aantreklik
The Afrikaans word for handsome is aantreklik.
The word aantreklik means attractive. It carries a sense of being appealing or attractive rather than just being 'hot' or 'good-looking'.
Meaning: of man: attractive (adj)
Which one should you use?
While aantreklik is a formal way to describe a man as handsome, the word mooi is a more common, everyday term used for both men and women to mean 'good-looking' or 'beautiful'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, the word pragtig is used to describe both men and women as handsome and beautiful.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use the adjective aantreklik before a noun, it typically takes the inflected form aantreklike.
Did you know?
- In informal Cape Afrikaans, you might hear people use the word lekker to describe a man's vibe or appearance, though it is much more colloquial than aantreklik.
- While aantreklik describes a person's looks, its root trek means to pull. It literally suggests that the person is so attractive they 'pull' or draw the eye toward them.
- While aantreklik is the standard, some speakers might use the word stout to describe a 'handsome rogue' type of look, meaning 'naughty' or 'cheeky' in a playful way.
Examples in context
- Tom was aantreklik.Tom used to be handsome.This sentence shows how to use aantreklik to describe someone's past appearance.Tatoeba #13585246 by Pietpetoors, translation #6355491 by CK
- Jy het 'n baie mooi gesig.You have a very beautiful face.
- Jy is 'n pragtige man.You are a handsome man.
- Hy is 'n baie aantreklike man.He is a very handsome man.
- Die nuwe onderwyser is baie aantreklik.The new teacher is very handsome.
Example conversation
Nicola and Stefan are looking at a photo in a magazine.
- NicolaKyk na hierdie akteur, hy is baie aantreklik!Look at this actor, he is very handsome!
- StefanJy is reg, hy is werklik aantreklik.You are right, he is really handsome.
- NicolaEk dink hy sal baie gewild wees.I think he will be very popular.
- StefanBeslis, hy het 'n goeie voorkoms.Definitely, he has a good look.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
