is
The English phrase 'is' is translated into Afrikaans as is.
In formal contexts, if you want to express that something 'is' in the sense of 'exists' or 'is present', you may use bestaan.
Did you know?
- If you want to say someone 'is' feeling a certain way, such as 'is hungry' or 'is thirsty', Afrikaans often uses the verb 'het' ('has') instead of 'is'.
- The phrase is dit? is commonly used as a conversational filler to mean 'really?' or 'is that so?', functioning more as an exclamation than a literal question.
- Afrikaans simplifies the verb 'to be' far more than its parent language, Dutch. While Dutch has different forms for 'am', 'is' and 'are', Afrikaans uses is for all three singular and plural subjects.
Examples in context
- My ma is mal.My mum is crazy.Tatoeba #4332763 by Superdooperhero, translation #4505558 by encikkucing
- Hy is baie ryk.He is very wealthy.Tatoeba #13458401 by Pietpetoors, translation #13455274 by Aghanim
- Dit is my vriend.This is my friend.Tatoeba #675962 by Diablofire, translation #675960 by CK
- Hy is lank.He is tall.
- Sy word 'n dokter.She is becoming a doctor.
- Hy is snaaks.He is funny.
- Is daar nog melk?Is there any milk left?
- Maria is mooi.Maria is beautiful.
- Bestaan hy?Does he exist?
- Hulle gaan huis toe.They are going home.
- 422 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Johan and Liezel are talking about a new restaurant.
- LiezelDie nuwe restaurant is goed.The new restaurant is good.
- JohanIs dit duur?Is it expensive?
- LiezelNee, dit is goedkoop.No, it is cheap.
- JohanDan gaan ons vanaand.Then we are going tonight.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
