mooi
/ˈmoːi̯ ~ muə̯j/
The English word "pretty" is translated into Afrikaans as mooi.
mooi is a versatile adjective that can mean "pretty", "beautiful" or "nice" depending on the context. It is often used more broadly than the English "pretty", frequently serving as a way to say something is "beautiful" or "lovely".
Meaning: especially of women and children: pleasant, attractive (adj)
Which one should you use?
While mooi is the standard term for "pretty", other options exist depending on the desired tone. Pragtig is a more formal translation, and lekker is used informally to describe something as "pretty" or "nice". You may also use the synonyms skoon for "beautiful" or aantreklik for "attractive".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective mooi is invariable, meaning it does not change its form to match gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmoːi̯ ~ muə̯j/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, mooi can be used sarcastically to mean 'great' or 'wonderful' when something has actually gone wrong, similar to the English 'just great'.
- Using mooi to describe a person's behavior can mean they are 'well-behaved' rather than physically attractive.
- The word skoon can mean 'beautiful' in a poetic sense, but its primary and most common meaning in daily life is 'clean'.
Examples in context
- My suster is mooi.My sister is pretty.This sentence shows how to use mooi to describe a person.Tatoeba #822093 by siener, translation #251899 by CK
- Dit is 'n mooi huis.It's a pretty house.This sentence demonstrates using mooi to describe an object.Tatoeba #2060240 by wwkudu, translation #703133 by papabear
- Sy het mooi oë gehad.She had pretty eyes.This sentence illustrates the use of mooi when describing physical features.Tatoeba #13904382 by rul, translation #12277865 by Miktsoanit
- Sy is 'n pragtige vrouShe is a beautiful woman
- Dit is 'n pragtige blomThis is a beautiful flower
- Dit is 'n mooi skilderyThis is a beautiful painting
- Daar is 'n mooi rivierThere is a beautiful river
- Dis 'n lekker karIt's a nice car
- Jy is baie pragtig!You are very beautiful!
Example conversation
Stefan and Liezel are looking at a photo of a child.
- StefanDaardie klein dogtertjie is baie mooi.That little girl is very pretty.
- LiezelJa, sy is 'n mooi kind.Yes, she is a pretty child.
- StefanSy lyk soos haar ma.She looks like her mother.
- LiezelJy is reg, sy is pragtig.You are right, she is gorgeous.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mooi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
