Selfs al is sypasse moeilik, bly voorwaartse passe maklik.

to be

Breakdown of Selfs al is sypasse moeilik, bly voorwaartse passe maklik.

• moeilik: difficult
• bly: to remain
• maklik: easy

Questions & Answers about Selfs al is sypasse moeilik, bly voorwaartse passe maklik.

What does selfs al mean here?

Selfs al introduces a contrast and usually means even if or even though.

In this sentence, it tells you that the second part stays true despite the first part:

• Selfs al is sypasse moeilik = Even if / Even though side passes are difficult
• bly voorwaartse passe maklik = forward passes remain easy

A good learner shortcut is to treat selfs al as a set phrase meaning even if/even though.

Why does is come before sypasse in selfs al is sypasse moeilik?

Because selfs al is ... is a very common Afrikaans pattern.

So instead of expecting a direct English-like order, it is better to learn this as a natural concessive structure:

• Selfs al is dit duur ... = Even if it is expensive ...
• Selfs al is sypasse moeilik ... = Even if side passes are difficult ...

So is appears early in the clause as part of this familiar pattern.

Why does bly come before voorwaartse passe?