Confusing Afrikaans words – look in Afrikaans (lyk and kyk)

 

Many English speakers struggle with the words "lyk" and "kyk" because they both mean look in English. By the end of this lesson you will know when to use which one.

Lyk and kyk

Kyk

Kyk means to look at something. The act of looking.

Example 1

Ek kyk na die voëls op die dak.

I look at the birds on the roof.

In this example we use "kyk" because I am doing an action. I am looking at the birds.

Lyk

The word lyk is not an action. It is instead how someone or something looks. 

Example 2

Die meisie lyk mooi.

The girl looks pretty.

In this example we use "lyk," because we aren't necessarily looking at the girl we are describing what she looks like.

Example 3

Ek kyk na die man en hy lyk goed. 

I look at the man and he looks good.

In English you use the word look twice here, but in Afrikaans we use "kyk" to describe the action of looking at the man and "lyk" to describe what he looks like.

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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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