ja, graag
/jaː ɣraːx/word by word
The English phrase "yes please" is translated into Dutch as ja, graag.
You use ja, graag specifically when someone offers you something, such as food, a drink or help, to indicate that you want to accept the offer.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ja (yes) and graag (gladly/with pleasure).
How do you pronounce it?
/jaː ɣraːx/
Did you know?
- The word graag is an unexpected relative of the English word 'greedy'. Both stem from a common Germanic root meaning 'to desire' or 'to be hungry'.
- If you accept an offer by only saying ja, you risk sounding blunt or even dismissive to a Dutch host.
- In Dutch, the word graag can act as a substitute for the verb 'to like' in many contexts. For example, instead of saying 'I like coffee', one might say 'I drink coffee gladly'.
Examples in context
- "Wilt u thee?" "Ja, graag.""Would you like some tea?" "Yes, please."This example shows how to use ja, graag when accepting an offer for tea.Tatoeba #11800176 by Micsmithel, translation #2493192 by shadyray601
- "Zal ik het raam sluiten? "Ja, graag.""Shall I close the window?" "Yes, please."This example shows how to use ja, graag when accepting a suggestion to close a window.Tatoeba #11800116 by Micsmithel, translation #73616 by CK
- Ja, graag.Yes, please.This example provides a simple standalone use of ja, graag.Tatoeba #560486 by Citrine, translation #687874 by lukaszpp
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are at a cafe.
- EmmaWil je ook een koekje?Do you want a cookie too?
- LucasJa, graag.Yes, please.
- EmmaZal ik er een voor je pakken?Shall I grab one for you?
- LucasDat is heel lief, dank je.That is very sweet, thank you.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ja, graag) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries graag, ja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
