Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “like” in Afrikaans! Whether you’re looking to learn formal or informal expressions, this article will provide you with useful tips, examples, and regional variations (where necessary). So let’s dive in and enhance your Afrikaans vocabulary!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Like” in Afrikaans
1. Soos
The most common word for “like” in formal Afrikaans is “soos.” It is a versatile term that can be used both for comparisons and to express preferences. Here are a few examples:
Ek hou van musiek soos jazz en rock. (I like music like jazz and rock.)
Hy dans soos ‘n professional. (He dances like a professional.)
My suster lyk soos my ma. (My sister looks like my mom.)
2. Seisoen
“Seisoen” can also be used to convey the meaning of “like” when referring to preferences:
Ek drink tee, maar my vriendin hou meer van koffie. Ons het verskillende seisoene. (I drink tea, but my girlfriend likes coffee more. We have different preferences.)
Informal Ways to Say “Like” in Afrikaans
1. So
“So” is a commonly used word among Afrikaans speakers to express “like” in informal settings. It is quite versatile and can be used to show preferences, similarities, or comparative expressions:
Ek soek so ‘n skootrekenaar. (I want a computer like that.)
Dis so lekker om by die see te ontspan. (It’s so nice to relax by the sea.)
Dit gaan so goed met my nuwe besigheid. (Things are going well with my new business.)
2. Lekker
Afrikaans speakers often use the word “lekker” to express a positive reaction or fondness for something:
Daardie kos is lekker! (That food is delicious!)
Ek geniet dit om by die fliek te wees, dis so lekker! (I enjoy going to the movies, it’s so fun!)
Regional Variations
Afrikaans is spoken across various regions, and although there are no major variations in how “like” is expressed, subtle differences can be found. Let’s take a look at some of these:
South African Afrikaans
South African Afrikaans speakers commonly use “soos” and “lekker” for formal and informal contexts, respectively. However, there is a regional variation with regards to “so” in South Africa. In some areas, people might substitute “so” with “smaak” when expressing preferences:
Ek hou van musiek soos jazz en rock. (I like music like jazz and rock.)
Ek smaak musiek soos jazz en rock. (I like music like jazz and rock.)
Namibian Afrikaans
In Namibian Afrikaans, you may encounter some differences in the use of “like” informally. Instead of “so,” Namibians tend to use “net” or “soos” in informal conversations:
Ek wil net so ‘n skootrekenaar hê. (I want a computer like that.)
Dis soos pret in die son. (It’s like fun in the sun.)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to express “like” in Afrikaans. Whether you’re aiming for a formal conversation or expressing your preferences in an informal setting, these phrases will help you connect with Afrikaans speakers. Practice using these words and phrases in conversations to enhance your fluency and understanding of the language. Start incorporating them into your everyday vocabulary and enjoy the richness of the Afrikaans language!
