Signification
Wishing someone strength.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the Dutch 'poldermodel' mentality—staying stable and working together through the storm. It's often said with a pat on the back. In Flanders, 'Hou je haaks' is understood but 'Houd u kloek' or 'Sterkte' is sometimes more common depending on the province. It is very common to use this in work emails when a project is failing or a colleague is leaving due to burnout. It shows empathy without being 'unprofessional'. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, #houjehaaks became a trending hashtag in the Netherlands to encourage people staying at home.
Add 'hè' for warmth
Adding 'hè' at the end ('Hou je haaks, hè?') makes it sound much more caring and less like a command.
Not for physical strength
Don't use this to tell someone to be physically strong at the gym. It's for life's problems.
Signification
Wishing someone strength.
Add 'hè' for warmth
Adding 'hè' at the end ('Hou je haaks, hè?') makes it sound much more caring and less like a command.
Not for physical strength
Don't use this to tell someone to be physically strong at the gym. It's for life's problems.
The 'Nuchter' factor
Dutch people appreciate this phrase because it's supportive without being 'too much'. Use it to sound more like a local.
Texting
In WhatsApp, you can just type 'Hou je haaks!' with a muscle emoji 💪 or a heart ❤️.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Ik weet dat je het druk hebt, maar hou je ______!
The idiom is 'Hou je haaks'.
In which situation is 'Hou je haaks' most appropriate?
Select the best scenario:
It is used for emotional support during difficult times.
Which of these is the most natural informal way to say 'Stay strong'?
Kies het juiste antwoord:
'Hou je haaks' is the standard informal reflexive imperative.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Morgen is de begrafenis van mijn opa.' B: 'Oh, wat erg. ______.'
This is a supportive phrase for someone going to a funeral.
Match the Dutch phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
These are all related but have slightly different nuances.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Encouragement Levels
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesIk weet dat je het druk hebt, maar hou je ______!
The idiom is 'Hou je haaks'.
Select the best scenario:
It is used for emotional support during difficult times.
Kies het juiste antwoord:
'Hou je haaks' is the standard informal reflexive imperative.
A: 'Morgen is de begrafenis van mijn opa.' B: 'Oh, wat erg. ______.'
This is a supportive phrase for someone going to a funeral.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all related but have slightly different nuances.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it is informal. Use 'Veel sterkte' for formal situations.
Technically yes, but it sounds very strange and is almost never used. Stick to 'Hou je haaks'.
'Sterkte' is a general wish for strength. 'Hou je haaks' is more like 'hang in there' and is more informal.
No, 'haak' is a hook, but 'haaks' means 'perpendicular' or 'square'.
No, it is only for difficult or stressful situations.
Yes, but less frequently than in the Netherlands. Flemish people might prefer 'Houd u kloek'.
A simple 'Bedankt' or 'Zal ik doen' (I will) is perfect.
In formal writing, yes. In speech and informal texts, no.
Yes, it's very common for parents to say this to children facing a challenge.
It has old roots, but it is still very much in use by all generations today.
Yes, it's great for someone with a stressful work week.
The muscle 💪, the anchor ⚓, or a simple heart ❤️.
Expressions liées
Hou je taai
similarKeep yourself tough/leathery
Sterkte
synonymStrength
Kop op
similarChin up
Zet 'm op
builds onGo for it
Niet bij de pakken neerzitten
similarDon't sit down by the packages (don't give up)
