ik zou graag
/ɪk zɑu̯ ɣraːx/word by word
In Dutch, 'I would like' is expressed as ik zou graag.
The phrase is used as a polite way to express a wish or to request something. To enhance politeness in both formal and informal situations, you can add the word graag after a verb.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ik zou graag means 'I would gladly', where graag means 'gladly' or 'with pleasure'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪk zɑu̯ ɣraːx/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse ik zou graag (I would like) with ik wil graag (I want/would like). While ik wil graag is common and polite in shops, ik zou graag is more conditional and softer.
Did you know?
- The word graag shares a linguistic ancestor with the English word 'greedy'.
- In Dutch culture, using ik zou graag instead of ik wil graag can signal that you are making a request you know might be difficult for the other person to grant.
- The word graag is used in the phrase graag gedaan, which is the most common way to say 'my pleasure' or 'you are welcome'.
Examples in context
- Ik zou graag eten.I would like to eat.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to perform an action with ik zou graag.Tatoeba #4797577 by martinod, translation #895907 by pauldhunt
- Ik zou graag tekenen.I would like to draw.This sentence shows how to use ik zou graag to express a desire to draw.Tatoeba #9022332 by Micsmithel, translation #256603 by CK
- Ik zou graag iets eten.I would like to eat something.This sentence demonstrates using ik zou graag to request something to eat.Tatoeba #704225 by LaraCroft, translation #3543183 by ndrewg
- Ik zou graag een kopje koffie willen, alstublieft.I would like a cup of coffee, please.
- Ik wil graag een biertje.I would like a beer.
- Ik zou graag een nieuw glas water willen, alstublieft.I would like a new glass of water, please.
- Ik wil graag een stukje taart.I would like a piece of cake.
- Ik zou graag een kopje thee willen, alstublieft. Dank u wel.I would like a cup of tea, please. Thank you.
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie and Noah are deciding on a way to spend the afternoon.
- SophieIk zou graag een ijsje eten, Noah.I would like to eat an ice cream, Noah.
- NoahDat klinkt goed, Sophie.That sounds good, Sophie.
- SophieZullen we naar de ijssalon gaan?Shall we go to the ice cream parlor?
- NoahJa, laten we gaan.Yes, let's go.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ik, zou, graag) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries graag, ik, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
