asseblief
/ˌasəˈblif/
The English word "please" is expressed in Afrikaans as asseblief. Wiktionary also lists kanalla.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
Ways to say it
| Afrikaans | IPA |
|---|---|
| asseblief | /ˌasəˈblif/ |
| kanalla |
asseblief is used as an interjection to make a polite request.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
For example, Sal jy asseblief? translates to "would you please?" and Kan ek asb? translates to "can I, please?"
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌasəˈblif/
Did you know?
- The word asseblief is frequently used as a standalone response when handing someone an object, functioning similarly to 'here you go'.
- The word asseblief literally translates to 'if it pleases' in English. This stems from the old way of saying 'if it is pleasing to you'.
- The Dutch ancestor alsjeblieft contains the word 'blijft', which relates to 'remaining' or 'staying'.
Examples in context
- Maak asseblief jou mond oop!Please, open your mouth!This example shows how to use asseblief when giving a polite command to open one's mouth.Tatoeba #2205152 by winterstream, translation #2474422 by erikspen
- Sê my asseblief wat jy dink.Please tell me what you think.This sentence demonstrates using asseblief when asking someone to share their thoughts.Tatoeba #2364436 by siener, translation #70669 by CK
- Sal jy asseblief aandag gee?Will you pay attention, please?This is useful for seeing how asseblief functions in a request for attention.Tatoeba #6007378 by CJuser01, translation #3185875 by CK
- Kan ek asseblief 'n glas water kry?May I please have a glass of water?
- Mag ek asseblief die rekening hê?Can I please have the bill?
- Kan jy asseblief die deur oopmaak?Can you please open the door?
- Gee my asseblief tog die boek.Please give me the book.
- Stuur my asseblief tog die skedel.Please send me the schedule.
- Vertel my asseblief tog die waarheid.Please tell me the truth.
- Kan ek asseblief 'n koppie tee kry? – Dankie.May I please have a cup of tea? – Thank you.
- Sal jy asseblief die venster toemaak?Would you please close the window?
- Kan ek asb jou pen leen?Can I, please, borrow your pen?
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andries is asking Anika for a favor in the kitchen.
- AndriesGee my asseblief die sout.Please give me the salt.
- AnikaHier is dit, Andries.Here it is, Andries.
- AndriesDankie, jy is 'n groot hulp.Thanks, you are a big help.
- AnikaDis 'n plesier.It is a pleasure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries asseblief, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asseblief, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
