mnr.
The English phrase "Mr." translates to Afrikaans as mnr.
mnr. is used as an abbreviation for the noun "mister".
Meaning: abbreviation of mister (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The abbreviation mnr. is a contraction of the word meneer, which means "mister".
Which one should you use?
Meneer is the most common way to say Mr. in Afrikaans, while Mnr. is a concise abbreviation for Mr. used in formal written contexts.
When do people say it?
In Afrikaans culture, the term Oom (Uncle) is often used colloquially to address someone older than you or to show respect.
Did you know?
- The word meneer is a loanword from the French monsieur, reflecting the historical influence of French Huguenots on the development of the language.
- In a classroom setting, students address their male teacher simply as meneer without adding a surname, regardless of the teacher's seniority.
- If you use Meneer with a very young child, it might actually sound sarcastic or mocking, as the level of formality is too high for the social setting.
Examples in context
- Ek wil hê Meneer Jacobs moet hier kom.I want Mr. Jacobs to come here.
- Hallo, Meneer Smith, dit is 'n plesier om u te ontmoet.Hello, Mr. Smith, it is a pleasure to meet you.
- Volgens die brief van Mnr. OlivierAccording to the letter from Mr. Olivier
- Kan ek Mnr. van der Merwe bel?Can I call Mr. van der Merwe?
- Mnr. Smith is my buurman.Mr. Smith is my neighbor.
- Ek moet vir mnr. Du Plessis bel.I must call Mr. Du Plessis.
- Is mnr. Kot vandag by die kantoor?Is Mr. Kot at the office today?
Example conversation
Pieter and Liezel are talking about their new teacher at school.
- PieterKen jy die nuwe onderwyser?Do you know the new teacher?
- LiezelJa, dit is mnr. Botha.Yes, it is Mr. Botha.
- PieterIs mnr. Botha vriendelik?Is Mr. Botha friendly?
- LiezelJa, hy is baie goed.Yes, he is very good.
