soen
/sun/
The English word 'kiss' is translated into Afrikaans as soen. Wiktionary also lists soengroet.
Meaning: a touch with the lips (noun)
Ways to say it
| Afrikaans | IPA |
|---|---|
| soen | /sun/ |
| soengroet |
The term refers to a touch with the lips.
Which one should you use?
While soen is the general word for a kiss, soengroet is used specifically to refer to a kiss used as a greeting.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word soen is versatile, functioning as both the noun 'kiss' and the verb 'to kiss'.
How do you pronounce it?
/sun/
When do people say it?
In romantic contexts, one might ask Mag ek jou soen? to seek permission to kiss someone.
Did you know?
- In some traditional South African contexts, a soengroet might be replaced by a 'cheek kiss' which is more of a brushed touch than a full lip-to-skin contact.
- The Afrikaans word soen shares its roots with the Dutch word zoen, meaning the two languages are effectively cousins in this regard.
- While soen is the standard term, Afrikaans speakers sometimes use the English word 'kiss' in casual 'slang' or 'mixed-language' conversations, particularly in urban areas of South Africa.
Examples in context
- Ek sal nie Tom soen nie.I won't kiss Tom.This sentence demonstrates the use of soen as a verb.Tatoeba #6456514 by Dewald, translation #6440606 by CK
- Goeienaand! Kan ek 'n soentjie kry?Good evening! May I have a little kiss?
- Mag ek jou soen?May I give you a kiss?
- Ek wil jou soen.I want to kiss you.
- Die kind gee haar ma 'n soen.The child gives her mother a kiss.
- Hy gee vir haar 'n soen op die wang.He gives her a kiss on the cheek.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Liezel and Pieter are saying goodbye.
- LiezelTyd om te gaan, Pieter.Time to go, Pieter.
- PieterKan ek jou kry vir 'n soen?Can I have a kiss?
- Liezelnatuurlik, my liefie.Of course, my love.
- PieterSien jou môre weer.See you again tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kiss” translations and entries soen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries soen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
