Wat is jou naam?
The English phrase "what is your name?" is translated into Afrikaans as Wat is jou naam?
This phrase is used to ask someone for their name.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal word-for-word translation of the English sentence: wat means "what", is means "is", jou means "your" and naam means "name".
Which one should you use?
Wat is jou naam? is the informal way to ask the question, whereas Wat is u naam? is the formal version.
When do people say it?
A standard way to respond to this question is to say My naam is [Name].
Did you know?
- In some traditional South African settings, asking Wat is jou naam? might be followed by an inquiry into a person's clan or family lineage to establish social standing.
- In very casual settings, Afrikaans speakers might omit the Wat is entirely and simply ask Jou naam?, with a rising intonation.
- The word wat can also be used as a colloquial exclamation of surprise, similar to how an English speaker might say 'What!' when shocked.
Examples in context
- Ekskuus, wat is jou naam?Excuse me, what is your name?
- Ek wil weet, wat is jou naam?I want to know, what is your name?
Example conversation
Stefan meets Liezel at a community gathering.
- StefanHallo, wat is jou naam?Hello, what is your name?
- LiezelMy naam is Liezel.My name is Liezel.
- StefanAangename kennis, ek is Stefan.Nice to meet you, I am Stefan.
- LiezelDit is ook aangenaam, Stefan.It is also nice to meet you, Stefan.
