hoekom
/ˈɦu.kɔm/
The English word 'why' can be translated into Afrikaans as hoekom or waarom.
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
Ways to say it
| Afrikaans | IPA |
|---|---|
| hoekom | /ˈɦu.kɔm/ |
| waarom |
Both terms are used to ask for a reason. hoekom can also be used in non-interrogative clauses to mean 'the reason why', such as in the phrase 'dis hoekom…' (that is why…).
Which one should you use?
waarom is more formal than hoekom and is often used in written or more serious contexts, while hoekom is the more common, colloquial way to ask 'why' in spoken Afrikaans and is used in non-interrogative clauses to mean 'the reason why'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɦu.kɔm/ (two syllables, stress on the first syllable)
Did you know?
- The colloquial hoekom is a linguistic 'portmanteau' that combines the words hoe (how) and kom (come).
- A common rhetorical device in Afrikaans involves answering the question hoekom with the word want, which specifically introduces a reason and cannot be used to start a question.
- Afrikaans speakers may use the phrase hoekom dan to express a sense of irony or disbelief, similar to saying 'why on earth' or 'why then' in English.
Examples in context
- Waarom is jy vroeg?Why are you early?This sentence shows how to use waarom to ask why someone is early.Tatoeba #6459242 by Dewald, translation #6440540 by CK
- Waarom is Tom vroeg?Why is Tom early?This sentence shows how to use waarom to ask about a specific person's timing.Tatoeba #6456544 by Dewald, translation #6440581 by CK
- Dis hoekom ek hier is.That's why I'm here.This sentence demonstrates using hoekom in a declarative clause meaning 'that is why'.Tatoeba #3445688 by siener, translation #1779930 by Spamster
- Ek verstaan nie waarom jy dit gedoen het nie.I don't understand why you did that.
- Kan jy my asseblief vertel waarom jy nie gekom het nie?Could you please tell me why you didn't come?
- Kan jy my asseblief vertel om watter rede jy nie jou taak voltooi het nie?Could you please tell me for what reason you didn't complete your task?
- Ek wonder hoekom hulle nie hier is nie.I wonder why they're not here.
- Vir wat het jy dit gekoop?For what reason did you buy that?
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nicola and Johan are talking in their living room.
- NicolaHoekom is jy so stil, Johan?Why are you so quiet, Johan?
- JohanEk is net moeg, Nicola.I am just tired, Nicola.
- NicolaHoekom is jy so moeg?Why are you so tired?
- JohanEk het te laat gewerk.I worked too late.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “why” translations and entries hoekom, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hoekom, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
