Afrikaans is a fascinating language with a rich culture and history. It is full of proverbs, sayings and idioms that are steeped in tradition and wisdom. In this blog post, we will explore 22 of the most popular Afrikaans proverbs, sayings and idioms – and their meanings. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Ons moes van aalmoese lewe
Translation: We had to live off charity.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is barely scraping by.
Example: My granny always used to say, “ons moes van aalmoese lewe” when she was talking about her childhood during the war. She and her family had to rely on charity from their neighbors just to get by.
2. Daar is geen plek soos tuis nie
Translation: There is no place like home.
Meaning: This proverb is used to express the idea that there is no place as comforting and familiar as one’s own home.
Example: I’ve travelled all over the world, but at the end of the day, there’s nothing like being in my own house with my family. As the proverb goes, “daar is geen plek soos tuis nie.”
3. Wie se hond bietjie bite, moet nie sy eie poot lek nie
Translation: Whoever’s dog bites, shouldn’t lick his own paw.
Meaning: This proverb is used to scold someone who is being hypocritical.
Example: My boss was really mad at me for coming in late, but then he turned around and did the same thing the next day. I guess he forgot that “wie se hond bietjie bite, moet nie sy eie poot lek nie.”
4. Die lewe is nie ‘n bed of roosies nie
Translation: Life is not a bed of roses.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the harsh realities of life. It’s often used as a way to console someone who is going through a tough time.
Example: I know you’re going through a tough time right now, but remember that “die lewe is nie ‘n bed of roosies nie.” Things will get better, I promise.
5. ‘n Gordyn is nie ‘n muur nie
Translation: A curtain is not a wall.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe someone who is nosy or likes to gossip.
Example: I really don’t like it when people listen in on other people’s conversations. As they say, “‘n gordyn is nie ‘n muur nie.” It’s just rude!
6. Daar is nie plek vir twee katte in een huis nie
Translation: There is no place for two cats in one house.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people are competing for the same thing. It can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where there is conflict or competition.
Example: My sister and I have always been competitive with each other, even from a young age. As Mom used to say, “daar is nie plek vir twee katte in een huis nie.” We just couldn’t help it!
7. Wie voor die oond sit, kry asyn in die gesig
Translation: Whoever sits in front of the oven will get vinegar in his face.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is getting too close to something that is dangerous. It can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where someone is taking unnecessary risks.
Example: My friend was always asking me for money, but I never loaned him any because I knew he would just spend it all on gambling. As they say, “wie voor die oond sit, kry asyn in die gesig.” I didn’t want to risk getting burned!
8. Wie vuil lewe, moet vuil bete
Translation: Whoever lives dirty, must eat dirty.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the consequences of someone’s actions. It is often used as a way to warn someone against doing something they shouldn’t.
Example: My little brother always used to track mud into the house, no matter how many times I told him not to. Mom would always say, “wie vuil lewe, moet vuil bete,” and sure enough, he ended up getting sick from all the dirt and grime he was exposed to.
9. Elke aap ken sy eie mos
Translation: Every monkey knows its own moss.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the idea that everyone is an expert on their own life. It is often used as a way to tell someone that they don’t know what they’re talking about.
Example: I was trying to give my friend some advice on his love life, but he just wasn’t having any of it. He told me, “elke aap ken sy eie mos,” and I had to agree with him!
10. Ek sal my nek vir jou buig, maar nie vir jou vrek nie
Translation: I will bend my neck for you, but not for your corpse.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the idea that someone is only willing to help you up to a certain point. After that, they’re on their own. It’s often used as a way of telling someone that they need to start helping themselves.
Example: My dad always used to say this to me when I was growing up. If I ever came to him with a problem, he would listen and offer his advice, but he would also tell me “ek sal my nek vir jou buig, maar nie vir jou vrek nie.” He wanted me to learn how to solve my own problems, and I’m grateful for that now.
11. Die lewe is nie ‘n sprokie nie
Translation: Life is not a fairy tale.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the harsh realities of life. It’s often used as a way to console someone who is going through a tough time.
Example: I know you’re going through a tough time right now, but remember that “die lewe is nie ‘n sprokie nie.” Things will get better, I promise.
12. Wie se brood ek eet, dié se taal ek praat
Translation: Whoever’s bread I eat, that’s the language I speak.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the idea of being loyal to someone who has helped you. It is often used as a way of telling someone that they owe their loyalty to those who have been good to them.
Example: My grandmother always used to say this to me when I was growing up. She wanted me to be loyal to my family and those who had helped me in life. And she was right – “wie se brood ek eet, dié se taal ek praat.”
13. Wie vuil maak, moet skoonmaak
Translation: Whoever makes a mess, must clean it up.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the idea of taking responsibility for your actions. It is often used as a way to tell someone that they need to take responsibility for their own messes.
Example: My little sister always used to make such a mess when she was painting, but she would never clean it up afterwards. I would always have to tell her “wie vuil maak, moet skoonmaak,” and eventually she learned her lesson!
14. Daar’s geen “I” in “team” nie
Translation: There is no “I” in “team.”
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the importance of working together. It is often used as a way to remind someone that they need to be a team player.
Example: I was having a lot of trouble working on my group project, but my friend reminded me that “daar’s geen ‘I’ in ‘team.'” I needed to start thinking about what was best for the group, not just myself.
15. Die einde justify die middel
Translation: The end justifies the means.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the idea that the ends always justify the means. It is often used as a way of telling someone that they need to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.
Example: I know you’re feeling pretty desperate right now, but don’t forget that “die einde justify die middel.” You need to do whatever it takes to get what you want.
16. Die beste verdediging is ‘n goeie aanval
Translation: The best defense is a good offense.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the idea that the best way to defend yourself is to attack first. It is often used as a way of telling someone that they need to be aggressive in order to protect themselves.
Example: My friend was always getting bullied at school, so I told him “die beste verdediging is ‘n goeie aanval.” He started standing up for himself and the bullying stopped.
17. Daar’s niks so soutloos soos ‘n ou vriend nie
Translation: There’s nothing as worthless as an old friend.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the idea that old friends are not to be trusted. It is often used as a way of telling someone that they need to be careful of people who they have known for a long time.
Example: I thought I could trust my old friend, but he betrayed me. I should have remembered that “daar’s niks so soutloos soos ‘n ou vriend nie.”
18. ‘n Vriend in die nood is ‘n vriend vir altyd
Translation: A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the idea that a true friend is someone who will help you when you are in need. It is often used as a way of telling someone that they should be grateful for their friends.
Example: My friend was always there for me when I needed him, and I knew that he was a true friend because “‘n vriend in die nood is ‘n vriend vir altyd.”
19. Wie se hand’s vol is, moet nie vat nie
Translation: Whoever’s hands are full, should not take anything.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the idea of not taking on more than you can handle. It is often used as a way of telling someone that they need to be careful of how much they take on. Example: I was already feeling overwhelmed with everything I had to do, so when my friend asked me to help her with her project, I told her “wie se hand’s vol is, moet nie vat nie.”
20. ‘n Mens leer by elke stoot ‘n les
Translation: You learn from every push a lesson.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the idea that you learn from your mistakes. It is often used as a way of telling someone that they need to be careful of what they do.
Example: I made a lot of mistakes when I was first starting my business, but I learned from them and now my business is successful. I always remember that “‘n mens leer by elke stoot ‘n les.”
21. Wie vuilgooi, ly
Translation: Whoever throws garbage, suffers.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the idea that you will suffer if you make others suffer. It is often used as a way of telling someone that they need to be careful of what they do.
Example: I saw somebody littering on the street, and I shouted at them “wie vuilgooi, ly!” They gave me a dirty look, but I didn’t care.
