Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| wachten | /ˈʋɑxtə(n)/ |
| afwachten | /ˈɑfʋɑxtə(n)/ |
The word wachten is the standard term for the act of waiting. You can also use the phrase een momentje to mean a moment, or use the word even to mean a little or a moment.
Which one should you use?
While wachten is the general verb for waiting, afwachten is used specifically when you are waiting to see how a situation develops or waiting for a specific outcome, often translated as to await or to wait and see.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use wachten with an object to mean 'to wait for' someone or something, you must use the preposition op, forming the phrase wachten op. The imperative or command form of the verb is wacht.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʋɑxtə(n)/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly omit the preposition op when using wachten with an object. Instead of saying Ik wacht u, you should say Ik wacht op u.
Did you know?
- A wachtwoord is the Dutch word for a 'password'. It literally combines wacht from the root of waiting or guarding and woord meaning 'word'.
- The Dutch word wachten is a cognate of the English word 'watch'. In older forms of English and Dutch, both words shared the sense of keeping a vigil or standing guard.
- The word wacht is used in the common Dutch expression wacht eens, which translates to 'wait a minute' but is often used as a way to express sudden doubt or surprise.
Examples in context
- Ik kan op u wachten.I can wait for you.This sentence shows how to use wachten with the preposition op to mean waiting for someone.Tatoeba #2209456 by martinod, translation #64310 by CK
- Mag ik hier wachten?Can I wait here?This sentence shows how to use wachten to ask permission to wait in a location.Tatoeba #6275114 by megamanenm, translation #6274869 by CK
- Zal ik hier wachten?Should I wait here?This sentence shows how to use wachten to offer to wait in a location.Tatoeba #10644847 by rose_d, translation #6781561 by CK
- Ik moet wachten op de busI have to wait for the bus
- Even geduld alstublieft, uw tafel is bijna gereedPlease have a little patience, your table is almost ready
- Wilt u even wachten tot ik u doorverbind met de juiste persoon?Would you like to wait until I connect you with the right person?
- Wacht even, ik kom eraan!Wait a moment, I'm coming!
- Even wachten, mijn telefoon laadt opJust wait a moment, my phone is charging
- Heb even geduld, ik ben er zoHave a little patience, I'll be there soon
- Kunt u een momentje wachten?Can you wait a moment?
- Wacht even, ik ben bijna klaarWait a moment, I'm almost done
- 329 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Levi and Sophie are meeting at a train station.
- LeviIk moet nog even wachten op de trein.I have to wait for the train for a bit.
- SophieIk wacht graag met jou samen.I would love to wait together with you.
- LeviDat is fijn, Sophie.That is nice, Sophie.
- SophieKijk, daar komt de trein nu!Look, here comes the train now!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wait” translations and entries wachten, afwachten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries afwachten, wachten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
