Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| door | /doːr/ |
| op | /ɔp/ |
| per | /pɛr/ |
Use door to indicate the agent performing a passive action or to express a method of doing something. It is also the standard term for mathematical operations, such as dividing a number. The form per is used specifically when discussing modes of transport or expressing a rate or unit.
Which one should you use?
Use door when you are expressing the agent of a passive action or a method (by means of). For mathematical division, such as 'divide by', use door. In contrast, use per specifically for modes of transport, like 'by train' or when expressing a rate, such as 'per hour'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/doːr/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use door for all senses of 'by'. However, you cannot use door for modes of transport. You must use per instead.
Did you know?
- Using door to describe traveling 'by car' (door de auto) would literally imply that you are physically passing through the vehicle.
- While per is the formal way to say 'by' for transport, Dutch speakers frequently use met, which literally means 'with', in everyday conversation.
- The Dutch word door functions as a verb prefix to indicate that an action is being performed thoroughly or until completion.
Examples in context
- Ik kom per trein.I'll come by train.This sentence shows how to use per with a mode of transport.Tatoeba #8350708 by obsessed_polyglot, translation #3819107 by CK
- Hij kwam per auto.He came by car.This sentence demonstrates the use of per for a vehicle.Tatoeba #11758816 by Slam4, translation #299019 by CK
- Deel dat door vier.Divide that by four.This sentence illustrates the mathematical use of door for division.Tatoeba #8053646 by Elsofie, translation #8053645 by Amastan
- Ik wacht op je bij het park.I'll wait for you by the park.
- Het restaurant is gelegen nabij het stadscentrum.The restaurant is located near the city center.
- Ik ben bij mijn vrienden thuis.I am at my friends' house
- Ik zit naast mijn zus in de auto.I am sitting next to my sister in the car.
- Ik zie je bij de supermarkt.I will meet you at the supermarket.
- Hij woont in de buurt van het museum.He lives near the museum.
- 695 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Levi and Sophie are discussing how to send a package.
- LeviVerstuur je het pakketje door de post?Are you sending the package by post?
- SophieNee, ik breng het zelf weg.No, I will take it there myself.
- LeviGa je dan door de stad?Will you go through the city then?
- SophieJa, dat is de snelste route.Yes, that is the fastest route.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “by” translations and entries door, op, per, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
