lekker
/ˈlækər/
In Afrikaans, the word for nice is lekker.
lekker is a versatile adjective used to describe anything pleasant, whether it is a nice person, a nice feeling or delicious food. It can mean 'good', 'tasty' or 'nice'. While 'lekker' can mean 'nice' in a social context, it is the primary word used to describe food that tastes good, whereas English uses 'nice' less frequently for taste.
Meaning: attractive, friendly (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 'lekker' is an indeclinable adjective, meaning it does not change its form to match gender or number in a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlækər/
When do people say it?
The phrase Aangenaam kennis te maak means 'Nice to meet you'. The phrase Dis lekker om jou te sien translates to 'It's nice to see you'. The expression Alles van die beste means 'All the best'.
Did you know?
- The word lekker is actually a distant relative of the English verb 'lick'. It traces its history back to the Middle Dutch verb lekken, which means 'to lick'.
- In Afrikaans, the word lekkers can be used as a noun to refer to treats or sweets, treating the word for 'nice' as a physical object.
- The word lekker is an essential part of South African slang and is used by people of many different linguistic backgrounds across the country.
Examples in context
- Dit was lekker om met haar te praat.It was nice to talk to her.This sentence shows how to use lekker to describe a pleasant conversation.Tatoeba #2783278 by Diablofire, translation #2247064 by mayahueli
- Dit was lekker om met jou te gesels.It was nice chatting with you.This sentence demonstrates the use of lekker when chatting with someone.Tatoeba #9141063 by Monde, translation #2643031 by CK
- Ons het vanmiddag 'n lekker lang gesprek gehad.We had a nice long talk this afternoon.This sentence illustrates using lekker to describe a nice long talk.Tatoeba #13368838 by Pietpetoors, translation #11134801 by CK
- Dit is goedThis is nice
- Jou kos ruik mooiYour food smells nice
- Jy lyk lieflik vandagYou look nice today
- Dit is 'n pragtige motorThis is a nice car
Example conversation
Anika and Pieter are meeting for the first time at a party.
- AnikaHallo Pieter, dit is lekker om jou te ontmoet.Hello Pieter, it is nice to meet you.
- PieterDankie Anika, jy lyk baie lekker vandag.Thank you Anika, you look very nice today.
- AnikaJy is baie lekker, dankie!You are very nice, thank you!
- PieterKom ons gaan kry iets om te drink.Let's go get something to drink.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lekker, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lekker, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
