Breakdown of Het is toch mooi.
mooi
beautiful
het
it
toch
still, anyway (particle) / right? (question tag)
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Questions & Answers about Het is toch mooi.
What does toch mean in this sentence?
Toch is a very common Dutch word that changes meaning depending on context. Here, it translates to "anyway", "still", or "nevertheless". You would use it to point out something positive despite a negative situation, like saying a cold, snowy day is beautiful anyway.
What if I turned this sentence into a question? Does toch change meaning?
Yes! If you said Het is toch mooi?, the meaning of toch changes completely. In a question, it acts as a way to ask for agreement, meaning "It is beautiful, isn't it?" or "Surely it's beautiful?".
How do I pronounce the ch in toch?
The ch in Dutch is a raspy sound made in the back of the throat. It sounds like the "ch" in the Scottish word "loch" or the Spanish "j" in "jalapeño". It is never pronounced like the English "ch" in "cheese".
Can mooi be used for things other than physical beauty?
Yes, mooi is a very versatile word. While it literally translates to "beautiful" or "pretty", it is also frequently used to mean "nice", "good", or "great". For example, the Dutch often say mooi weer for "nice weather".