drie zoenen
three kisses (Dutch greeting)
Advanced Phrase
🔊
Pronunciation
ˈdri ˈzunə(n)
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Cultural Note
The Dutch greeting tradition of three cheek kisses (right-left-right) is distinctive — most European countries do two or one. It's used among family, friends, and acquaintances at birthdays and special occasions. Post-COVID, this tradition has somewhat declined, with many people now preferring a simple handshake or hug.
📝 Example Sentences
In Nederland geven we drie zoenen: rechts, links, rechts.
In the Netherlands we give three kisses: right, left, right.
We begroetten elkaar met drie zoenen.
We greeted each other with three kisses.
Na corona geven minder mensen drie zoenen.
After COVID, fewer people give three kisses.