Breakdown of Rechts aanhouden alstublieft.
alstublieft
please
rechts
right / on the right
aanhouden
to keep (to)
Questions & Answers about Rechts aanhouden alstublieft.
Why does this sign use the full infinitive aanhouden instead of the command form houd aan?
This is an impersonal command. In Dutch, public signs, traffic instructions, and manuals often use the bare infinitive at the end of the phrase instead of a standard command. It tells everyone in general what to do without addressing anyone directly.
Could I say rechts blijven instead of rechts aanhouden?
You could, and people would understand you, but rechts aanhouden is the standard, fixed expression used in traffic and crowd control for 'keep right' or 'bear right'.
Does aanhouden always mean to keep a direction?
No, it has a few different meanings depending on the context. Besides keeping to a direction, it is also the standard verb for 'to arrest' a suspect, or 'to keep on' an item of clothing.
Why is alstublieft placed at the very end of the sentence?
In Dutch instructions or requests, alstublieft is frequently placed at the end to soften the command. Placing it after the infinitive keeps the core instruction (rechts aanhouden) clear and immediate for people passing by.
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