Basic Words

1. Ja

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. Nee

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Asseblief

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

4. Dankie

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

5. Verskoon my

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

6. Jammer

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Dit is reg

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. Ek verstaan nie

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Ek verstaan

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Ek is klaar

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Wag asseblief

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Net 'n oomblik

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Een volwassene, asseblief

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. Ek het nie 'n bespreking nie

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

15. Ek het 'n bespreking

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Help my asseblief

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. Nog een keer, asseblief

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Praat stadig asseblief

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. Ek praat 'n bietjie

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. Praat u Engels?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

    Grammar Note

    "U" is the polite second person for strangers and elders; "jy" is the familiar form.

21. Hierdie

    This one

    Usage

    To pick out something within reach

22. Daardie

    That one

    Usage

    To pick out something further away; Afrikaans does not split "that" into two distances

23. Hier

    Here

    Usage

    To indicate a place by pointing at a map or at the ground

24. Daar

    There

    Usage

    To indicate a place further away; Afrikaans does not split "there" into two distances

25. Ek

    I / me

    Usage

    To point at yourself and make clear who you mean

26. Jy

    You

    Usage

    To point at the other person; use the polite "u" with strangers and elders

27. Saam

    Together

    Usage

    Point at it when you want to go or sit together

28. Een persoon

    One person

    Usage

    To give the number in your party at a restaurant or ticket counter

29. Twee mense

    Two people

    Usage

    To give the number in your party at a restaurant or ticket counter

30. Drie mense

    Three people

    Usage

    To give the number in your party at a restaurant or ticket counter

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