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Dutch frequency list

No. 642 in Dutch

eigenlijk

Actually; really; in fact.

In a sentence

  • Eigenlijk begrijp ik niet wat hij bedoelt.

    Actually, I don't understand what he means.

    In this sentence, "eigenlijk" is used to start a statement where the speaker admits that a realization or truth is being shared, often implicit.

  • Ze vond het eigenlijk niet zo leuk om naar het feest te gaan.

    She actually didn't really enjoy going to the party.

    "Eigenlijk" is used here to underline that there might be an expectation contrary to the reality being expressed.

  • Wat wil je eigenlijk met dit project bereiken?

    What do you actually want to achieve with this project?

    Here, "eigenlijk" adds emphasis to a question, inquiring about the fundamental or true intention or goal.

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