At AfrikaansPod101, we know that language is a wondrous thing! It gives ‘shape’ to people’s thoughts and experiences, but is also much more than that.
As humans, we share a “consensus reality,” which comprises experiences, traits, concepts, and so on. (Everyone experiences food and air, and can breathe and eat, for instance.) Yet all of these are filtered through different lenses, such as geography, history, religion, and a host of other factors. Our differences, in turn, can be enriching, informative, and fun to share with others, and language is the tool to confer this magic! What a great incentive to learn!
Take the untranslatable Afrikaans word springmielies, for instance. Literally translated, it means “jumping corn,” but actually refers to popcorn. Yet, you see the aptness of the Afrikaans word?!
However, it’s good to remember that having unique concepts doesn’t necessarily indicate a progressive culture, nor does it indicate language, cultural, or other superiority in any way. This is explained very well in an excellent article in The Conversation:
“While careful experimentation has shown that having words for concepts makes them easier or faster to name, it is not true that lacking a concept means you cannot conceive of it, and vice versa. For instance, many languages have gender-neutral pronouns (the same word is used for he and she) but are spoken in cultures with very poor levels of gender equality.”
Therefore, it’s better to see how we can enrich our view of the world and connect with others by familiarizing ourselves with the untranslatable words in other languages, including Afrikaans phrases with no English equivalent!
Table of Contents
- List of Untranslatable Afrikaans Words
- AfrikaansPod101 for Learning the Best Untranslatable Afrikaans Words
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1. List of Untranslatable Afrikaans Words
Here are some of the most unique untranslatable words in Afrikaans. Afrikaans is a literal language with a vocabulary that often paints clear, evocative pictures. We hope you enjoy and love these Afrikaans words that are untranslatable as much as we do!
1- Dwaal
Literal translation: This word doesn’t have a literal translation.
What it actually means: Dwaal’s English approximate is “roam” or “wander,” but it denotes something subtly different, which is probably why it was recently included in the Oxford Dictionary. This is definitely one of the most popular Afrikaans words with no English translation!
When or where you’d use the word: You can use it to translate “roam” or “wander” to a degree, but it means…more. Melancholy? Bored? Absent-minded, or just needing space? Then you’d dwaal away from the crowd. Or you’d wander directionless through a mall in a mindless, almost spaced-out way. You never dwaal when you’re upbeat and happy (except in the first crazy, stupid-happy, cross-eyed flush of infatuation, of course). But then your brain isn’t working too well, so yeah. Dwaal, by all means.
Example: Waarheen dwaal jy? OR Ek was in ‘n dwaal en het die afdraai gemis.
Translation: “Where are you going to?” OR “I was in a daze and missed the turn-off.”
2- Koeksister
Literal translation: “Cake sister”
What it actually means: A word on the theme of foods, this is a confection some consider a South African delicatessen. It’s closely related to pastries like doughnuts or apple fritters, but not entirely similar. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful untranslatable Afrikaans words for those with a sweet tooth! Koeksisters are pretty, very sweet, and slightly chewy, and can probably induce secondary diabetes with their binge-worthiness.
When or where you’d use the word: The word is appropriate for use anywhere you find the pastry.
How to use the word: Jy kan my maklik in ‘n wip vang met koeksisters.
Translation: “You can easily catch me in a trap with koeksisters.”
Other notes: In Kaaps Afrikaans, a dialect found mostly in the Western Cape province of South Africa, it’s pronounced without the second “k,” like in koe’sister.
3- Kattekwaad
Literal translation: “Cat’s anger”
What it actually means: If you can guess the actual meaning of this word, you deserve something special. Because, like candy floss, it’s nowhere close in meaning to the literal words. Kattekwaad is an adjective which describes naughty behavior, and “pranks” is the English approximate. Usually, this word refers to the kind of behavior you’d expect among teenage boys, but grown men are known to engage in the same for fun.
When or where you’d use the word: This isn’t a clear-cut positive or negative expression. It can refer to naughty but relatively harmless activities, such as brothers playing pranks on their sister, for instance. Hanging her bicycle in a tree during the night would be described as kattekwaad—it’s somewhat shocking, and therefore not exactly innocent, but it’s not truly harmful either. However, if your neighbor comes over to complain about your kids’ kattekwaad in his yard, then pay attention. The kids have probably crossed a line.
How to use the word: Geniet die vakansie maar moenie te veel kattekwaad aanvang nie, asseblief!
Translation: “Enjoy the holiday but don’t play too many pranks, please!”
4- Geluksalig
Literal translation: “Blissful happiness”
What it actually means: Well, it actually does mean “blissful happiness,” but there’s no single English word that encompasses the meaning of geluksalig. It’s commonly used in Christian churches from the pulpit to describe divinely inspired joy, but isn’t limited to places of worship. Geluksalig is also used to express a sense of superior relaxation, enjoyment, and gratification in any situation.
When or where you’d use the word: When it comes to untranslatable Afrikaans words to English, it’s considered quite a fancy word to use, but it’s safe in meaning and can be used as you see fit in any situation.
How to use it: Ons vakansie was geluksalig. OR Hy kyk na sy nuwe kar met ‘n geluksalige uitdrukking.
Translation: “Our holiday was blissfully fantastic/wonderful.” OR “He regards his new car with an expression of blissful worship.”
5- Verpletter
Literal translation: There’s no literal translation for this one!
What it means: Verpletter describes a particularly harsh form of destruction or demolition. It’s English approximates are probably “shatter” and “utterly destroy.”
When or where you’d use the word: This word has a certain tonal value that denotes utter destruction. It’s used, for instance, to describe a disastrous event with grave consequences, as well as a particular emotional state. In such a case, it’s a pretty strong word to use. Or, it can also be used to (gleefully) describe a victory in competitive sports, such as how your favorite rugby team destroyed their opponents during a match. (Rugby is big in South Africa, much like football in the U.S.A. and soccer in the U.K. Expletives and hyperboles abound.)
How to use the word: Die nuus van haar dood het die man verpletter. OR Die Blou Bulle is verpletter in vanoggend se wedstryd!
Translation: “The news of her death destroyed the man.” OR “The Blue Bulls were utterly destroyed during this morning’s match!”
6- Rymkletser
Literal translation: “Rhyme babble mouth”
What it actually means: Well, if you’re astute, you can probably guess this one’s meaning. A kletser in Afrikaans is a person (typically an older, bored lady) who talks and talks and talks and…you get the idea. Combine this with “rhyme” and you get…? That’s right—a rapper! This is one the most unique Afrikaans phrases with no English equivalent, for sure.
When or where you’d use the word: Any time you want to describe a rapper, this is your go-to Afrikaans word. You may need to explain it to some locals, as it’s not that widely used. However, you should still invest in memorizing it, because the Afrikaners will love you for it!
How to use it: Die Antwoord is Suid Afrika se bekendste rymkletsers.
Translation: “Die Antwoord are South Africa’s most famous rappers.”
7- Skedonk
Literal translation: There’s no translation for this one either!
What it means: Skedonk (which has also recently earned Oxford Dictionary-status) refers to an old, often broken or malfunctioning car. Its English approximate is the phrase: “Old, broken vehicle.” The untended, missing-a-tire, nineteen-years-ago Chevy in your backyard that you just can’t bear to part with—that’s a textbook skedonk.
When or where you’d use the word: The word often denotes a fond relationship with said buggered-up motorcar, but it can be successfully used to describe any old or broken vehicle, too.
How to use it: Ja, dis tyd dat ek die skedonk verkoop. OR Ons vliegtuig was ‘n regte skedonk.
Translation: “Yup, it’s time I sell this old vehicle.” OR “Our airplane was really old and rickety.”
8- Papbroek
Literal translation: “Grits/oatmeal pants” OR “Deflated pants”
What it actually means: Well, another easy one for the astute. This word’s approximate is “coward,” “whimp,” or “weak man,” and if it conjures an image of a hunched, rather sad (if not sneaky) guy with baggy, saggy pants, you probably got the meaning. It denotes someone without a backbone, and who’s too afraid to take any risk that can cause him even the slightest harm. It also indicates a person of weak character.
When or where you’d use the word: This isn’t a flattering term in any way, even if it’s apt. It’s usually used to insult men, but women can be papbroeke, too. So, if you need to use it to describe someone other than yourself, be sure you can trust the listener to keep your confidence. And don’t use papbroek as an insult to someone’s face in a bar, as you may just learn they’re not that—the hard way.
How to use it: Hy sien homself nie as ‘n papbroek nie.
Translation: “He doesn’t see himself as a coward.”
9- Voetstoots
Literal translation: “Foot push”
What it actually means: Another recent Oxford Dictionary addition, this untranslatable Afrikaans word has no English approximate. It refers to buying or selling any property without a warranty, meaning if you buy it and it breaks, there’s no return policy.
When or where you’d use the word: Definitely one to remember when you make a sale or buy something from an Afrikaner! It’s not offensive, so it can be freely used.
How to use it: Hy het die wasmasjien voetstoots gekoop.
Translation: “He bought the washing machine without warranty.”
10- Voetsek!
Literal translation: “Foot-(something)”; there’s no literal translation, really!
What it means: It’s got very little to do with a foot, unless it’s one kicking someone’s figurative butt. Voetsek is a strong command (definitely insulting and derogatory) that means “Leave now!”, but it can also denote someone’s speedy exit. Afrikaner farmers would shout Voetsek! to shoo away stray animals, such as feral dogs and cats, or a predatory jackal, from their sheep.
When or where you’d use the word: The command is more reserved for bothersome animals; otherwise, it’s a rude way to strongly advise someone to leave immediately. And you’d shout it, probably. But the friendship would be over then, or in need of serious patching up, so it’s best to use it conservatively. It’s not something to shout or say to any officer of the law, no matter how much you itch to. You could also use voetsek to self-deprecatingly describe your own hasty departure from any situation, but reserve this for informal conversation.
How to use it: Ag nee, my vroutjie is te kwaai vanoggend. Ek gaan maar voetsek. OR Die man het voetsek geskree vir die bobbejane by die asblik.
Translation: “My wifey is too angry this morning. I’m rather going to leave now.” OR “The man shooed away the baboons at the dustbin.”
2. AfrikaansPod101 for Learning the Best Untranslatable Afrikaans Words
We hope you enjoyed our list of untranslatable Afrikaans words in Afrikaan language and learned something you can use soon! These untranslatable words from South Africa can make any conversation a little more colorful and fun. 🙂
Afrikaans can be a fun language, as it often describes the thing as it is. Learn it in entertaining ways with us, and you won’t be sorry!
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