zijn
/zɛi̯n/
The Dutch word for 'are' is zijn.
The word zijn functions as both the infinitive 'to be' and the conjugated form for 'are'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular 'am' is ben, and the third-person singular 'is' is is. For the second-person singular, 'are' is bent. In the past tense, the singular 'was' is was and the plural 'were' is waren.
How do you pronounce it?
/zɛi̯n/
Did you know?
- The word zijn can mean 'are' but it also means 'his' or 'own'. These two meanings come from entirely different linguistic roots.
Examples in context
- Zijn ze er nog?Are they still here?This sentence is useful for checking if people are still present using zijn.Tatoeba #10672126 by rose_d, translation #3434362 by CK
- Ze zijn aan zee.They are at the sea.This sentence describes a location using zijn.Tatoeba #3152964 by martinod, translation #13324308 by SunnyMoon
- Wij zijn bij je.We are with you.This sentence expresses presence or companionship using zijn.Tatoeba #4780707 by Raizin, translation #2549437 by CK
- De studenten zijnThe students are
- Jij bentYou are
- De kinderen zijnThe children are
- Wij zijn hierWe are here
- De katten zijn zwartThe cats are black
- Ben jij een student?Are you a student?
- Zijn de kinderen klaar?Are the children ready?
- 3853 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daan and Julia are meeting at a cafe.
- DaanBen je hier ook?Are you here too?
- JuliaJa, ik ben hier.Yes, I am here.
- DaanZijn de koffies al klaar?Are the coffees ready already?
- JuliaJa, ze zijn op tafel.Yes, they are on the table.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zijn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zijn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
