mij
/mɛi̯/
In Dutch, "me" is translated as mij.
mij is the object form of the pronoun used by a speaker to refer to themselves.
Which one should you use?
mij is used when you want to emphasize the pronoun or when it is the stressed part of the sentence, whereas me is used in unstressed, rapid speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The unstressed form me is a common colloquial shortening of mij used in spoken Dutch.
How does it change in a sentence?
mij is used as the direct or indirect object of a verb, or as the object of a preposition.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɛi̯/
Did you know?
- Adding the word nou before mij can change the entire tone of a sentence, often adding a layer of frustration or impatience.
- The word mij is a cognate of the English 'me' and the German 'mich', all descending from the same ancient root.
- In written Dutch, you will almost always see the full form mij in literature, whereas you will almost never see the shortened me unless it is a transcript of dialogue.
Examples in context
- Je bent na mij.You're after me.Tatoeba #6712158 by Micsmithel, translation #2218053 by CK
- Tom is bij mij.Tom is with me.Tatoeba #9666272 by MarijnKp, translation #2273634 by CK
- Leg het mij uit.Explain it to me.Tatoeba #1089820 by LaraCroft, translation #1081547 by CM
- Ze gaf mij een cadeau.She gave me a gift.
- Ik zag me in de spiegel.I saw myself in the mirror.
- Zag je me in de spiegel?Did you see me in the mirror?
- 2140 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie and Levi are talking about a package that arrived.
- SophieIs dit pakketje voor mij?Is this package for me?
- LeviNee, dat is voor je vader.No, that is for your father.
- SophieKun je het dan aan mij geven?Can you give it to me then?
- LeviNatuurlijk, hier is het.Of course, here it is.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mij, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mij, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
