Bijna means almost, indicating proximity to a state, quantity, or event.
It's a common adverb used in everyday Dutch speech and writing.
Use it when something is very close but not quite there yet.
Watch out for confusing it with 'nog' (still/yet).
Definition
'Bijna' is a Dutch adverb that translates to 'almost' in English. It indicates that something is very close to happening, being a certain way, or reaching a certain point, but not quite there yet.
Usage
It's used in a wide variety of contexts to express proximity in time, quantity, degree, or completion. You can use it to talk about things that are about to happen, things that are nearly complete, or quantities that are very close to a specific number.
Examples
Imagine you're waiting for a bus. If it's just around the corner, you could say, 'De bus is bijna hier.' (The bus is almost here.) If you're baking a cake and it's almost done, you might say, 'De taart is bijna klaar.' (The cake is almost ready.) When talking about numbers, if you have 99 euros and you need 100, you could say, 'Ik heb bijna honderd euro.' (I have almost a hundred euros.)
Het is bijna middernacht.
The clock is striking midnight, but it's not quite there yet.
Ik ben bijna klaar met mijn werk.
The work is very close to being finished.
We hebben bijna genoeg geld voor de vakantie.
The amount of money is very close to the required amount.
Temporal Proximity
Used to indicate that an event is about to happen. For example: 'De trein vertrekt bijna.' (The train departs almost.)
Proximity in Quantity/Degree
Used when a number or amount is very close to a specific figure. For example: 'Het kost bijna tien euro.' (It costs almost ten euros.) or 'Hij is bijna net zo oud als ik.' (He is almost as old as I am.)
Proximity in Completion
Used to describe a task or process that is nearly finished. For example: 'Het huis is bijna afgebouwd.' (The house is almost finished.)
Placement in a Sentence
'Bijna' is an adverb and typically modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Its position in a sentence can vary, but it often appears before the word it modifies. For example, it can come before the main verb, before an adjective, or before another adverb.
With Verbs
When modifying a verb, 'bijna' indicates that the action is very close to happening or being completed.
De film begint bijna.
The film is about to start.
Ik heb bijna alles gegeten.
I have eaten nearly everything.
With Adjectives
When 'bijna' modifies an adjective, it means that the quality described by the adjective is almost present to a full degree.
Dit is bijna perfect.
This is very close to being perfect.
Hij is bijna volwassen.
He is nearing adulthood.
With Adverbs
'Bijna' can also modify other adverbs to intensify the sense of proximity.
Hij rijdt bijna te snel.
He is driving almost too fast.
With Quantities and Numbers
This is a very common use case for 'bijna'.
Er waren bijna honderd mensen.
There were nearly a hundred people.
De prijs is bijna verdubbeld.
The price has almost doubled.
In Questions
'Bijna' can be used in questions to inquire about the proximity of something.
Is het bijna tijd om te gaan?
Is it almost time to go?
Emphasis
You can place emphasis on 'bijna' by stressing it in speech or by using it in contexts where the proximity is significant.
Ik ben bijna helemaal alleen hier.
I am almost completely alone here.
Everyday Conversations
'Bijna' is an extremely common word and you'll hear it constantly in daily Dutch conversations. People use it to describe their progress on tasks, the time of day, distances, quantities, and general states of being close to something. For instance, friends might discuss when they'll meet: 'Ik ben er bijna!' (I'm almost there!) or 'Het duurt bijna niet meer lang.' (It won't take much longer, it's almost done.)
In Shops and Markets
When buying things, especially items sold by weight or quantity, 'bijna' is frequently used. A shopkeeper might say, 'Dit is bijna een kilo appels.' (This is almost a kilo of apples.) or a customer might ask, 'Heb je bijna nog een van deze?' (Do you have almost one more of these?). It's also used when discussing prices: 'Dat kost bijna niets.' (That costs almost nothing.)
When Talking About Travel and Time
Discussions about journeys, arrival times, or the completion of a trip often involve 'bijna'. 'We zijn er bijna!' (We are almost there!) is a classic phrase. Similarly, when talking about the time of day, like nearing a specific hour: 'Het is bijna etenstijd.' (It's almost dinnertime.)
In Educational Settings
Teachers use 'bijna' to encourage students or to indicate progress. 'Je bent bijna klaar met je oefening.' (You are almost finished with your exercise.) Students might use it to ask for help when they're close to finishing but stuck: 'Ik kom er bijna uit, maar...' (I'm almost figuring it out, but...).
In Media and News
News reports, articles, and broadcasts use 'bijna' to describe situations that are on the verge of change or completion. For example, a report on a political negotiation might state, 'De partijen zijn bijna tot een akkoord gekomen.' (The parties have almost reached an agreement.) or a weather report might say, 'De temperatuur zal bijna de 20 graden bereiken.' (The temperature will almost reach 20 degrees.)
Informal Chat and Texting
In informal written communication, like text messages or social media, 'bijna' is used just as frequently. It's a quick and easy way to convey that something is nearly done or about to happen. 'Nog bijna wakker!' (Almost awake!) or 'Eten is bijna klaar!' (Dinner is almost ready!).
Confusing 'Bijna' with 'Nog' (Still/Yet)
A common pitfall for learners is confusing 'bijna' (almost) with 'nog' (still/yet). While both can relate to a state of incompletion, they convey different nuances. 'Nog' implies that something has not yet happened or is continuing, whereas 'bijna' implies that it is very close to happening or being completed. For example, 'Ik ben bijna klaar' means 'I am almost finished.' If you said 'Ik ben nog klaar', it would be grammatically incorrect or imply 'I am still finished', which doesn't make sense in most contexts. The correct way to say 'I am not finished yet' is 'Ik ben nog niet klaar.'
Incorrect: Ik ben nog klaar.
This mixes the meaning of 'nog' and 'bijna'.
Correct: Ik ben bijna klaar.
Meaning: I am almost finished.
Correct: Ik ben nog niet klaar.
Meaning: I am not finished yet.
Using 'Bijna' with 'Niet' (Not)
While 'bijna' means 'almost', combining it directly with 'niet' (not) can sometimes lead to confusion or sound awkward if not used carefully. 'Bijna niet' usually means 'hardly' or 'scarcely', indicating something is happening very rarely or to a very small extent. However, learners might incorrectly think it means 'almost not', which is different. For example, 'Hij eet bijna niet' means 'He hardly eats.' It does not mean 'He almost doesn't eat' in the sense of 'he is very close to not eating at all'. If you mean 'he is very close to not eating', you would phrase it differently, perhaps 'Hij eet bijna niets meer' (He eats almost nothing anymore).
Potentially confusing: Ik ben bijna niet moe.
This sounds like 'I am hardly tired', which is correct, but learners might misinterpret it.
Clearer: Ik ben nauwelijks moe.
'Nauwelijks' is a synonym for 'bijna niet' (hardly).
Overuse
Like any common word, 'bijna' can be overused. While it's a useful word, relying on it too much might make your Dutch sound repetitive. Try to vary your vocabulary and use synonyms or different sentence structures when appropriate. For example, instead of saying 'Het is bijna klaar' every time, you could sometimes say 'Het is bijna af' or 'Het is bijna voltooid', depending on the context.
Misplacing 'Bijna' in the Sentence
While 'bijna' is flexible, placing it incorrectly can sometimes alter the meaning or make the sentence sound unnatural. Generally, it precedes the word it modifies (verb, adjective, adverb). If you place it too far from the word it's meant to modify, or at the very end of a sentence without clear context, it can lead to ambiguity.
Less natural: Ik ben klaar, bijna.
While understandable, placing 'bijna' at the end is less common for this meaning.
More natural: Ik ben bijna klaar.
'Bijna' directly precedes the adjective.
Almost (General)
Bijna is the most common and versatile word for 'almost'. It can be used in almost any context where something is close to a state, quantity, or event, without quite reaching it. It's suitable for all registers, from informal to formal.
De trein is bijna hier.
The train is almost here.
Hardly / Scarcely
Nauwelijks and bijna niet both translate to 'hardly' or 'scarcely'. They indicate that something is happening to a very small extent, or is very rare. This is different from 'bijna', which implies proximity to a full state. Nauwelijks: This is a more formal and often preferred alternative to 'bijna niet'. It implies a minimal amount or degree.
Ik heb nauwelijks geslapen.
I have hardly slept.Bijna niet: This is a more direct translation of 'almost not', but it generally means 'hardly'.
Hij eet bijna niet.
He hardly eats.
Nearly / Close to
Dichtbij literally means 'close by' or 'near', and can sometimes be used in a figurative sense to mean 'close to' a certain state or number, but it's less common as a direct adverbial substitute for 'bijna' when referring to abstract concepts like completion or degree. It's more about physical proximity or a close relationship.
Incorrect for abstract meaning: De tijd is dichtbij.
This would typically mean 'The time is close by' (physically).
Correct usage: De winkel is dichtbij.
The shop is close by.
Nearly (in quantity)
Om en nabij is a more formal phrase that means 'approximately' or 'around'. It's often used with numbers and quantities, similar to 'bijna', but it feels more like an estimation.
Er waren om en nabij honderd bezoekers.
There were approximately a hundred visitors.
About to / On the verge of
While 'bijna' can imply this, phrases like op het punt staan om (to be about to) or op de drempel staan van (to be on the threshold of) are more explicit. These are verb phrases rather than single adverbs.
Hij staat op het punt om te vertrekken.
He is about to leave.
We staan op de drempel van een nieuw tijdperk.
We are on the threshold of a new era.
How Formal Is It?
Formal
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Neutral
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Informal
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Child friendly
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Slang
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Fun Fact
The word 'bijna' has a long history in the Dutch language, appearing in texts from the Middle Ages. Its consistent usage highlights the importance of expressing proximity and near completion in communication. Interestingly, while the meaning has remained stable, its exact linguistic predecessor is debated among etymologists.
As a high-frequency word at the A1 level, 'bijna' is encountered very early in reading materials. Its meaning is usually clear from context, making it easy to understand in simple sentences.
Writing1/5
Learners at the A1 level can easily incorporate 'bijna' into their writing to express proximity or near completion, especially in simple sentence structures.
Speaking1/5
The pronunciation is relatively straightforward, and its common usage makes it easy to integrate into spoken Dutch from an early stage.
Listening1/5
'Bijna' is pronounced clearly and frequently, making it easy for learners to recognize in spoken Dutch.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
iszijntijdklaargoedveelweinigikjijhijzijhet
Learn Next
nognauwelijksongeveerzowatom en nabijvolledighelemaal
Advanced
kantje-boordjeop het nippertjeampergrenzen aan
Grammar to Know
Adverb Placement
'Bijna' is an adverb and typically precedes the word it modifies (verb, adjective, or another adverb). For example: 'Ik ben bijna klaar' (I am almost ready).
Use with Negation
'Bijna niet' means 'hardly' or 'scarcely'. Example: 'Hij eet bijna niet.' (He hardly eats.)
Comparison
'Bijna' can be used in comparisons to indicate similarity in degree. Example: 'Hij is bijna net zo oud als ik.' (He is almost as old as I am.)
Time Expressions
It's commonly used with time-related nouns. Example: 'Het is bijna middernacht.' (It is almost midnight.)
Quantifiers
It can modify quantifiers. Example: 'Er waren bijna honderd mensen.' (There were almost a hundred people.)
'Bijna' modifies the numerical duration 'drie uur' (three hours).
1
De vergadering is bijna begonnen, dus we moeten opschieten.
The meeting has almost started, so we need to hurry.
'Bijna' modifies the verb 'begonnen' (started), emphasizing the need for haste.
2
Ik heb bijna alle hoofdstukken van het boek gelezen.
I have read almost all chapters of the book.
'Bijna' modifies the quantifier 'alle hoofdstukken' (all chapters).
3
De kans dat dit gebeurt is bijna nul.
The chance of this happening is almost zero.
'Bijna' modifies the numerical value 'nul' (zero), indicating extreme improbability.
4
Het is bijna onmogelijk om dit te doen zonder hulp.
It is almost impossible to do this without help.
'Bijna' modifies the adjective 'onmogelijk' (impossible), indicating extreme difficulty.
5
Hij is bijna een beroemde schilder geworden.
He has almost become a famous painter.
'Bijna' modifies the verb phrase 'een beroemde schilder geworden' (become a famous painter), indicating near achievement.
6
De prijs is bijna verdubbeld sinds vorig jaar.
The price has almost doubled since last year.
'Bijna' modifies the verb 'verdubbeld' (doubled), indicating a substantial increase.
7
We zijn bijna aan het eind van de maand.
We are almost at the end of the month.
'Bijna' modifies the prepositional phrase 'aan het eind van de maand' (at the end of the month).
8
Ze heeft bijna geen energie meer over.
She has almost no energy left.
'Bijna geen' functions as 'almost no', modifying 'energie meer over' (energy left).
1
De economische groei is bijna tot stilstand gekomen door de crisis.
Economic growth has almost come to a standstill due to the crisis.
'Bijna' modifies the verb phrase 'tot stilstand gekomen' (come to a standstill), indicating a near cessation of growth.
2
Het is bijna onvoorstelbaar hoe snel de technologie zich ontwikkelt.
It is almost unimaginable how quickly technology is developing.
'Bijna' modifies the adjective 'onvoorstelbaar' (unimaginable), emphasizing the surprising speed of development.
3
Hij heeft bijna de hele nacht wakker gelegen, piekerend over zijn toekomst.
He has lain awake almost the entire night, worrying about his future.
'Bijna' modifies the temporal phrase 'de hele nacht' (the entire night), indicating a near-complete duration.
4
De consensus onder experts is bijna universeel wat betreft dit onderwerp.
The consensus among experts is almost universal regarding this topic.
'Bijna' modifies the adjective 'universeel' (universal), indicating a very high degree of agreement.
5
De kans op succes is, ondanks de tegenslagen, nog steeds bijna vijftig procent.
The chance of success, despite the setbacks, is still almost fifty percent.
'Bijna' modifies the numerical percentage 'vijftig procent' (fifty percent), indicating it's very close to that mark.
6
De nieuwe wetgeving zal de situatie bijna volledig veranderen.
The new legislation will change the situation almost completely.
'Bijna' modifies the adverb 'volledig' (completely), indicating a near-total change.
7
Het project heeft bijna alle gestelde doelen bereikt.
The project has achieved almost all the set goals.
'Bijna' modifies the quantifier 'alle gestelde doelen' (all set goals).
8
De kosten zullen bijna het dubbele zijn van wat we oorspronkelijk dachten.
The costs will be almost double what we originally thought.
'Bijna' modifies the comparative phrase 'het dubbele zijn' (be double).
1
De politieke situatie is zo complex dat het bijna ondoenlijk is om een eenduidige oplossing te vinden.
The political situation is so complex that it is almost unfeasible to find a clear-cut solution.
'Bijna' modifies the adjective 'ondoenlijk' (unfeasible/impossible to do), emphasizing the extreme difficulty of finding a solution.
2
Zijn prestatie was zo indrukwekkend dat hij bijna de wereldrecordhouder werd.
His performance was so impressive that he almost became the world record holder.
'Bijna' modifies the verb phrase 'de wereldrecordhouder werd' (became the world record holder), indicating a very close achievement.
3
De impact van de nieuwe technologie op de maatschappij is bijna transformerend.
The impact of the new technology on society is almost transformative.
'Bijna' modifies the adjective 'transformerend' (transformative), emphasizing the profound nature of the impact.
4
Na jaren van onderzoek is het bijna een doorbraak te noemen wat ze hebben bereikt.
After years of research, what they have achieved can almost be called a breakthrough.
'Bijna' modifies the verb phrase 'een doorbraak te noemen' (called a breakthrough), suggesting it is very close to being one.
5
Het is bijna een kunst op zich om met zo weinig middelen zo'n resultaat te behalen.
It is almost an art in itself to achieve such a result with so few resources.
'Bijna' modifies the noun phrase 'een kunst op zich' (an art in itself), highlighting the skill involved.
6
De verandering in zijn gedrag was zo subtiel dat het bijna onopgemerkt bleef.
The change in his behavior was so subtle that it went almost unnoticed.
'Bijna' modifies the adverb 'onopgemerkt' (unnoticed), indicating it was very close to being missed.
7
De kritiek op het beleid was bijna universeel, met slechts enkele dissidenten.
The criticism of the policy was almost universal, with only a few dissenters.
'Bijna' modifies the adjective 'universeel' (universal), indicating a very high degree of widespread criticism.
8
Het is bijna een wonder dat niemand gewond is geraakt bij het ongeluk.
It is almost a miracle that no one was injured in the accident.
'Bijna' modifies the noun phrase 'een wonder' (a miracle), implying it was an extremely fortunate outcome.
1
De filosofische implicaties van zijn theorie zijn zo diepgaand dat ze bijna de grenzen van het menselijk begrip tarten.
The philosophical implications of his theory are so profound that they almost defy the limits of human understanding.
'Bijna' modifies the verb phrase 'de grenzen van het menselijk begrip tarten' (defy the limits of human understanding), suggesting they are extremely close to being beyond comprehension.
2
Zijn vermogen om complexe problemen op te lossen, was zo uitzonderlijk dat men hem bijna als een genie kon beschouwen.
His ability to solve complex problems was so exceptional that one could almost consider him a genius.
'Bijna' modifies the verb phrase 'als een genie kon beschouwen' (consider him a genius), indicating a very high level of perceived brilliance.
3
De historische parallel met de huidige gebeurtenissen is zo treffend dat het bijna beangstigend is.
The historical parallel with current events is so striking that it is almost frightening.
'Bijna' modifies the adjective 'beangstigend' (frightening), emphasizing the unsettling nature of the similarity.
4
Het literaire meesterwerk was zo perfect geconstrueerd dat het bijna een organisch geheel leek te zijn.
The literary masterpiece was so perfectly constructed that it almost seemed to be an organic whole.
'Bijna' modifies the adjective phrase 'een organisch geheel' (an organic whole), suggesting a seamless and natural integration.
5
De subtiliteit van de emotionele ontwikkeling van het personage was zo geraffineerd dat het bijna tastbaar werd.
The subtlety of the character's emotional development was so refined that it almost became tangible.
'Bijna' modifies the verb phrase 'tastbaar werd' (became tangible), emphasizing the vividness of the portrayal.
6
De convergentie van de verschillende disciplines was zo compleet dat het bijna een nieuwe wetenschap creëerde.
The convergence of the different disciplines was so complete that it almost created a new science.
'Bijna' modifies the verb phrase 'een nieuwe wetenschap creëerde' (created a new science), indicating a significant, emergent outcome.
7
Zijn analyse van de problematiek was zo scherpzinnig dat het bijna profetisch aandeed.
His analysis of the problem was so insightful that it almost seemed prophetic.
'Bijna' modifies the verb phrase 'profetisch aandeed' (seemed prophetic), highlighting the exceptional foresight of the analysis.
8
De integratie van de culturele elementen was zo naadloos dat het bijna onmogelijk was om de oorspronkelijke bronnen te onderscheiden.
The integration of the cultural elements was so seamless that it was almost impossible to distinguish the original sources.
'Bijna' modifies the adjective phrase 'onmogelijk was om de oorspronkelijke bronnen te onderscheiden' (impossible to distinguish the original sources), emphasizing the extreme difficulty of differentiation.
— Almost home. Indicates that one is very close to their residence.
We zijn er <strong>bijna thuis</strong>, nog vijf minuten rijden.
Often Confused With
bijnavsnog
'Nog' means 'still' or 'yet'. While both relate to incompletion, 'bijna' signifies proximity to completion, whereas 'nog' indicates something hasn't happened or is ongoing. For example, 'Ik ben bijna klaar' (I'm almost done) is different from 'Ik ben nog niet klaar' (I'm not yet done).
bijnavsnauwelijks
'Nauwelijks' means 'hardly' or 'scarcely'. It's used when something happens to a minimal extent, whereas 'bijna' means 'almost', implying proximity to a full state.
bijnavsongeveer
'Ongeveer' means 'about' or 'approximately'. It's generally used for estimations of quantities, whereas 'bijna' can also refer to the proximity of an event or a state of being.
— To be very close to becoming a topic of debate or controversy.
Die uitspraak van de politicus is bijna een punt van discussie geworden.
Easily Confused
bijnavsnog
Both words relate to a state of incompletion or a process that is not yet finished.
'Bijna' means 'almost', indicating something is very close to completion or happening. 'Nog' means 'still' or 'yet', indicating that something has not happened or is continuing. For instance, 'Ik ben <strong>bijna</strong> klaar' (I am <strong>almost</strong> finished) implies being very close to done, while 'Ik ben <strong>nog</strong> niet klaar' (I am <strong>not yet</strong> finished) implies there's still a significant amount of work to do. The key is the proximity to the end state.
Ik ben <strong>bijna</strong> klaar met mijn boek. (I am almost finished with my book.) vs. Ik ben <strong>nog</strong> niet klaar met mijn boek. (I am not yet finished with my book.)
bijnavsnauwelijks
Both 'bijna' and 'nauwelijks' can be used to describe small quantities or minimal occurrences.
'Bijna' means 'almost', implying proximity to a certain quantity or state. 'Nauwelijks' means 'hardly' or 'scarcely', indicating that something happens to a very small extent or is barely noticeable. For example, 'Ik heb <strong>bijna</strong> geen geld' (I have <strong>almost</strong> no money) suggests the amount is very small but perhaps not zero. 'Ik heb <strong>nauwelijks</strong> geld' (I have <strong>hardly</strong> any money) emphasizes that the amount is extremely minimal, almost negligible.
Ik heb <strong>bijna</strong> geen tijd. (I have almost no time - implies very little time left). vs. Ik heb <strong>nauwelijks</strong> tijd. (I have hardly any time - implies extreme lack of time.)
bijnavsongeveer
Both words are used to provide estimations, particularly with numbers and quantities.
'Bijna' means 'almost', indicating something is very close to a specific number or amount. 'Ongeveer' means 'about' or 'approximately', signifying a general estimation that could be slightly above or below the stated figure. For instance, 'Er waren <strong>bijna</strong> honderd mensen' (There were <strong>almost</strong> a hundred people) suggests the number was very close to 100, perhaps 98 or 99. 'Er waren <strong>ongeveer</strong> honderd mensen' (There were <strong>about</strong> a hundred people) could mean anywhere from 90 to 110.
Hij is <strong>bijna</strong> 30 jaar oud. (He is almost 30 years old - likely 29 or late 29). vs. Hij is <strong>ongeveer</strong> 30 jaar oud. (He is about 30 years old - could be 28, 29, 30, 31, 32.)
bijnavsvolledig
They represent opposite ends of a spectrum of completion.
'Bijna' means 'almost', indicating a state very close to completion. 'Volledig' means 'completely' or 'fully', indicating that something is finished or total. If something is 'bijna klaar', it is not yet 'volledig' done. They are antonyms in the context of completion. 'Hij is <strong>bijna</strong> klaar' implies there's still a little bit to do, whereas 'Hij is <strong>volledig</strong> klaar' means there is nothing left to do.
De taak is <strong>bijna</strong> voltooid. (The task is almost completed.) vs. De taart is <strong>volledig</strong> op. (The cake is completely gone.)
bijnavszowat
Both are used informally to express 'almost'.
'Bijna' is the standard and universally understood word for 'almost'. 'Zowat' is a more colloquial and informal synonym, primarily used in spoken Dutch. While they can often be interchanged in casual conversation, 'bijna' is appropriate in all registers, whereas 'zowat' is best avoided in formal settings.
Ik ben <strong>bijna</strong> thuis. (I am almost home.) vs. Ik ben <strong>zowat</strong> thuis. (I am almost home - informal.)
Sentence Patterns
A1
Subject + is/zijn + bijna + Adjective
De taart is <strong>bijna</strong> klaar.
A1
Subject + is/zijn + bijna + Noun
Het is <strong>bijna</strong> avond.
A2
Subject + Verb + bijna + Quantity
Ik heb <strong>bijna</strong> alles gegeten.
A2
Subject + is/zijn + bijna + Location/Time Phrase
We zijn <strong>bijna thuis</strong>.
B1
Bijna niet + Verb
Hij slaapt <strong>bijna niet</strong>.
B1
Het is bijna + Noun
Het is <strong>bijna</strong> elf uur.
B2
Subject + Verb + bijna + Adverb
De prijs is <strong>bijna</strong> verdubbeld.
C1
Bijna + Verb Phrase
Hij heeft <strong>bijna</strong> de eerste prijs gewonnen.
Confusing 'bijna' with 'nog'.→Bijna = almost; Nog = still/yet.
'Bijna' indicates being very close to completion or a specific state. 'Nog' indicates that something has not happened yet or is continuing. For example, 'Ik ben <strong>bijna</strong> klaar' (I'm <strong>almost</strong> done) is different from 'Ik ben <strong>nog</strong> niet klaar' (I'm <strong>not yet</strong> done).
Using 'bijna' where 'nauwelijks' (hardly) is more appropriate.→'Bijna' = almost; 'Nauwelijks' = hardly/scarcely.
'Bijna' implies proximity to a full state or quantity. 'Nauwelijks' implies a minimal or negligible amount. For example, 'Ik heb <strong>bijna</strong> geen geld' (I have <strong>almost</strong> no money) is about the quantity being very low, while 'Ik heb <strong>nauwelijks</strong> geld' (I have <strong>hardly</strong> any money) emphasizes how little money there is, to the point of being insignificant.
Incorrect placement of 'bijna' in a sentence.→Adverbs like 'bijna' usually precede the word they modify.
While Dutch word order can be flexible, placing 'bijna' too far from the verb or adjective it modifies can sound unnatural or change the emphasis. For instance, 'Ik ben klaar, <strong>bijna</strong>' is less common than 'Ik ben <strong>bijna</strong> klaar'.
Using 'bijna niet' to mean 'almost not' in all contexts.→'Bijna niet' generally means 'hardly' or 'scarcely'.
While 'bijna niet' literally translates to 'almost not', its common usage is 'hardly'. For example, 'Hij komt <strong>bijna niet</strong>' means 'He <strong>hardly</strong> comes'. It doesn't mean 'He is very close to not coming' in the sense of being on the verge of not coming at all.
Confusing 'bijna' with 'volledig' (completely).→'Bijna' = almost; 'Volledig' = completely.
These are opposites in terms of completion. If something is 'bijna klaar', it is not yet 'volledig' done. Using them interchangeably would misrepresent the state of completion.
Tips
Master the 'ij' Sound
The 'ij' in 'bijna' is a crucial sound. Practice the Dutch 'ij' sound (similar to English 'eye') to ensure clear pronunciation. Listen to native speakers and try to mimic them.
Visual Associations
Create vivid mental images for 'bijna'. Imagine a race where the runner is just a step away from the finish line, or a cake that's almost perfectly frosted. These visuals can make the word more memorable.
Sentence Building
Actively construct sentences using 'bijna' in different contexts. Try describing your daily activities: 'Ik ben bijna wakker', 'Het ontbijt is bijna klaar', 'Ik moet bijna de deur uit'.
Adverb Placement
Remember that 'bijna' is an adverb and usually comes before the verb, adjective, or adverb it modifies. This placement is key to forming correct sentences.
Synonym Awareness
While 'bijna' is the most common word for 'almost', be aware of synonyms like 'zowat' (informal) and 'ongeveer' (approximately) to enrich your vocabulary and use the most appropriate word for the situation.
Distinguish from 'Nog'
A common mistake is confusing 'bijna' (almost) with 'nog' (still/yet). 'Bijna' implies nearing completion, while 'nog' implies incompletion or continuation. Always check if you mean 'close to finishing' or 'not finished yet'.
Everyday Use
Notice how often 'bijna' is used in everyday Dutch conversations. This high frequency indicates its importance and practicality in daily life, making it a vital word for learners.
Active Listening
When listening to Dutch, actively listen for the word 'bijna'. Try to guess its meaning based on the context before you even hear the translation. This will improve your comprehension skills.
Confidence in Use
Don't hesitate to use 'bijna' in your spoken Dutch. Even if you make a small mistake, Dutch speakers will appreciate your effort. The more you use it, the more natural it will become.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you are waiting for a bus. The bus is 'bijna' here, meaning it's very close, 'bij na' (by the next moment). You can visualize the bus appearing right after the word 'bijna'.
Visual Association
Picture a race where a runner is just inches away from the finish line. They are 'bijna' finished. The image of being so close to the goal helps remember the meaning.
Word Web
{"topic":"Meaning","keywords":["almost","nearly","close to"]}{"topic":"Usage","keywords":["time","quantity","completion","degree"]}{"topic":"Examples","keywords":["bijna klaar","bijna tijd","bijna hier"]}{"topic":"Related words","keywords":["nauwelijks","ongeveer","zowat"]}{"topic":"Contexts","keywords":["daily life","shops","travel"]}{"topic":"Opposites","keywords":["volledig","helemaal","nooit"]}{"topic":"Pronunciation","keywords":["BIJ-na","bay-nah"]}{"topic":"Common phrases","keywords":["bijna niet te geloven","bijna jarig"]}
Challenge
Try to describe your current situation using 'bijna'. For example, 'Ik ben bijna klaar met deze oefening,' or 'Het is bijna avond.' This will help you internalize the word's usage in real-time.
Word Origin
The word 'bijna' originates from Middle Dutch. It is believed to be a contraction or modification of older forms related to proximity or nearness. The etymological roots suggest a connection to concepts of 'being near' or 'approaching'.
Original meaning: The original meaning was likely similar to 'near' or 'close', evolving into the adverbial sense of 'almost' over time.
Indo-European > Germanic > West Germanic > Dutch
Cultural Context
The word 'bijna' itself is neutral and does not carry any sensitive connotations. Its usage is generally straightforward and depends on the context.
In English-speaking cultures, similar concepts are expressed with 'almost', 'nearly', 'about to', or 'just before'. The usage of 'bijna' aligns with these in terms of conveying proximity to a goal or event.
The phrase 'bijna jarig' (almost having a birthday) is a common topic of conversation, especially among children excited for their birthdays.Discussions about travel often involve 'bijna hier' (almost here) when people are en route.In weather forecasts, 'bijna 20 graden' (almost 20 degrees) is a frequent expression for temperature approximations.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Talking about the time of day or upcoming events.
Het is bijna etenstijd.
De trein vertrekt bijna.
Bijna vakantie!
Describing the completion of a task or process.
Ik ben bijna klaar.
Het huis is bijna af.
Bijna voltooid.
Estimating quantities or amounts.
Bijna honderd euro.
We hebben bijna genoeg.
Bijna de helft.
Discussing proximity or nearness.
Bijna hier.
Bijna thuis.
Bijna aan het einde.
Expressing near misses or close calls.
Bijna de boot gemist.
Bijna mijn hand gebrand.
Bijna gevallen.
Conversation Starters
"Hoe lang duurt het nog voordat je bijna klaar bent met je werk?"
"Is het al bijna tijd voor de lunch? Ik heb honger!"
"Zijn we bijna thuis? Ik wil graag mijn bed zien."
"Hoeveel geld heb je bijna gespaard voor je nieuwe fiets?"
"Is het weer bijna zomer? Ik hoop het wel!"
Journal Prompts
Schrijf over iets dat je bijna hebt bereikt, maar nog niet helemaal. Beschrijf wat er nog moet gebeuren om het volledig te voltooien.
Beschrijf een situatie waarin je bijna een fout hebt gemaakt. Wat gebeurde er en hoe heb je het voorkomen?
Denk na over een doel dat je bijna hebt bereikt. Welke stappen heb je gezet en wat voel je nu je er zo dichtbij bent?
Beschrijf een reis die je bijna hebt gemaakt, maar die uiteindelijk niet doorging. Wat waren de redenen en hoe voelde dat?
Schrijf over een keer dat je bijna iets belangrijks hebt gemist. Wat was het en hoe ben je er toch nog bij gekomen?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions
The Dutch word 'bijna' directly translates to 'almost' in English and is used in very similar ways. Both indicate that something is very close to happening or being a certain way, but not quite there yet. For example, 'Ik ben bijna klaar' means 'I am almost finished'.
Yes, but it changes the meaning. 'Bijna niet' means 'hardly' or 'scarcely'. For example, 'Hij eet bijna niet' means 'He hardly eats'. This is different from saying 'He almost doesn't eat', which would require a different phrasing like 'Hij eet bijna niets meer'.
Generally, yes. As an adverb, 'bijna' typically precedes the verb, adjective, or adverb it modifies. For example, 'De film is bijna klaar' (The film is almost ready). However, in spoken Dutch, there can be some flexibility, but placing it before is the standard and safest option for learners.
Yes, very common ones include 'bijna klaar' (almost finished), 'bijna tijd' (almost time), 'bijna hier' (almost here), and 'bijna nooit' (almost never). Learning these phrases will help you use 'bijna' naturally in conversations.
Absolutely! It's very common to use 'bijna' with numbers to indicate an approximation that is very close to the exact figure. For example, 'Er waren bijna vijftig mensen' means 'There were almost fifty people', suggesting the number was 48, 49, or perhaps even 50 but just shy of being exactly that.
'Bijna' means 'almost' and implies being very close to a specific number or state. 'Ongeveer' means 'about' or 'approximately' and suggests a more general estimation that could be slightly higher or lower. For example, 'bijna tien' is very close to 10, while 'ongeveer tien' could be 9, 10, or 11.
The stress is on the first syllable: BIJ-na. The 'ij' sound is like the English 'eye' sound. So, it sounds similar to 'by-nah'.
Yes, it can. For example, 'Ik ben bijna verdrietig' (I am almost sad) or 'Hij is bijna boos' (He is almost angry). It indicates that the emotion is present to a significant degree, but not fully experienced.
'Bijna' is a neutral word and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its informal counterpart in some contexts is 'zowat'.
If you confuse it with words like 'nog' (still/yet) or 'nauwelijks' (hardly), your meaning might be misunderstood. For example, saying 'Ik ben nog klaar' instead of 'Ik ben bijna klaar' would be incorrect and confusing.
The Dutch adverb 'bijna' signifies 'almost', indicating that something is very close to a specific state, quantity, or event without fully reaching it. It's a versatile word used across various contexts in everyday Dutch communication.
Bijna means almost, indicating proximity to a state, quantity, or event.
It's a common adverb used in everyday Dutch speech and writing.
Use it when something is very close but not quite there yet.
Watch out for confusing it with 'nog' (still/yet).
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Context is Key
The meaning of 'bijna' is always tied to the context. Whether it refers to time, quantity, completion, or degree, pay attention to the surrounding words to understand exactly what is being approximated.
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Master the 'ij' Sound
The 'ij' in 'bijna' is a crucial sound. Practice the Dutch 'ij' sound (similar to English 'eye') to ensure clear pronunciation. Listen to native speakers and try to mimic them.
🧠
Visual Associations
Create vivid mental images for 'bijna'. Imagine a race where the runner is just a step away from the finish line, or a cake that's almost perfectly frosted. These visuals can make the word more memorable.
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Sentence Building
Actively construct sentences using 'bijna' in different contexts. Try describing your daily activities: 'Ik ben bijna wakker', 'Het ontbijt is bijna klaar', 'Ik moet bijna de deur uit'.
