weerlig
The Afrikaans word for lightning is weerlig. Wiktionary also lists bliksem and weerligstraal.
Meaning: discharge (noun)
Ways to say it
| Afrikaans | IPA |
|---|---|
| weerlig | |
| bliksem | /ˈblək.səm/ |
| weerligstraal |
The term weerlig refers to the electrical discharge during a storm. In specific contexts, you may use weerligstraal to refer specifically to a lightning bolt or the slang verb bliksem to mean hitting someone very hard, derived from the power of a strike.
What does it mean word for word?
The word weerligstraal is a compound consisting of weerlig (lightning) and straal (beam or ray), literally meaning a lightning beam or bolt.
Which one should you use?
While weerlig is the standard term, bliksem is a more colloquial and forceful way to refer to lightning.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using donderweer to mean only lightning. That word actually refers to the combination of thunder and lightning, or a thunderstorm.
Did you know?
- The word bliksem is frequently used as a general-purpose swear word in Afrikaans, far beyond its original meaning of 'lightning'.
- The root of bliksem traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *bʰleyǵ-, which is related to the concept of brightness or shining.
- The phrase bliksem can also be used as an intensifier, similar to how 'hell' or 'damn' is used in English expressions of frustration.
Examples in context
- Tydens die storm was die lug verlig deur pragtige blitse.During the storm, the sky was lit up by beautiful lightning.
- Daar is helder weerlig in die lug.There is bright lightning in the sky.
- Ek het die weerlig gesien.I saw the lightning.
- Die weerlig het die boom getref.The lightning hit the tree.
Example conversation
Stefan and Anika are watching a storm from the porch.
- StefanSien jy die weerlig daar?Do you see the lightning there?
- AnikaJa, dit is baie naby.Yes, it is very close.
- StefanOns moet vinnig binnegaan.We must go inside quickly.
- AnikaEk stem saam, Stefan.I agree, Stefan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lightning” translations and entries weerlig, bliksem, weerligstraal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bliksem, weerlig, weerligstraal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
