How to Say "Person" in Afrikaans

persoon

The Afrikaans word for person is persoon.

persoon refers specifically to a human being.

Meaning: specifically a human being (noun)

Which one should you use?

While persoon refers to an individual, mens is often used more broadly to refer to humanity or a human being in a general sense.

The plural form of persoon is persone.

In Afrikaans, the word mens can be used as a standalone exclamation to express shock or frustration, similar to saying 'Good grief' or 'Man!' in English.
The word persoon originates from the Latin persōna, which was the specific term for a mask worn by theatre actors.
The Afrikaans term regspersoon creates a 'legal person', allowing a company or an organization to hold the same legal status as a human being.

Ek het briewe ontvang van 'n persoon wat ek nog nooit ontmoet het nie.
I got letters from a person I've never met.
This example shows how to use persoon when referring to someone you have not met.
Tatoeba #7968672 by swart, translation #2929570 by marcelostockle
Hoe kleiner die liggaam, hoe groter is die moontlikheid dat die persoon newe-effekte van die bestraling sal ervaar.
The smaller the body, the more likely the person will suffer from the ill effects of radiation.
This sentence uses persoon to describe a person experiencing physical effects.
Tatoeba #13577992 by Pietpetoors, translation #28591 by Dejo
Alex is 'n nie-binêre persoon.
Alex is a non-binary person.
This example demonstrates using persoon to describe a non-binary person.
Tatoeba #10471817 by koala, translation #10471797 by hecko
Die persoon wag vir jou buite die deur.
The person is waiting for you outside the door.
Die individu het sy regte behou.
The individual retained his rights.
Daar is 'n mens by die deur.
There is a person at the door.
Ek ken 'n vrou wat baie slim is.
I know a woman who is very smart.

Andries and Liezel are talking about a new neighbor.

Andries

Wie is daardie nuwe persoon in die straat?
Who is that new person in the street?
Liezel

Dit is my neef wat hier kom woon.
It is my cousin who is coming to live here.
Andries

Hy lyk soos 'n baie vriendelike persoon.
He looks like a very friendly person.
Liezel

Ja, hy is regtig baie gaaf.
Yes, he is really very kind.

Sources

Wiktionary, “person” translations and entries persoon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries persoon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

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