Understanding Afrikaans Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are special verbs in Afrikaans that help us express things like ability, possibility, permission, or necessity. They are like little helpers that change the meaning of the main verb in a sentence.
Important Points
- Modal verbs do not stand alone. They need another verb to make sense.
- They are used to express different moods or attitudes.
- They can change the meaning of the sentence depending on how they are used.
- Modal verbs do not change form based on the subject.
Common Afrikaans Modal Verbs
Important Points
- Kan - can/able to
- Mag - may/allowed to
- Moet - must/have to
- Wil - want to
- Sal - will/shall
Each of these modal verbs helps us say something different. Let's look at what each one means and how we can use them.
'Kan' is used to talk about what someone is able to do. It's like saying 'I can do it!'.
Examples
- Ek kan swem.
- Sy kan die boek lees.
- Ons kan help.
'Mag' is used when you want to ask for permission or say that something is allowed.
Examples
- Mag ek buitentoe gaan?
- Hy mag die speelding gebruik.
- Jy mag die koek eet.
'Moet' is used when you need to say that something is necessary or has to be done.
Examples
- Ek moet my huiswerk doen.
- Jy moet die waarheid praat.
- Ons moet vroeg opstaan.
'Wil' is used to express a desire or want, like when you want something to happen.
Examples
- Ek wil roomys eet.
- Hulle wil na die park gaan.
- Sy wil die nuwe speletjie speel.
'Sal' is used to talk about something that will happen in the future.
Examples
- Ek sal jou later sien.
- Hy sal die werk voltooi.
- Ons sal môre vertrek.