maak gou
The English phrase "hurry up" is translated into Afrikaans as maak gou.
Use maak gou when you want to tell someone to go faster.
Meaning: go faster (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb maak, which means "make" and the adverb gou, which means "quickly" or "soon".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase maak gou is used in the imperative mood to give a command or request to hurry.
Did you know?
- While maak gou tells someone to hurry, adding the word nou to create maak nou gou expresses a much more urgent or impatient demand.
- If you are telling someone to 'hurry up' because something is happening 'soon', you are using the exact same word, gou, which covers both speed and proximity in time.
- In a very informal setting, instead of using the full phrase, an Afrikaans speaker might simply shout Gou! to command someone to move faster.
Examples in context
- Maak asseblief haast. Die vergadering begin binnekort.Please hurry up. The meeting is starting soon.
- Maak gou, anders gaan ons laat wees.Hurry up, otherwise we are going to be late.
Example conversation
Nicola and Pieter are getting ready to leave the house.
- NicolaMaak gou, Pieter, ons moet ry.Hurry up, Pieter, we must leave.
- PieterEk is amper reg.I am almost ready.
- NicolaMaak net gou, die kinders wag.Just hurry up, the children are waiting.
- PieterReg so, ek kom nou.Alright, I am coming now.
