Ons sit nader by die tafel.

we

Breakdown of Ons sit nader by die tafel.

• die tafel: the table
• sit: to sit
• by: at

Questions & Answers about Ons sit nader by die tafel.

What does Ons mean in this sentence?

Ons is the first-person plural subject pronoun, meaning “we.” In Afrikaans it functions just like English “we,” and it always appears before the verb.

Why is sit the same regardless of the subject?

Afrikaans verbs do not change form for person or number in the present tense. Whether it’s “I sit,” “you sit,” “we sit” or “they sit,” the verb remains sit.

What does nader mean, and how is it formed?

Nader is the comparative form of na (“near”) or naby (“near”). It literally means “nearer” or “closer.” In Afrikaans, comparatives are typically formed by adding -er to the base adjective or adverb.

What’s the difference between naby and nader?

• Naby means “near” or “in close proximity.”
• Nader is the comparative “nearer” or “closer,” implying a shift from a previous position.
  Example:
  • Ons sit naby die tafel. = We sit near the table.
  • Ons sit nader by die tafel. = We sit closer (to the table).

Why do we say by die tafel instead of aan or op die tafel?