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Dutch frequency list

No. 2,940 in Dutch

balen

To be annoyed, disappointed, or frustrated.

In a sentence

  • Het regent vandaag, en ik had net plannen gemaakt om naar buiten te gaan. Echt balen!

    It's raining today, and I had just made plans to go outside. What a bummer!

    Here, "balen" is used informally to express disappointment or frustration about an unexpected, undesirable situation.

  • Ik moet toegeven, toen de voetbalwedstrijd werd afgelast, vond ik het niet erg, maar mijn vriend balende enorm.

    I have to admit, when the football match was canceled, I didn't mind, but my friend was very upset.

    In this instance, "balen" is used to describe someone feeling upset or let down by a disappointing event.

  • Tijdens de vergadering zat ik te balen omdat mijn voorstel werd afgewezen.

    During the meeting, I was frustrated because my proposal was rejected.

    Here, "balen" conveys the feeling of personal frustration or dissatisfaction stemming from a setback.

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