馃嚳馃嚘 Afrikaans phrases

How to Say "I like you" in Afrikaans

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Ek hou van jou
"I like you" in Afrikaans 路 say it like ehk how van yoh

The most natural way to say "I like you" in Afrikaans is Ek hou van jou. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Ek is mal oor jou
Use this for a more enthusiastic expression of liking someone
Ek waardeer jou
This is more formal and expresses appreciation

When to use it

You can use this phrase when you want to express your feelings towards someone you like. It is suitable for friends, family, or someone you are romantically interested in. Be mindful of the context, as it can imply different levels of affection.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "I like you" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Afrikaans

AfrikaansEnglish
Ek hou van jou, jy is 'n goeie vriend.I like you, you are a good friend.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this phrase with 'Ek hou van jou' and 'Ek is mal oor jou', thinking they mean the same thing, but the latter is more intense.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Ek hou van jou, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Afrikaans with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'Ek hou van jou' used in romantic contexts?

Yes, it can be used romantically, but it is also common among friends.

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