mev.
The Afrikaans word for 'Mrs.' is mev.
mev. is used as a title before a woman's name. In spoken contexts where a higher level of respect or formality is required, the full word mevrou is used.
Meaning: title before a woman's name (noun)
Which one should you use?
mev. is the abbreviated form of the word, whereas mevrou is the full version used in more formal or respectful spoken situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
mev. is an abbreviation of mevrou and is typically written with a period at the end.
When do people say it?
In certain South African cultural contexts, the term tant is used to address older women, regardless of whether they are married.
Did you know?
- The word mevrou shares a direct linguistic root with the French word Madame, both coming from the Latin roots for 'my lady'.
- While mevrou is the formal term, the word tannie is frequently used as a term of endearment and respect for any adult woman, even if the speaker is not related to her.
- While mevrou is the formal equivalent of 'Mrs.', it is also the standard word for 'lady' in formal settings, such as when addressing a crowd or a dignitary.
Examples in context
- Goeiedag, mevrou Van der Merwe.Good day, Mrs. Van der Merwe.
- Verskoon my, mevrou Malherbe, mag ek u iets vra?Excuse me, Mrs. Malherbe, may I ask you something?
- Geagte mevrou JoubertDear Mrs. Joubert
- Mev. Smit is 'n goeie onderwyseres.Mrs. Smit is a good teacher.
- Het jy Mev. Botha reeds gesien?Have you seen Mrs. Botha already?
- Ek moet Mev. Lourens se brief skryf.I must write Mrs. Lourens's letter.
Example conversation
Andries is asking Liezel about their neighbor.
- LiezelWie is die nuwe buurvrou?Who is the new neighbor?
- AndriesDit is mev. Botha.That is Mrs. Botha.
- LiezelIs sy vriendelik?Is she friendly?
- AndriesJa, mev. Botha is baie gaaf.Yes, Mrs. Botha is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mrs” translations and entries mev., CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
