op
On
Op means on: op die tafel. It is also used for at with some places and for on with days: op skool, op Maandag.
How It Works
On a surface. Op is the word for on top of something: op die tafel, op die dak (on the roof), op die vloer (on the floor). Afrikaans often uses a position verb with it: Die sleutels lê op die tafel. See lê/staan/hang (position). A picture on a wall hangs teen die muur or aan die muur, not op die muur.
Days and dates. op Maandag (on Monday), op 12 Maart (on 12 March), op my verjaardag (on my birthday). See days of the week and months and dates.
Set place phrases. Where English often says at, Afrikaans uses op for many places and events:
- op skool: at school (attending school)
- op die plaas: on the farm
- op die lughawe: at the airport
- op die stasie: at the station
- op straat: in the street
Media: op TV, op die radio.
Op with dit becomes daarop (on it). See daar/hier + preposition.
Examples (6)
- Die sleutels lê op die tafel.
The keys are on the table.
Word by Word: The keys lie on the table.
Afrikaans often says things lie (lê) on a flat surface.
- Die kinders is op skool.
The children are at school.
Word by Word: The children are on school.
- Ons speel op Saterdag sokker.
We play soccer on Saturday.
Word by Word: We play on Saturday soccer.
The time phrase comes before the object, following the usual Afrikaans order.
- My ouma woon op 'n plaas.
My grandmother lives on a farm.
Word by Word: My grandma lives on a farm.
- Ek wag op die stasie.
I'm waiting at the station.
Word by Word: I wait on the station.
- Hulle kyk rugby op TV.
They're watching rugby on TV.
Word by Word: They watch rugby on TV.
Common Mistakes
Saying in skool for being a pupil.
My broer is nog in skool.My broer is nog op skool.Attending school is op skool. In die skool only means physically inside the building.
Using in with a date.
Die partytjie is in 12 Maart.Die partytjie is op 12 Maart.Dates and days take op, just like English on 12 March.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Op is easiest to learn next to in.
Related Patterns
- byAt and Near: By
By means at or near a place, without the set-phrase meaning of op skool.
Level 1 - aanOn and at: Aan
Aan is another way to say on or at, for things attached to something.
Level 2 - Days of the Week
Days of the week take op: op Maandag.
Level 1 - Months and Dates
Dates take op: op 5 Mei.
Level 2 - lê/staan/hangPosition Verbs: Lê, Staan, Hang
Position verbs often go with op: Die boek lê op die tafel.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice op in Bubblegum
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