How to say like in Afrikaans: hou van– part 4 (hou daarvan)

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

Learn how to use “hou daarvan” in Afrikaans, when you can use it and when you should use it.

When does "hou van" change.

"Hou van" always needs something to like. It can be an object, concept or person.

Example  1

I like carrots.

Ek hou van wortels.

If you don't specify what you like you can use the word "dit" (this/ it)

Example 2

I like it/ this.

Ek hou van dit.

Another way of saying "hou van dit" is "hou daarvan."

Example 3

I like it/ this.

Ek hou daarvan.

When to use "hou daarvan"

We also use "hou daarvan" when what we like is a more complicated idea that takes more than one or two words to explain.

Example 1

I like it when it rains.

Ek hou daarvan wanneer dit reën.

Because what you like (wanneer die reën) is a bit more complicated we use  "hou daarvan."

Example 2

I like to go fishing.

Ek hou daarvan om vis te gaan vang.

If "hou van" is in front of  and more complicated idea like an infinitive (om te) it becomes "hou daarvan."

Click the following link to go to the next lesson:  

Post 5: How to say like in Afrikaans: hou van – Part 5 (van wie and waarvan)

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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.a

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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