This is the 5095th most frequent Dutch word.
ij
The "ij" in Dutch is a digraph representing a single vowel sound, pronounced like the English "ay" in "day."
In this sentence, 'ijs' refers to ice, which is a frozen state of water commonly found in cold weather or conditions.
Het ijs op de vijver is dik genoeg om op te schaatsen.
The ice on the pond is thick enough to skate on.
Here, 'ijs' is used in the context of 'ijsje', referring to ice cream, a dessert made from frozen dairy or fruit juice.
Ze kocht een ijsje bij de kraam op het plein.
She bought an ice cream at the stall on the square.
In Dutch geographic names, 'IJ' is part of the name 'IJssel', referring to a specific river, demonstrating its use in proper nouns.