Wat is verkeerd?
The English phrase "what is wrong?" is translated into Afrikaans as Wat is verkeerd?
This phrase is used to ask about a problem or a mistake in a situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Wat (what), is (is) and verkeerd (wrong/incorrect).
Which one should you use?
While Wat is verkeerd? is a more general inquiry into a state of being or a specific error, Wat gaan fout? is often used when a process or a specific event is failing. Additionally, Wat is fout? is a common alternative to Wat is verkeerd? when asking about a problem or error.
Did you know?
- The word verkeerd shares a root with the word keer, which means 'to turn'. To say something is 'wrong' in Afrikaans is literally to say it has been 'turned' the wrong way.
- The word verkeerd is a cognate of the English word 'wrong' in its logical sense, but it is also closely related to the Dutch word 'verkeer', which means 'traffic'.
- In very informal South African speech, a person might skip the formal phrase and simply say Wat nou?, which literally means 'What now?' but serves as a way to ask what is wrong.
Examples in context
- Wat is verkeerd?What is wrong?
- Wat skort?What's lacking?
Example conversation
Andries notices Anika looking frustrated with her homework.
- AndriesAnika, jy lyk gespanne. Wat is verkeerd?Anika, you look tense. What is wrong?
- AnikaEk kan nie hierdie som oplos nie.I cannot solve this sum.
- AndriesLaat ek jou help om te kyk.Let me help you look.
- AnikaDankie, Andries, ek waardeer dit.Thank you, Andries, I appreciate it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries wat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
