Breakdown of Kinders mag buite speel tot laat in die aand.
die
the
in
in
speel
to play
buite
outside
die kind
the child
tot
until
laat
late
die aand
the evening
mag
may
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Questions & Answers about Kinders mag buite speel tot laat in die aand.
What does mag mean in this sentence?
mag is a modal verb that corresponds to English “may” or “to be allowed to.” It indicates permission rather than ability.
How is mag different from kan?
kan expresses ability (“can”), while mag expresses permission (“may”).
- Kinders kan buite speel = The children are able to play outside.
- Kinders mag buite speel = The children are allowed to play outside.
Why does mag come immediately after Kinders?
Afrikaans main clauses follow the verb-second rule: the finite verb (here mag) occupies the second position, right after the subject (Kinders).
What part of speech is buite?
buite is an adverb meaning “outside.” It modifies the verb speel (to play).
Why is there another verb speel in the sentence?
mag is the finite modal verb expressing permission, and speel is the full (infinitive) verb meaning “to play.” Together they form mag speel = “may play.”
What does tot mean here?
tot is a preposition meaning “until.” It introduces the time limit.
Why is the phrase laat in die aand ordered as it is?
Time expressions in Afrikaans typically follow this pattern: tot + [adverb] + [prepositional phrase].
- laat = late
- in die aand = in the evening
Hence tot laat in die aand = until late in the evening, placed at the end of the clause.
Can I say snags instead of in die aand?
snags means “at nights” (general, recurring). in die aand pinpoints the evening period (before night fully falls). If you said laat snags, it would mean “late at night,” i.e. much later.
What about using nag instead of aand?
aand refers to twilight and early night hours. nag starts around midnight. So:
- tot laat in die aand = until late in the evening (before midnight)
- tot laat in die nag = until very late, probably past midnight.
How would I negate this sentence?
You insert nie after the infinitive or at the end of the clause:
Kinders mag nie buite speel tot laat in die aand nie.
This means “Children may not play outside until late in the evening.”