How to say like in Afrikaans: hou van– part 1 (Basics)

📘 Who this is for: CAPS, IEB, Cambridge students (FAL and SAL Grades 7–12) and adult Afrikaans learners.

Learn how to use “hou van” in Afrikaans to express likes and preferences. This lesson covers the basic sentence structure, word order, and simple examples to help beginners understand how to say what they like in everyday Afrikaans.

What does "hou van" mean in Afrikaans.

"Hou van" means "like" in Afrikaans if the two words are used together. "Hou van" is a multi word expression: meaning its 2 or more words with one meaning.

Example 1

I like ice cream.

Ek hou van roomys.

Example 2

You like cats.

Jy hou van katte.

In both these examples "hou van" acts like the English word "like." Make sure to use both "hou" and "van" in a sentence together if you want to say "like" in Afrikaans.

What does "soos" mean.

Note that "hou van" only means to like something or someone, not that things are like each other.

If we want to compare things to say things are like each other we use the word "soos."

Example 1

This book looks like that book.

Die book lyk soos daardie boek.

Because were comparing items here, we use "soos" not "hou van."

Example 2

I like people like you.

Ek hou van mense soos jy.

Because this sentence has both meanings of like in English it has both "soos" and " hou van" in Afrikaans.

Click the following link to go to the next lesson:      

How to say like in Afrikaans: hou van– part 2 (advanced)

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References.

Lutrin, B. (1999). Afrikaans handbook & study guide: An English student’s guide to Afrikaans. Sandton: Berlut Books.

de Jonge, A. (n.d.). Leer Afrikaans sonder om jou rieme styf te loop. Graffiti Boeke.

De Klerk, P. F., Esterhuizen, B. J., Hammann, H. J. R., & Neethling, E. L. (1986). Afrikaans my taal. Maskew Miller Longman.

Nel, M. (2019). Afrikaans+: Everything you need to obtain top marks. LAPA Uitgewers.

The majority of this course content is based on the author’s experience, practice, and self-study.

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