Ik zie je graag
Flemish, affectionate
In Flanders people often say Ik zie je graag for "I love you". It literally means "I like to see you" and is used between partners, family and close friends. It is also called Ik hou van je.
Meaning: expression of romantic love (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | Note |
|---|---|
| Ik zie je graag | Flemish, affectionate |
| Ik hou van je | Dutch, romantic |
Ik zie je graag is warm and used for many kinds of love, from a partner to a child or a parent.
Which one should you use?
Ik hou van je is the standard Dutch way and is the one used in the Netherlands. In Flanders it can sound a bit stronger and more romantic.
How does it change in a sentence?
With people you address politely, or in some regional speech, the pronoun changes: Ik zie u graag.
Did you know?
- The Flemish zien … graag pattern is also used for liking things, so Ik zie dat graag means "I like that".
Examples in context
- Ik zie je graag, schat.I love you, darling.
- Mama, ik zie je graag.Mom, I love you.
- Ik hou van je.I love you.
Example conversation
Sofie calls her boyfriend Wout from the station in Hasselt.
- SofieIk ben bijna thuis.I am almost home.
- WoutFijn, ik wacht op je.Nice, I am waiting for you.
- SofieIk zie je graag.I love you.
- WoutIk zie jou ook graag.I love you too.
