Electronics

1. Slimfoon

   Smartphone

   Usage

   Literally "clever phone"; in everyday speech people often just say "foon"

2. Tablet

   Usage

   Borrowed from English. The same word also means a pill, so sketch the shape with your hands if the context is unclear

3. Skootrekenaar

   Laptop

   Usage

   Literally "lap computer"; in speech English "laptop" works just as well

4. Rekenaar

   Computer

   Usage

   Literally "calculator"; the word to use at an internet café or a guesthouse business corner

5. Laaier

   Charger

   Usage

   For borrowing one at a guesthouse or buying one in a shop; built from the verb "laai" (to charge), not borrowed from English

6. Laaikabel

   Charging cable

   Usage

   In a shop just say "USB-C" or "Lightning" — the English terms are understood

7. Kragbank

   Power bank

   Usage

   Literally "power bank" — essential in a country with scheduled outages. The English term works too

8. Adapter

   Plug adapter

   Usage

   South Africa mostly uses its own large three-round-pin plug (type M), so most foreign plugs will not fit; buy one at the airport or a large supermarket

9. Kragpunt

   Power socket

   Usage

   Picking a seat in a café: "Is daar 'n kragpunt?" — is there a socket? The plug itself is "prop"

10. Battery

    Usage

    Covers both disposable cells and built-in batteries; the plural is "batterye"

11. Wi-Fi

    Usage

    Used as-is; pronounced close to "why-fye" locally

12. Wi-Fi-wagwoord

    Wi-Fi password

    Usage

    "Wagwoord" is password; show this at a café or guesthouse and they will write it down for you

13. SIM-kaart

    SIM card

    Usage

    South Africa requires RICA identity registration — bring your passport and the address where you are staying

14. Geheuekaart

    Memory card / SD card

    Usage

    Literally "memory card"; the word you need when a safari fills up your storage

15. Oorfone

    Earphones / headphones

    Usage

    Literally "ear phones"; normally used in the plural

16. Kamera

    Camera

    Usage

    A telephoto lens ("telelens") matters on safari; always check before photographing where signs restrict it

17. Flitslig

    Torch / flashlight

    Usage

    Essential during scheduled outages; ask in advance whether your guesthouse provides one

18. Beurtkrag

    Load shedding

    Usage

    Literally "turn-based power" — South Africa's rotating blackout system. Ask your guesthouse what time today's slot is so you can plan around it

19. Kragonderbreking

    Power outage

    Usage

    An unplanned outage, as opposed to scheduled "beurtkrag"; use it when asking how long the power will be off

20. Kragopwekker

    Generator

    Usage

    Guesthouses and restaurants that stay open through an outage have one; worth asking before you book

21. Lugversorger

    Air conditioner

    Usage

    For checking what a room has; in speech "aircon" is equally understood

22. Afstandbeheer

    Remote control

    Usage

    Literally "distance control"; use it when you cannot find the one for the TV or aircon

23. Waaier

    Fan

    Usage

    Summers inland are hot; ask for one if your room has no aircon

24. Yskas

    Fridge

    Usage

    Literally "ice box"; useful when looking for self-catering lodging or when medication needs refrigerating

25. Televisie

    Television

    Usage

    Often shortened to "TV"; used when checking room facilities

26. Mikrogolfoond

    Microwave oven

    Usage

    Literally "microwave oven"; often shortened to "mikrogolf"

27. Ketel

    Electric kettle

    Usage

    Almost every South African room has one; tea with rusks ("beskuit") is the local ritual

28. Wasmasjien

    Washing machine

    Usage

    A laundromat is "wassery"; a word to check when choosing longer-stay accommodation

29. Haardroër

    Hair dryer

    Usage

    Literally "hair drier"; budget places often have none, so ask reception whether you can borrow one

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