A2 Expression 중립

Wat bedoel je?

What do you mean?

Asking for clarification.

🌍

문화적 배경

The Dutch value 'Bespreken' (discussing everything). Asking 'Wat bedoel je?' is seen as a sign that you are taking the conversation seriously. Flemish Dutch can be slightly more indirect than Northern Dutch. You might hear 'Wat wilt u daarmee zeggen?' more often, which can be slightly softer. In Surinamese Dutch, the phrase is used similarly, but often accompanied by more expressive body language or the word 'toch' for emphasis. Expats often find 'Wat bedoel je?' too direct at first, but soon realize it is the fastest way to integrate into Dutch social circles.

💡

Add 'precies'

Adding 'precies' (exactly) makes you sound more like a native speaker and shows you are listening closely.

⚠️

Watch your tone

If said too loudly or sharply, it can sound like you are starting an argument. Keep it soft for clarification.

Asking for clarification.

💡

Add 'precies'

Adding 'precies' (exactly) makes you sound more like a native speaker and shows you are listening closely.

⚠️

Watch your tone

If said too loudly or sharply, it can sound like you are starting an argument. Keep it soft for clarification.

🎯

The 'U' Rule

When in doubt, use 'Wat bedoelt u?' with anyone older than you or in a professional setting.

💬

Don't be shy

Dutch people will not be offended if you ask this. They prefer clarity over confusion!

셀프 테스트

Fill in the correct form of the verb 'bedoelen'.

Wat ___ je met die opmerking?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: bedoel

Because 'je' follows the verb in a question, the '-t' is dropped.

Which sentence is the most formal?

Choose the correct formal version:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Wat bedoelt u?

'U' is the formal pronoun, and the verb keeps the '-t'.

Match the Dutch phrase to its English equivalent.

Match the following:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: a

All pairs are correctly matched in the options provided.

Complete the dialogue.

A: 'Het is hier een beetje een bende.' B: '___? Is het vies?'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Wat bedoel je

B is asking for clarification on the word 'bende' or the statement.

Which phrase fits best in a business meeting with a new client?

Select the best phrase:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Wat bedoelt u precies?

It uses the formal 'u' and 'precies' for professional clarity.

🎉 점수: /5

시각 학습 자료

Bedoelen vs. Betekenen

Bedoelen (People)
Wat bedoel je? What do you mean?
Betekenen (Things)
Wat betekent dit woord? What does this word mean?

연습 문제 은행

5 연습 문제
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'bedoelen'. Fill Blank A2

Wat ___ je met die opmerking?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: bedoel

Because 'je' follows the verb in a question, the '-t' is dropped.

Which sentence is the most formal? Choose A2

Choose the correct formal version:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Wat bedoelt u?

'U' is the formal pronoun, and the verb keeps the '-t'.

Match the Dutch phrase to its English equivalent. Match A2

왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: a

All pairs are correctly matched in the options provided.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

A: 'Het is hier een beetje een bende.' B: '___? Is het vies?'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Wat bedoel je

B is asking for clarification on the word 'bende' or the statement.

Which phrase fits best in a business meeting with a new client? situation_matching B1

Select the best phrase:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Wat bedoelt u precies?

It uses the formal 'u' and 'precies' for professional clarity.

🎉 점수: /5

자주 묻는 질문

14 질문

No, in Dutch culture, it is generally seen as a neutral and helpful question to ensure clear communication.

Yes, but 'Wat betekent [word]?' is slightly more specific for definitions.

'Bedoelen' is for people's intentions; 'betekenen' is for the meaning of things, words, or signs.

Use 'Wat bedoelt u?'.

Yes, it's a very common synonym, often used in casual conversation.

In Dutch, the '-t' is dropped from the verb when 'je' or 'jij' follows it in a question.

Yes, it's very common in work emails to clarify a point.

It means 'What do you mean by that?' and is used to refer to a specific statement.

You might hear 'Wat zeg je?' or 'Hoezo?' in very casual settings.

Add 'precies' or 'zou je kunnen uitleggen...' before the phrase.

It's better to use 'Wat zeg je?' or 'Pardon?' if you just missed the audio.

Yes, it is standard in both the Netherlands and Flanders.

The past tense is 'Wat bedoelde je?'.

Yes, 'Wat bedoel jij?' adds a bit of emphasis on the person.

관련 표현

🔗

Wat betekent dat?

similar

What does that mean?

🔄

Hoe bedoel je?

synonym

How do you mean?

🔗

Wat wil je zeggen?

similar

What do you want to say?

🔗

Begrijp je?

contrast

Do you understand?

🔗

Ik bedoel...

builds on

I mean...

🔗

Wat bedoelt u?

specialized form

What do you mean? (Formal)

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