We houden van jou
/ʋə ˈɦɑu̯də(n) vɑn jɑu̯/word by word
The Dutch phrase for "we love you" is We houden van jou.
This phrase is used to express deep affection or romantic love for another person.
Which one should you use?
Using jou places a specific emphasis on the person being loved, such as saying "We love *you*" (and no one else). For a more natural, less emphatic tone, you can use the unstressed pronoun je in the phrase We houden van je.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the alternative phrase We houden van je, the unstressed pronoun je can be used instead of jou to create a less emphatic tone.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʋə ˈɦɑu̯də(n) vɑn jɑu̯/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly omit the preposition van, but in Dutch, houden requires van to mean "to love". Do not say We houden jou.
Did you know?
- While We houden van jou is for deep love, Dutch uses the phrase Ik vind je leuk for a crush. This literally translates to 'I find you nice'.
- If you were to say 'We houden jou' without the preposition van, a Dutch person might think you are physically holding a person rather than expressing affection.
- The word houden shares a common origin with the English word 'hold', meaning the Dutch way of loving is rooted in the idea of keeping something close.
Examples in context
- We houden van jou, mam.We love you, mom.
- We houden van jou en je opa.We love you and your grandpa.
- We houden van jou echt heel veel.We love you really, really much.
Example conversation
A family is saying goodbye to a daughter before she moves away.
- DaanWe houden van jou, Emma.We love you, Emma.
- EmmaDank je, ik hou ook van jullie.Thank you, I love you guys too.
- DaanBel je ons snel weer?Will you call us again soon?
- EmmaJa, dat beloof ik!Yes, I promise!
