drie zoenen
three kisses (Dutch greeting tradition)
Beginner Phrase
🔊
Pronunciation
/driː ˈzu.nən/
💡
Cultural Note
The Dutch tradition of greeting with three alternating cheek kisses (right-left-right) is unique -- most other European countries use one or two. It is done between friends and family at birthdays and celebrations. Since COVID, this custom has become less universal, with more people opting for handshakes.
📝 Example Sentences
In Nederland geven we drie zoenen bij het begroeten.
In the Netherlands, we give three kisses when greeting.
Ze gaf hem drie zoenen op zijn wangen.
She gave him three kisses on his cheeks.
Bij ons is het drie zoenen: links, rechts, links.
For us it's three kisses: left, right, left.