hoe om te sê
The phrase hoe om te sê is the Afrikaans way to say "how to say".
This phrase is used when you want to ask for the correct way to express a specific word or idea in another language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hoe (how), om (to/in order to), te (to) and sê (say).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the om … te construction, which is the standard way in Afrikaans to express an infinitive of purpose or manner.
Did you know?
- The word sê descends from the Proto-Indo-European root *sekʷ-, which meant 'to follow'. This suggests that the original idea of speaking was to follow a sequence of thoughts or a narrative.
- In Afrikaans, sê can be used in a way similar to 'claim' or 'say' in English, but it is also used in the phrase sê maar, which acts as a filler to soften a request or statement.
- While sê means 'say', Afrikaans speakers often use the word praat for 'speaking' a language, creating a sharp distinction between the act of uttering a word and the ability to communicate in a tongue.
Examples in context
- Weet jy hoe om dit in Afrikaans te sê?Do you know how to say it in Afrikaans?
- Weet jy hoe om te sê wat ek voel?Do you know how to say what I feel?
- Sy vra vir my hoe om te sê dat sy moeg is.She asks me how to say that she is tired.
Example conversation
Marelize is asking Johan for help with an Afrikaans expression.
- MarelizeJohan, weet jy hoe om te sê 'hello'?Johan, do you know how to say 'hello'?
- JohanJa, jy sê 'hallo'.Yes, you say 'hallo'.
- MarelizeDankie, dit is baie maklik.Thank you, that is very easy.
- JohanGroot plesier, Marelize.You're welcome, Marelize.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hoe, sê, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
