Ik hou ook van jou
The English phrase "I love you too" is translated into Dutch as Ik hou ook van jou.
This phrase is a response used to tell someone that you feel the same love for them that they expressed to you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from Ik (I), hou (hold/keep), ook (also/too) and van jou (of you).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Southern parts of the Netherlands and parts of Belgium, one might say Ik hou ook van oe.
How does it change in a sentence?
Replacing 'jou' with Ik hou ook van je makes the phrase slightly less emphatic and more casual, though both are grammatically correct.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget the preposition van (of), but in Dutch, you must houden van (hold of) someone to express love. Do not say Ik hou ook jou.
Did you know?
- The preposition van in this phrase is related to the Proto-Indo-European word h₂epo, which meant 'off' or 'away from'.
Examples in context
- Ik hou ook van jou.I love you, too.This sentence shows the standard way to express the phrase.Tatoeba #7550785 by MarijnKp, translation #628763 by meloncurtains
- "Ik hou van jou!" "Ik hou ook van jou!""I love you." "I love you, too."This example shows the phrase used as a direct response to an expression of love.Tatoeba #7547622 by MarijnKp, translation #1655606 by gleki
- "Ik hou van jou." "Ik hou ook van jou.""I love you." "I love you too."Tatoeba #3567487 by vvv123, translation #5976752 by mailohilohi
- Ik hou ook heel veel van jou.I love you too very much
- Ik hou ook ontzettend van jou.I love you too tremendously
- Ik hou ook van jou hoor.I love you too, you know
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye before going to sleep.
- JuliaIk hou van jou, schat.I love you, darling.
- DaanIk hou ook van jou.I love you too.
- JuliaSlaap lekker, Daan.Sleep well, Daan.
- DaanJij ook, Julia.You too, Julia.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hou, ik, jou, ook, van, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
