ik
/ɪk/
The English phrase "i" is ik in Dutch. Wiktionary also lists 'k.
Meaning: personal pronoun (pron)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| ik | /ɪk/ (stressed) /ək/ (unstressed) |
| 'k | /k/ /ək/ |
The phrase refers to the personal pronoun (pron).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
'k is an informal, clipped version of ik used frequently in spoken Dutch.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun ik is used for both the subject and the object in many contexts, though mij is the standard object pronoun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪk/
Did you know?
- Dutch uses the 'inverted' word order in many sentences, which can push the pronoun ik to the middle or end of a sentence unexpectedly.
- The English word 'I' and the Dutch word ik both trace back to the same Proto-Indo-European root eǵh₂óm.
- In spoken Dutch, the k in ik is often dropped entirely when followed by certain words, blending the pronoun into the next word.
Examples in context
- Ik ben nu 30.I am 30 years old now.This sentence is useful for stating your current age using ik.Tatoeba #377928 by Dorenda, translation #252248 by CK
- Ik ben er zo.I should be there soon.This sentence is useful for saying you will arrive somewhere soon using ik.Tatoeba #842184 by simonbr, translation #6271626 by CK
- Ik hou van u.I love you.This sentence is useful for expressing affection using ik.Tatoeba #8001730 by MarijnKp, translation #1434 by awael58
- Ik hou van reizen.I love traveling.
- Ik ben moe.I am tired.
- Ik wil een kopje koffie, alsjeblieft.I would like a cup of coffee, please.
- U spreekt goed Nederlands.You speak Dutch well.
- Uw hulp wordt op prijs gesteld.Your help is appreciated.
- Mag ik u iets vragen?May I ask you something?
- 19651 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hunger.
- LisaIk heb honger.I am hungry.
- LucasIk ook!Me too!
- LisaZullen we gaan eten?Shall we go eat?
- LucasJa, dat is een goed plan.Yes, that is a good plan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “i” translations and entries ik, 'k, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ik, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
