terselfdertyd

Terselfdertyd is an Afrikaans adverb and conjunction meaning at the same time or simultaneously. It is used to indicate that two actions occur concurrently or to link clauses that refer to the same moment. In formal or written Afrikaans, terselfdertyd is commonly preferred to express simultaneity, while in everyday speech speakers may opt for alternatives such as op dieselfde tyd or gelyktydig to convey the same sense.

Etymology and orthography: the term is a compound derived from ter, selfde (the same), and tyd (time). It is typically written as a single word, though older texts may spell it as ter.selfde tyd or as two words, reflecting historical spelling conventions. The fusion reflects Afrikaans’ tendency to create adverbial connectors by combining elements to express sequence or simultaneity.

Usage notes: terselfdertyd primarily connects clauses or describes concurrent actions, but it can also emphasize the coincidence of moments in descriptive prose. It is most natural in written or careful prose; in spoken Afrikaans, speakers may prefer phrases such as op dieselfde tyd (at the same time) or gelyktydig to express the idea.

See also: Afrikaans language; simultaneity expressions in Afrikaans.