In Afrikaans, the phrase “and you” can be translated in different ways depending on the formality or number of people you’re addressing. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Informal (singular “you”):
- “En jy”
This is used when you’re speaking to a single person in an informal setting, like a friend or someone you’re close to.Example:
- “Ek is goed, en jy?” – “I am good, and you?”
2. Formal (singular “you”):
- “En u”
This is used when speaking to a single person in a formal context, such as a stranger, elder, or someone with whom you need to show respect.Example:
- “Ek is goed, en u?” – “I am good, and you?” (formal)
3. Plural “you” (both formal and informal):
- “En julle”
This is used when you’re speaking to more than one person (informal).Example:
- “Ek is goed, en julle?” – “I am good, and you?” (to a group of people)
- “En u almal” or “En julle almal”
In some cases, when addressing multiple people formally, you could say either “en u almal” or “en julle almal”, depending on whether you are using formal or informal language.Example:
- “Ek is goed, en u almal?” – “I am good, and all of you?” (formal, addressing multiple people)
Summary:
- En jy – Informal singular (friend, peer)
- En u – Formal singular (polite/respectful)
- En julle – Informal plural (group of people)
- En u almal / en julle almal – Formal plural (group, with respect)