With eleven different languages being spoken all throughout South Africa; it can get pretty confusing when talking to the locals. Having a translation guide on hand will not only make it easier to understand what you’re hearing but will also make mingling with the locals a lot more fun. Here are a few useful words and phrases to help you along your journey when visiting South Africa.
Ag man! – Oh man!
Aikona – Not on your life
Babbelas – Hangover
Biltong – Dried, seasoned strips of meat
Bobotie – A spicy traditional Malay mince dish with an egg custard topping
Bliksem – To hit / punch
Bitter koud – Very cold
Boer – Farmer
Boerewors – Spicy South African sausage
Bokkie – A small buck or more commonly known as an affectionate name for a female
Bra / Bru – Male friend
Braai – A BBQ
Chow – To eat
Cozzy – Swimming costume
Chommie / China – My friend
Domkop – Idiot
Droewors – Dried sausage
Eina! – Ouch!
Eish! – A phrase of exclamation
Fundi – Expert or teacher
Gatvol – Fed up or had enough
Gooi – To throw something
Gogga – bug / insect
Hayibo! – Wow!
Heita – Hello / hi
Hoezit /Howzit – How is it going? How are you?
Indaba – A conference
Isit? – Is it? / Is that so?
Ja Nee – yes no
Jislaaik – an expression of surprise
Jol – to have fun; party
Kiff / Kief – cool, great
Laaitie – A young male
Laduma! – He scores! (used when a goal is scored in South African soccer)
Lekker – Great or tasty
Mzansi – South Africa
Now Now – it will be done immediately
Oke – A guy
Oom – Older man of authority / Uncle
Padkos – Food for the road/journey
Saamie – Sandwich
Shongololo – Millipede
Shebeen – An unlicensed bar
Sif – Disgusting, horrible, ugly
Skelm – A crook
Slap chips – French fries
Spaza – Poor quality
Ubuntu – Compassion, kindness, humanity
Voetsek! – Go away!
Yebo – Yes
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