misdaad
/ˈməs.dɑːt/
The English word 'crime' is translated into Afrikaans as misdaad. Wiktionary also lists misdryf.
Meaning: specific act committed in violation of the law (noun)
Ways to say it
| Afrikaans | IPA |
|---|---|
| misdaad | /ˈməs.dɑːt/ |
| misdryf |
The term refers to a specific act committed in violation of the law. To express the act of committing a crime, use the phrase pleeg 'n misdaad.
What does it mean word for word?
The word misdaad is a compound of mis- meaning wrong or bad and daad meaning act or deed.
Which one should you use?
While both misdaad and misdryf can mean crime, misdaad is the standard term for a specific criminal act or offense. In contrast, misdryf often refers to more general misconduct or wrongdoing.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈməs.dɑːt/
Did you know?
- In Afrikaans, the verb pleeg used in pleeg 'n misdaad is also used for 'committing' suicide, whereas in English 'commit' is common for both.
- In certain formal contexts, the word misdaad is used to describe things that are 'against nature', moving beyond just human laws.
- In legal contexts, Afrikaans often uses highly specific compound nouns to describe types of misdaad, creating long words that English would express as phrases.
Examples in context
- Is liefde 'n misdaad?Is love a crime?This sentence is useful for asking if love is a crime using misdaad.Tatoeba #5489348 by CJuser01, translation #12759876 by lingomaxim
- Die samelewing berei die misdaad voor – misdadigers pleeg dit.Society prepares the crime, the criminal commits it.This sentence shows how society and criminals relate to the concept of misdaad.Tatoeba #2783415 by Diablofire, translation #2265267 by krevedko
- Wat is misdaad?What is crime?This sentence is a way to ask for a definition of misdaad.Tatoeba #13585213 by Pietpetoors, translation #5933714 by mailohilohi
Example conversation
Stefan and Nicola are watching the evening news on television.
- StefanHet jy die nuus oor die misdaad gehoor?Did you hear the news about the crime?
- NicolaJa, Nicola het gesê dit was vreeslik.Yes, Nicola said it was terrible.
- StefanDit is 'n ernstige misdaad.It is a serious crime.
- NicolaEk hoop die polisie vang hulle.I hope the police catch them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crime” translations and entries misdaad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
