Hoe heet je?
/ɦu ɦeːt jə/word by word
To ask "what is your name?" in Dutch, you say Hoe heet je?
This phrase is a common way to ask for someone's name.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Hoe heet je? literally translates to "How are you called?"
Which one should you use?
While Hoe heet je? is a standard way to ask the question, you may also encounter Wat is je naam?, which is a direct translation of "What is your name?" and is also commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɦu ɦeːt jə/
Did you know?
- The root of heet is linked to the concept of 'commanding' or 'proclaiming' a name, rather than just 'having' one.
- In much of the Netherlands, asking Hoe heet je? is a very casual way to start a conversation, but in much of Belgium, you might be expected to use the more formal Hoe heet u? even with people your own age.
- The Dutch language uses the same verb heten for both people and things, meaning you can ask Hoe heet deze straat? to find the name of a street.
Examples in context
- Hoe heet u, meneer?What is your name, sir?
- Mag ik vragen hoe u heet?May I ask what your name is?
- Hoe heet je?What is your name?
- Ik ben nieuw hier, hoe heet je?I am new here, what is your name?
Example conversation
Julia and Noah meet for the first time at a party.
- JuliaHoi, ik ben Julia. Hoe heet je?Hi, I am Julia. What is your name?
- NoahHoi Julia, ik ben Noah.Hi Julia, I am Noah.
- JuliaLeuk je te ontmoeten, Noah.Nice to meet you, Noah.
- NoahInsgelijks, Julia.Likewise, Julia.
