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Questions & Answers about Hij leeft voor muziek.
What is the literal translation of "Hij leeft voor muziek" and how does its structure compare to English?
The sentence translates directly to "He lives for music." In both Dutch and English, the sentence follows a similar order: the subject ("Hij" means "He"), followed by the verb ("leeft" is the third-person singular form of "leven," meaning "lives"), and then a prepositional phrase ("voor muziek" translates as "for music"). This similarity in structure can make it easier for English speakers to grasp the basic construction.
What role does the preposition voor play in this sentence?
The preposition voor directly translates to "for" and functions to link the subject’s life with what gives it meaning or purpose. In this case, "voor muziek" indicates that music is the driving passion or reason behind his way of living, mirroring the figurative use found in the English phrase "He lives for music."
Why is there no article before muziek in the sentence?
In Dutch, just as in English, when referring to a general or uncountable concept like music, the article is typically omitted. Muziek is used in a general sense here, much like "music" is used without "the" when describing the art form in an abstract or broad way.
Is leeft used literally here, or does the sentence also carry a figurative meaning?
While leeft literally means "lives," in this context it is used figuratively. The sentence implies that music is not just something he enjoys, but it is the central passion that drives his life. This idiomatic expression emphasizes a deep emotional connection rather than merely describing the act of living.
Is the expression "Hij leeft voor muziek" common in Dutch, and in what types of contexts might it be used?
Yes, it is a common idiomatic expression in Dutch. It is typically used to highlight someone’s intense passion or dedication to music. The phrase can be employed in both formal and informal settings, whether in everyday conversation or in written form that describes personal interests and motivations.