Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| jouw | /jɑu̯/ | informal |
| je | /jə/ | informal |
| uw | /yu̯/ | formal |
All these forms are used as possessive determiners to indicate that something belongs to a single person (singular owner).
Which one should you use?
While all three words mean 'your', they are used in different contexts. je is the most common, unstressed form used in everyday informal speech. Use jouw when you want to emphasize that an object belongs specifically to you, such as saying 'That is *your* book, not mine'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality determines which word you choose. uw is the formal version and should be used when addressing elders, strangers or in professional settings to show respect. je and jouw are both informal.
How do you pronounce it?
/jɑu̯/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using jou to express ownership. jou is an object pronoun. Instead, use the possessive determiner jouw when you want to say 'your'.
Did you know?
- The formal uw can sometimes feel overly stiff or even sarcastic in casual modern Dutch settings, much like using 'thee' or 'thou' in certain English contexts.
- Despite their different modern sounds, jouw and uw are actually linguistic 'twins' that share the exact same Proto-Germanic ancestor.
- Dutch speakers may switch from uw to je mid-conversation to signal that a formal relationship has suddenly become friendly or intimate.
Examples in context
- Uw tijd is op.Your time is up.This sentence is useful for seeing the formal uw in a professional or serious context.Tatoeba #813889 by simonbr, translation #17347 by CK
- Je tijd is om.Your time is over.This sentence shows the common informal use of je.Tatoeba #1089796 by LaraCroft, translation #1085076 by AsliAbbasi
- Tom is je oom.Tom is your uncle.This sentence demonstrates how je is used to show a relationship.Tatoeba #5464483 by PaulP, translation #2273652 by CK
- Mag ik uw telefoon lenen?May I borrow your phone?
- Heeft u uw paspoort bij u?Do you have your passport with you?
- Kunt u uw naam spellen?Can you spell your name?
- Kun je jouw fiets even uitlenen?Can you lend me your bike?
- Heb je jouw boek gelezen?Have you read your book?
- Zou je jouw jas willen meenemen?Could you bring your coat?
- 5380 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Noah are looking for a misplaced book in the living room.
- EmmaIs dit jouw boek?Is this your book?
- NoahNee, dat is niet van mij.No, that is not mine.
- EmmaMisschien is het jouw schrift?Maybe it is your notebook?
- NoahJa, dat is het!Yes, that is it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “your” translations and entries jouw, je, uw, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jouw, uw, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
