Ways to say it
| Afrikaans |
|---|
| sterkte |
| voorspoed |
Sterkte is used to wish someone strength or luck, especially when they are facing a difficult or challenging task. It is often used as a standalone exclamation to encourage someone before a stressful event like an exam or a medical procedure. Voorspoed is used to wish someone prosperity or success.
What does it mean word for word?
While sterkte is used to mean 'good luck' in certain contexts, it literally means 'strength' or 'fortitude'.
Which one should you use?
Sterkte is the most common way to wish someone good luck when they are facing a difficult or challenging task. In contrast, voorspoed means 'prosperity' or 'success'.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to specify what someone needs luck with, use the preposition met (meaning 'with') after sterkte. For example, you would say sterkte met die eksamen.
Did you know?
- If you tell someone baie geluk, you are actually saying 'congratulations' rather than wishing them luck. Using geluk to wish someone luck before an event would be a common mistake for learners.
- Because sterkte is so versatile, it is frequently used as a sympathetic response when someone shares bad news. In this context, it functions more like 'stay strong' or 'I feel for you' than a wish for luck.
- The phrase sterkte met… is often used ironically or sarcastically in Afrikaans. If someone is dealing with a hopeless or chaotic situation, a friend might say sterkte to acknowledge the absurdity of the struggle.
Examples in context
- Baie sterkte met jou doktorsgraad!Good luck with your PhD!This sentence shows how to use sterkte to wish someone luck with a specific achievement.Tatoeba #13835143 by Tom9358, translation #13835141 by Tom9358
- Veel geluk met jou eksamenGood luck with your exam
- Sterkte met die nuwe werk!Good luck with the new job!
- Ek wens jou baie sterkte toe.I wish you much luck.
Example conversation
Andries is about to start a difficult mountain hike.
- NicolaSterkte met die berg vandag, Andries!Good luck with the mountain today, Andries!
- AndriesDankie, Nicola. Ek gaan dit probeer.Thanks, Nicola. I am going to try it.
- NicolaWees versigtig op die paaie.Be careful on the paths.
- AndriesEk sal, dankie dat jy my ondersteun.I will, thanks for supporting me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good luck” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
