huis
/ɦœis/
The English word house is translated into Afrikaans as huis.
The term huis is the most common and general way to refer to a house. When you need to be more specific, you can use woonhuis to refer to a residential house where someone lives or behuising when discussing housing in a formal or official context.
Meaning: human abode (noun)
Which one should you use?
While huis is the general term, woonhuis is used specifically for residential living spaces and behuising is used for the broader concept of housing in formal settings. The word huisie serves as an affectionate or friendly diminutive.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In rural or farming communities, the specific term plaashuis is used to refer to a farmhouse or a house located on a farm.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the word plural, change huis to huise. You can also create the diminutive form huisie by adding the suffix -ie, which means a little house.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɦœis/
Did you know?
- Beyond a physical building, huis can be used to refer to a royal dynasty or a noble line, similar to the English phrase 'House of Windsor'.
- In Afrikaans, the diminutive huisie is frequently used as a term of endearment to describe a home that feels cozy or welcoming, even if the building is actually quite large.
- The word huis descends from the Proto-Germanic root *hūsą, making it a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'house'.
Examples in context
- Wil u u huis verhuur?Do you want to rent your house?This sentence shows how to use huis when asking about renting a property.Tatoeba #5987253 by CJuser01, translation #2258170 by _undertoad
- Die hond is in die huis.The dog is in the house.This sentence demonstrates the use of huis to indicate a location.Tatoeba #976066 by siener, translation #882704 by CK
- Daardie huis is te huur.That house is for rent.This sentence shows how to use huis to state that a house is available for rent.Tatoeba #13368825 by Pietpetoors, translation #1258652 by CK
- Daar staan 'n mooi huis op die heuwel.There is a beautiful house on the hill.
- Ek het 'n woonhuis in die stad gekoop.I bought a residential house in the city.
- Kom kuier by my huisie vir tee.Come visit my cozy house for tea.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Liezel and Andries are standing outside a new property.
- LiezelIs hierdie jou nuwe huis?Is this your new house?
- AndriesJa, dit is my droomhuis.Yes, it is my dream house.
- LiezelDie huis lyk baie groot.The house looks very big.
- AndriesDankie, Liezel, ek is baie gelukkig.Thank you, Liezel, I am very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “house” translations and entries huis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries huis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
