water
/ˈvɑːtər/
The Afrikaans word for water is water.
water is a noun referring to the inorganic compound H₂O.
Meaning: inorganic compound H₂O (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvɑːtər/
Did you know?
- An English speaker might be surprised to find that 'water' is a cognate of the English word 'wed', which originates from the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root.
- In Afrikaans, the word water can be used in the phrase water by die wyn gooi, which means to dilute something or weaken its impact.
- While English uses the word 'water' as both a noun and a verb, in Afrikaans, the verb 'to water' (as in watering plants) is 'water gee' or 'besproei'.
Examples in context
- Die katte is bang vir water.The cats are afraid of water.This sentence shows the use of water in the context of animals being afraid of it.Tatoeba #5783225 by siener, translation #1497040 by Thryth
- Daar was geen warm water nie.There was no hot water at all.This sentence illustrates how to say there is no hot water available.Tatoeba #13458420 by Pietpetoors, translation #13454032 by Tom9358
- Water is nat.Water is wet.This sentence states a simple fact about the properties of water.Tatoeba #5532437 by CJuser01, translation #819753 by shekitten
- Om 'n blom te laat groei, het dit water nodig.To make a flower grow, it needs water.
- Kan jy asseblief vir my 'n watertjie gee?Can you please give me some water?
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marelize and Pieter are sitting at a restaurant.
- MarelizePieter, kan jy vir my water bring?Pieter, can you bring me some water?
- PieterNatuurlik, Marelize, ek sal dit dadelik gaan haal.Of course, Marelize, I will go get it immediately.
- MarelizeDankie, ek is baie dors.Thank you, I am very thirsty.
- PieterDis 'n groot glas water vir jou.It is a large glass of water for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “water” translations and entries water, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries water, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
