If you are wondering what language is spoken in Cape Town, the short answer is three: Afrikaans, isiXhosa and English. Afrikaans and isiXhosa are the most common home languages, while English is the language of business, signage and most conversations with visitors, so you can get by in English everywhere in the city. Learning a few local words still goes a long way, and below you will find who speaks what, plus the everyday words and slang you will hear from your first week. The Rainbow Nation Speaks South Africa is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. Its constitution recognises 12 official languages: Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, and (since 2023) South African Sign Language. Most South Africans speak at least two languages fluently, and many switch between three or four in a single conversation, a practice known as code-switching. It's not uncommon to hear someone start a sentence in isiXhosa, drop in an English word, and finish in Afrikaans. This linguistic fluidity is one of the most charming things about daily life here. For newcomers relocating on a mid-term stay, understanding the language landscape helps you settle in faster, connect with locals, and navigate the city with confidence. What You'll Hear in Cape Town Cape Town's linguistic mix is unique in South Africa. The three dominant languages are: 1. Afrikaans: The Most Spoken Home Language Surprising to many visitors, Afrikaans, not English, is Cape Town's most widely spoken home language, used by roughly 36% of the population. Afrikaans evolved from 17th-century Dutch, blended with influences from Malay, Portuguese, Khoi languages, and other African tongues. It's particularly prominent in the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, the Cape Flats, and the surrounding Winelands. You'll hear it in shops, taxis, and markets. Many Capetonians switch effortlessly between Afrikaans and English, sometimes mid-sentence. 2. isiXhosa: Cape Town's Heartbeat IsiXhosa is the most spoken African language in Cape Town, the home language of about 30% of the city's population. It's a Nguni language famous for its distinctive click consonants: three different click sounds that are integral to pronunciation. IsiXhosa is the mother tongue of iconic South Africans including Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. You'll hear it everywhere in Cape Town, from the bustling taxi ranks to the vibrant townships of Khayelitsha, Langa, and Gugulethu. Learning even a few words of isiXhosa is one of the fastest ways to earn a warm smile from locals. 3. English: The Common Thread English is the home language of about 28% of Cape Town's population, but it functions as the primary language of business, media, and government across the country. Even though fewer than 9% of all South Africans speak English at home nationally, more than half the population can communicate in it. As an international visitor or relocator, you'll get by perfectly well with English in Cape Town. But making an effort to learn greetings in other languages goes a long way. Essential Words and Phrases Here are the key phrases in Cape Town's three main languages. Even just using a greeting in someone's home language can transform an interaction. Greetings | English | Afrikaans | isiXhosa | |---|---|---| | Hello (one person) | Hallo / Howzit | Molo | | Hello (group) | Hallo almal | Molweni | | How are you? | Hoe gaan dit? | Unjani? | | I'm well | Dit gaan goed | Ndiphilile | | Goodbye (to someone staying) | Totsiens | Sala kakuhle | | Goodbye (to someone leaving) | Totsiens | Hamba kakuhle | Everyday Essentials | English | Afrikaans | isiXhosa | |---|---|---| | Thank you | Dankie | Enkosi | | Please | Asseblief | Nceda | | Yes | Ja | Ewe | | No | Nee | Hayi | | Sorry / Excuse me | Jammer / Verskoon my | Uxolo | | How much? | Hoeveel? | Kangakanani? | | Water | Water | Amanzi | | Food | Kos | Ukutya | | Help | Help | Uncedo | Friendly Phrases That Win Hearts | English | Afrikaans | isiXhosa | |---|---|---| | No worries | Geen probleem | Akukho ngxaki | | Cheers! | Gesondheid! | Impilo! | | Beautiful | Mooi | Ihle | | Welcome | Welkom | Wamkelekile | | I'm learning! | Ek leer! | Ndiyafunda! | Pro tip: When you greet someone in isiXhosa, the reply to "Unjani?" (How are you?) is "Ndiphilile" (I'm well) or simply "Ndiyaphila." Try it at your local café. You won't regret it. Cape Town Slang You Should Know Beyond the official languages, Cape Town has its own unique slang, a blend of Afrikaans, English, and local expressions that you'll pick up quickly: - Howzit: The universal South African greeting. Short for "How is it?" Used everywhere, all the time. - Lekker: Afrikaans for "nice" or "great." "The weather is lekker today." - Braai: A barbecue, but calling it a barbecue might get you a raised eyebrow. It's a braai. - Now now: Soon, but not right now. Could be 5 minutes, could be 30. - Just now: Later. Confusingly, this means less urgently than "now now." - Eish: An exclamation of surprise, frustration, or sympathy. Very versatile. - Sharp sharp: All good, cool, sorted. Often accompanied by a thumbs up. - Ag: (Pronounced like the "ach" in German.) Used to express mild annoyance or resignation. "Ag, it's fine." - Shame: Not an insult! Used to express sympathy or endearment. "Ag shame, that's so cute." - Robot: A traffic light. Yes, really. Why Language Matters for Your Stay Learning a few phrases isn't just about convenience. It's about respect and connection. South Africa's language diversity is deeply tied to its history. During apartheid, African languages were suppressed in favour of Afrikaans and English. The 1996 constitution was a deliberate act of recognition, giving official status to the languages spoken by the majority. When you greet someone in their home language, you're acknowledging that history and showing genuine interest in the culture you're living in. It's one of the simplest and most powerful things you can do as a newcomer. Many neighbourhoods in Cape Town have distinct linguistic characters. In Sea Point and Green Point you'll hear a lot of English. In the CBD and Observatory it's a true melting pot. And in the Cape Flats and southern suburbs, Afrikaans dominates daily life. Beyond the Big Three While Afrikaans, isiXhosa, and English dominate Cape Town, you'll also encounter: - isiZulu: South Africa's largest language nationally (24% of the population), increasingly heard in Cape Town as people migrate from KwaZulu-Natal. - Sesotho and Setswana: spoken by communities from the Free State and North West Province. - French, Swahili, and Lingala: spoken by the growing community of immigrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. - Shona: from the large Zimbabwean community. Cape Town truly is a city of many tongues, and that diversity is one of its greatest strengths. Start Your Cape Town Chapter Ready to explore the Mother City? Browse furnished rooms and apartments available for stays of one to twelve months, and find a neighbourhood that feels like home. Sources: Statistics South Africa Census 2022, South Africa Gateway, Unisa isiXhosa Course