This is the 505th most frequent Afrikaans word.
a
The Afrikaans word "a" is an indefinite article equivalent to "a" or "an" in English.
Here, 'n is the indefinite article equivalent to 'a' in English, used to indicate an unspecified object.
Ek het 'n boek gekoop.
I bought a book.
'n remains the indefinite article, forming part of the noun phrase within a sentence conveying negation.
Dit is nie 'n goeie idee nie.
It is not a good idea.
Again, 'n serves as the indefinite article, introducing a noun phrase describing the subject.