Kombuise is besig; hoe dit ook al sy, ondersoek ons bestanddelelyste.

Kitchens are busy; be that as it may, we examine ingredient lists.

Breakdown of Kombuise is besig; hoe dit ook al sy, ondersoek ons bestanddelelyste.

• ons: we
• wees: to be
• besig: busy
• die kombuis: the kitchen

Questions & Answers about Kombuise is besig; hoe dit ook al sy, ondersoek ons bestanddelelyste.

Why is it Kombuise is besig and not something like Kombuise are besig?

Because Afrikaans uses is for both singular and plural in the present tense of to be.

So:

• Die kombuis is besig = the kitchen is busy
• Die kombuise is besig = the kitchens are busy

Unlike English, Afrikaans does not change is to are for plural subjects.

What is the singular of kombuise?

The singular is kombuis.

So:

• kombuis = kitchen
• kombuise = kitchens

This is a regular enough plural pattern in Afrikaans: some nouns form the plural with -e.

What exactly does besig mean here?

Besig usually means busy.

In Afrikaans, it can describe:

• a person: Ek is besig = I am busy
• a place or situation: Die winkel is besig = the shop is busy

It can also be used in progressive-style expressions:

• Ek is besig om te lees = I am busy reading / I am reading

In your sentence, besig is simply an adjective meaning busy, not part of an is busy doing construction.

Why is there no ending on besig? Why not besige?