gelukkig
/χəˈlœ.kəχ/
The English word 'happy' can be translated into Afrikaans as gelukkig or bly.
Meaning: contented, joyous (adj)
Ways to say it
| Afrikaans | IPA |
|---|---|
| gelukkig | /χəˈlœ.kəχ/ |
| bly | /bləi/ |
Use bly to mean 'glad' when reacting to a specific piece of news or a particular situation.
Which one should you use?
bly is typically used to express being glad about a specific event or circumstance, whereas gelukkig describes a more general state of being happy or contented.
How do you pronounce it?
The word gelukkig has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /χəˈlœ.kəχ/.
Did you know?
- While gelukkig means 'happy', it is also the standard word used to say 'lucky' in Afrikaans.
- If you want to say you are 'staying' or 'remaining' somewhere, you use the word bly, which is spelled exactly like the Afrikaans word for 'glad'.
- The word bly shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'blithe', which describes a carefree and happy mood.
Examples in context
- Ek is bly om jou weer te sien.I'm happy to see you again.This sentence shows how to use bly to express being happy to see someone.Tatoeba #5891914 by CJuser01, translation #255644 by CK
- Ek is bly dat dit jou gelukkig maak.I'm glad it makes you happy.This sentence demonstrates using bly to express being glad about a situation.Tatoeba #2783853 by Diablofire, translation #2590992 by CK
- Tom gaan nie gelukkig wees om jou te sien nie.Tom won't be happy to see you.This sentence shows how to use gelukkig to describe a state of being happy.Tatoeba #2788228 by Diablofire, translation #2542170 by CK
- Ek is bly om jou te ontmoet.I am happy to meet you.
- Gelukkige verjaarsdag!Happy birthday!
- Ek wens jou 'n gelukkige Kersfees.I wish you a happy Christmas.
- Ek is so bly vir jou.I am so happy for you.
- Ek is bly dat jy hier is.I am happy that you are here.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Pieter and Marelize are talking about their new home.
- PieterIs jy gelukkig in die nuwe huis, Marelize?Are you happy in the new house, Marelize?
- MarelizeJa, ek is baie gelukkig hier.Yes, I am very happy here.
- PieterEk is ook gelukkig dat ons hier woon.I am also happy that we live here.
- MarelizeDit is 'n wonderlike plek.It is a wonderful place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy” translations and entries gelukkig, bly, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bly, gelukkig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
