How to Say “Drop It” in Dutch – Formal and Informal Ways

Learning basic phrases in a foreign language can be incredibly helpful, especially when it comes to everyday conversations. In this guide, we will focus on how to say “Drop it” in Dutch, exploring both formal and informal ways to express this phrase. Whether you plan to visit the Netherlands or simply want to expand your linguistic skills, we’ve got you covered!

Formal Ways to Say “Drop It” in Dutch

When addressing a formal situation or speaking to someone you are not familiar with, it is important to use the correct level of politeness. Formal phrases in Dutch are generally considered more respectful and appropriate. Here are a few ways to say “Drop it” formally:

1. “Laat het los.” – This is the most common and straightforward way to say “Drop it” formally in Dutch. It can be used in most situations and is widely understood. Pronounced as “Laht hut loss.”
2. “Leg dat neer.” – If you want to specify precisely what needs to be dropped, you can say “Leg dat neer,” which translates to “Put that down.” Keep in mind that this phrase might be more suitable when referring to objects rather than abstract ideas. Pronounced as “Lek daht nare.”
3. “Laat vallen.” – Another alternative to say “Drop it” formally is “Laat vallen,” which directly translates to “Let it fall.” While it has a similar meaning, it conveys a slightly different nuance. Pronounced as “Laht fahlen.”

Informal Ways to Say “Drop It” in Dutch

Informal situations allow for a more relaxed and casual approach to language. Here are a few informal ways to say “Drop it” in Dutch:

1. “Laat maar.” – A common way to say “Drop it” informally is by using the phrase “Laat maar.” This expression is versatile and can mean “Nevermind,” “Forget it,” or “Let it go,” depending on the context. Pronounced as “Laht mar.”
2. “Doe niet moeilijk.” – For an even more casual approach, you can say “Doe niet moeilijk,” which translates to “Don’t make it difficult.” While it is not an exact equivalent, it carries a similar sentiment of asking someone to let go of something. Pronounced as “Doo neet moh-leekeh.”
3. “Hou op.” – In some situations, you may want to use a more direct approach. In such cases, saying “Hou op” can translate to “Stop it” or “Quit it.” It is commonly used to ask someone to drop a specific behavior. Pronounced as “How op.”

Tips and Examples

To ensure a smooth conversation, consider the following tips and examples when using these expressions:

Tips:

• Pay attention to the context of the situation to determine whether formal or informal language is appropriate.
• When in doubt, it is generally better to err on the side of formality, especially when dealing with unknown individuals or more professional scenarios.
• Practice pronunciation to ensure clarity and fluency.

Examples:

Situation: A formal meeting
Person A: “Kunt u alstublieft het rapport laten vallen?” (Can you please drop the report?)
Person B: “Ja, natuurlijk. Ik zal het meteen neerleggen.” (Yes, of course. I will put it down right away.)

Situation: An informal gathering
Person A: “Laat maar, ik was verkeerd.” (Nevermind, I was wrong.)
Person B: “Geen probleem! Laten we het vergeten.” (No problem! Let’s forget about it.)