de beste wensen
The English phrase "best wishes" can be expressed in Dutch as de beste wensen.
This phrase is used to express hope for someone's future happiness. It is a common way to sign off a letter or write a message in a greeting card.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de beste wensen is composed of de (the), beste (best) and wensen (wishes).
How does it change in a sentence?
While de beste wensen is the full grammatical phrase, in casual card writing or as an exclamation, the article de is often omitted, leaving just beste wensen.
Did you know?
- The Middle Dutch ancestor of wensen was wenschen, which sounds very similar to the English word 'wench', though the meanings are entirely unrelated.
- If you are sending 'best wishes' for a holiday, the Dutch often switch to fijne feestdagen, as beste wensen can feel slightly formal or generic for festive occasions.
- While beste wensen works for general good vibes, a Dutch speaker might use veel succes if the wishes are specifically for a challenge or an exam.
Examples in context
- De beste wensen!Best wishes!This example shows how to use de beste wensen as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #9051814 by MarijnKp, translation #1148371 by cntrational
- Van harte gefeliciteerd met uw nieuwe baan!Heartfelt congratulations on your new job!
- De beste wensen voor het nieuwe jaar!Best wishes for the new year!
- Ik stuur je de beste wensen voor het nieuwe jaar.I am sending you my best wishes for the new year.
Example conversation
Lucas and Julia are exchanging greeting cards.
- LucasHier is een kaartje voor jou, Julia.Here is a card for you, Julia.
- JuliaDank je wel, Lucas! Wat lief van je.Thank you, Lucas! That is so sweet of you.
- LucasGeen dank, ik wens je de beste wensen.You're welcome, I wish you the best wishes.
- JuliaDat is erg vriendelijk, dank je!That is very kind, thank you!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, wensen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
