wees voorzichtig
/ʋeːs ˌvoːrˈzɪx.təx/word by word
To say "be safe" in Dutch, use wees voorzichtig.
wees voorzichtig is used to tell someone to be careful and avoid danger, often used when giving general advice or well-wishes for safety.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of wees, which is the imperative form of the verb zijn (to be) and the adjective voorzichtig, meaning cautious or careful.
Which one should you use?
While wees voorzichtig is used for general safety or long-term advice, pas op is used for immediate, imminent danger, similar to saying "watch out!" in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word wees is the singular imperative (command) form of the verb zijn.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʋeːs ˌvoːrˈzɪx.təx/
Did you know?
- The word wees comes from a Proto-Indo-European root that may actually be related to the word for 'widow'.
- In Dutch, voorzichtig is used not only for safety but also to describe someone who is physically gentle, such as when holding a baby.
- Although English speakers use 'be safe' as a warm parting wish, telling a Dutch person wees voorzichtig can sound more like a stern command or an instruction to be cautious during a specific task.
Examples in context
- Ik wens u een veilige reis.I wish you a safe journey.
- Wees voorzichtig.Be careful.
- Dank je wel. Pas op jezelf!Thank you! Take care of yourself!
- Dank je! Pas op jezelf en tot snel.Thank you! Take care of yourself and see you soon.
- Wees voorzichtig in het verkeer.Be careful in traffic.
- Wees voorzichtig op de weg.Be careful on the road.
- Het is glad, wees voorzichtig.It is slippery, be careful.
- Wees voorzichtig met die schaar.Be careful with those scissors.
Example conversation
Julia and Lucas are saying goodbye before Lucas goes on a cycling trip.
- JuliaHeb een leuke fietstocht, Lucas.Have a nice bike ride, Lucas.
- LucasDank je wel, Julia.Thank you, Julia.
- JuliaWees voorzichtig in het verkeer!Be careful in traffic!
- LucasDat zal ik doen.I will do that.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (wees, voorzichtig) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries voorzichtig, wees, CC BY-SA 4.0.
