The exact lemma appears at position 102 in the cited OpenSubtitles-derived Dutch 50k token list. That is a corpus signal, not search volume or a claim that every sense is equally common. Forms, glosses, pronunciation and cited examples are adapted from English Wiktionary via Kaikki under CC BY-SA 4.0. See sources and modifications.
How laten is pronounced
IPA: /ˈlaːtə(n)/ · Syllables: la·ten
Pronunciation can vary by region and speaking context. Treat the transcription as a compact reference, then compare it with current native audio and practise the verb inside a phrase rather than as an isolated sound.
What laten means
to leave, to cause to remain in the same position or state
Usage label: copulative
to leave, to allow to remain/continue to
Usage label: auxiliary
to let, to allow to
Usage label: auxiliary
to cause to, to make; creates a causative phrase.
Usage label: auxiliary
to may, to let; forms an optative phrase.
Usage label: auxiliary
The English gloss identifies a sense, not a one-word substitution that works in every sentence. Check the object, preposition, reflexive pronoun or separable element in the Dutch example before transferring the verb to a new situation.
Laten conjugation table
| Tense | Subject | Dutch form |
|---|---|---|
| Present | ik | laat |
| Present | jij (subject first) | laat |
| Present | hij/zij/het | laat |
| Present | wij/jullie/zij | laten |
| Simple past | singular | liet |
| Simple past | plural | lieten |
| Past participle | — | gelaten |
The table shows the standard subject-first jij anchor. Inversion after jij and formal u can require a different surface form. For separable verbs, the cited forms may already show the element in its natural main-clause position. In perfect constructions, choose the auxiliary required by the actual meaning and construction; do not attach hebben or zijn mechanically.
Translated laten examples
Ze lieten het zo.
They left it like that.
Laat dat daar maar liggen.
Just leave it lying there.
Ze lieten hem gaan.
They let him go.
Hij liet zijn spullen op de grond vallen.
He dropped his stuff on the ground.
Laat me weten hoe laat je thuiskomt.
Let me know at what time you'll come home.
Laat er licht zijn.
Let there be light.
These examples are citation-backed language data. Use them to notice the verb's partners and sentence position. Then change only one detail at a time—subject, time, place or object—so that your next sentence stays grammatical and remains connected to a real communicative purpose.
Turn the reference into speaking practice
- Read the first example once and identify the finite verb, subject and any required particle or preposition.
- Build a new present-tense message with laat or laat and add a concrete time or place.
- Move the same event into the past with liet; keep the meaning stable while changing the timeline.
- Use gelaten in a complete result message after checking the correct auxiliary for that construction.
Record all four messages without restarting. Listen once for meaning and sentence order, then once for the target form. Correct only the first error that changes meaning or blocks the listener, and repeat the sentence with one new detail. This creates retrieval practice rather than table recitation.
Self-check
- The chosen sense matches the situation.
- The finite form agrees with the subject.
- The time marker and verb tense tell the same timeline.
- Any separable element, reflexive pronoun, object or fixed preposition is present.
- The sentence contains enough detail for another person to respond.
Questions about laten
What does laten mean?
to leave, to cause to remain in the same position or state; to leave, to allow to remain/continue to; to let, to allow to; to cause to, to make; creates a causative phrase.; to may, to let; forms an optative phrase..
What is the past tense of laten?
The cited standard singular anchor is liet and the plural anchor is lieten.
What is the past participle of laten?
The cited past participle is gelaten. Verify the auxiliary in the sentence you actually want to say.
Use laten in a recorded answer
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