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Wij hebben geen zin in rijst.

Wij hebben geen zin in rijst.
We do not feel like having rice.
From Lesson 81:Expressing preference (graag, liever, het liefst)·Dutch

Breakdown of Wij hebben geen zin in rijst.

de rijst
the rice
zin hebben in
to feel like (having / doing)

Questions & Answers about Wij hebben geen zin in rijst.

What does zin mean exactly in this sentence?
The word zin can mean 'sense' or 'sentence', but here it is part of the fixed expression zin hebben in. This translates to 'to feel like' or 'to be in the mood for' something.
Why does this sentence use geen instead of niet for 'do not'?
Because zin is a noun. In Dutch, when you negate a noun, you must use geen (meaning 'no' or 'not any'). Instead of saying 'We do not feel like', the Dutch sentence literally says 'We have no desire'.
Why is there an in before rijst?
The expression zin hebben is almost always followed by the preposition in to introduce the thing you are in the mood for. Even though we don't use 'in' in English here, you cannot leave it out in Dutch!
How does zin hebben in differ from using graag to say you like something?
Words like graag and liever describe your general preferences (what you like or prefer in general). The phrase zin hebben in describes your current mood or craving right now. For example, you might normally eat rice graag, but have geen zin in rijst tonight!

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