jy
/jəi/
In Afrikaans, you is translated as jy or u.
Meaning: subject pronoun: the person being addressed (pron)
Ways to say it
| Afrikaans | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| jy | /jəi/ | |
| u | /y/ | formal |
The word is a subject pronoun used to address the person being spoken to. In addition to its role as a pronoun, jy can also be used as a determiner before epithets to provide emphasis.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the social relationship with the person being addressed. jy is used when addressing one person in an informal or familiar setting, while u is used when addressing one person in a formal, respectful or polite setting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
jy is the informal way to say you. u is the formal way to say you.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the formal form u in religious contexts to refer to God, it is often capitalized as U.
How do you pronounce it?
/jəi/
When do people say it?
U is always capitalized, even in the middle of a sentence.
Did you know?
- The word 'jy' has its roots in the Middle Dutch word 'ji', showing how the language evolved from its Germanic ancestors while simplifying many grammatical structures.
- In many modern social settings, the shift from u to jy marks a significant change in the perceived intimacy or power dynamic between speakers.
Examples in context
- Glo jy in God?Do you believe in God?This sentence is useful for asking if someone believes in God using jy.Tatoeba #753055 by winterstream, translation #15971 by Swift
- Het jy 'n kar?Do you have a car?This sentence is useful for asking if someone possesses a car using jy.Tatoeba #759037 by siener, translation #69236 by CK
- Ek dink aan U.I'm thinking about you.This sentence is useful for expressing that one is thinking about someone using u.Tatoeba #5237606 by siener, translation #257110 by CK
- Mag ek U iets vra?May I ask you something?
- Hoe gaan dit met jou?How are you?
- Sal julle vanaand daar wees?Will you guys be there tonight?
- 458 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andries and Marelize are talking about their weekend plans.
- AndriesGaan jy môre winkels toe?Are you going to the shops tomorrow?
- MarelizeJa, ek moet kos koop.Yes, I need to buy food.
- AndriesKan jy vir my melk bring?Can you bring me some milk?
- MarelizeNatuurlik, ek sal dit doen.Of course, I will do that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries jy, u, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jy, u, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
