning: expressing approbation (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word geluk literally means 'luck' or 'happiness'.
Which one should you use?
While geluk is the base form, the phrase Baie geluk! is the most common way to say 'congratulations'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Namibia, you may hear the phrase baie geluk met jou oorwinning, which means 'congratulations on your victory'.
How do you pronounce it?
/χəˈlœk/
When do people say it?
The most common way to congratulate someone is to say Baie geluk!
Did you know?
- Because geluk means both 'luck' and 'happiness', it is used for a wide range of events, from winning a lottery to getting married or having a baby.
- The word geluk shares a common ancestor with the German word Glück, which also covers both 'luck' and 'happiness'.
- When saying Baie geluk!, the word baie literally means 'many' or 'much'. Essentially, you are wishing the person 'much happiness'.
Examples in context
- Baie geluk!Congratulations!This sentence is useful for learning how to say 'congratulations' using the form geluk.Tatoeba #7968456 by swart, translation #1437 by CK
- Baie geluk met jou bevordering!Congratulations on your promotion!
- Jou span se oorwinning was 'n regte triomf!Your team's victory was a real triumph!
- Geluk met jou verjaarsdag!Happy birthday!
- Bravo! Jy het dit uitstekend gedoen!Bravo! You did it excellently!
- Jou harde werk is merkbaar. Hou so aan!Your hard work is noticeable. Keep it up!
- Geluk met jou nuwe werk!Congratulations on your new job!
- Geluk met die nuwe baba.Congratulations on the new baby.
Example conversation
Nicola calls Johan to congratulate him on passing his exams.
- NicolaGeluk met jou eksamen, Johan!Congratulations on your exam, Johan!
- JohanDankie, Nicola, dit was baie moeilik.Thanks, Nicola, it was very difficult.
- NicolaJy het hard gewerk.You worked hard.
- JohanJa, ek is baie bly.Yes, I am very happy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry geluk, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries geluk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
