ga weg
To go away in Dutch is ga weg.
The phrase is used to tell someone to depart or leave a place. You can use more aggressive or forceful terms like verdwijn! (disappear!) to tell someone to get lost.
Meaning: to depart or leave a place (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of gaan (to go) and the adverb weg (away).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard imperative ga weg is used when addressing one person informally. If you want to use more informal or colloquial expressions, you might use Rot op which is similar to 'bugger off' or Pleur op, which is a colloquial and slightly vulgar way to say go away. For a more forceful command, verdwijn! is an informal option meaning 'disappear!'
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the verb is the separable verb weggaan. When addressing one person informally, you use the imperative form ga weg. For the third-person singular, the form is gaat weg (goes away).
Did you know?
- In some Dutch dialects, the phrase ga weg can be used as an expression of disbelief, similar to saying 'get out of here!' or 'no way!' in English.
- The forceful command Rot op literally translates to 'rot up', evoking the image of something decaying or crumbling away.
- The word weg is a cognate of the English word 'way', as both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning to move or carry.
Examples in context
- Pijn, pijn, ga weg.Pain, pain, go away.This example shows how to express a desire for pain to leave.Tatoeba #4639636 by LinguisticFusion, translation #4635635 by CM
- Ga weg. Ik heb het druk.Go away. I'm busy.This example uses the phrase to indicate you are busy.Tatoeba #2346414 by PaulP, translation #2046679 by CK
- „Hulp nodig?” – „Ga weg!”"Do you need help?" "Go away!"This example shows the phrase used as a blunt response to an offer of help.Tatoeba #12986276 by PaulP, translation #11513433 by Amastan
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie is trying to study in the park, but Levi is bothering her.
- LeviSophie, mag ik hier zitten?Sophie, may I sit here?
- SophieNee, ga weg, Levi.No, go away, Levi.
- LeviBen je echt boos op mij?Are you really angry with me?
- SophieIk wil gewoon alleen zijn.I just want to be alone.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries weg, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
