The exact lemma appears at position 2,428 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 wijzen is pronounced
IPA: /ˈʋɛi̯zə(n)/
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 wijzen means
to point
to point out, indicate
to direct to (by extension, to send to)
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.
Wijzen conjugation table
| Tense | Subject | Dutch form |
|---|---|---|
| Present | ik | wijs |
| Present | jij (subject first) | wijst |
| Present | hij/zij/het | wijst |
| Present | wij/jullie/zij | wijzen |
| Simple past | singular | wees |
| Simple past | plural | wezen |
| Past participle | — | gewezen |
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 wijzen examples
Wijs niet naar anderen, dat is onbeleefd!
Don't point at others, that's rude!
De pijl wijst in de richting van de dichtstbijzijnde nooduitgang.
The arrow points in the direction of the nearest emergency exit.
De klok wijst twaalf uur.
The clock indicates twelve o'clock.
De leraar wees de leerlingen op hun fouten.
The teacher pointed out their mistakes to the students.
Kunt u mij de toiletten wijzen alstublieft?
Could you direct me to the toilets please?
De onderhandelingen waren op niets uitgelopen, en de diplomaten werden de deur gewezen.
The negotiations had not resulted in any gains, and the diplomats were directed to the door. (i.e. they were sent away/dismissed)
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 wijs or wijst and add a concrete time or place.
- Move the same event into the past with wees; keep the meaning stable while changing the timeline.
- Use gewezen 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 wijzen
What does wijzen mean?
to point; to point out, indicate; to direct to (by extension, to send to).
What is the past tense of wijzen?
The cited standard singular anchor is wees and the plural anchor is wezen.
What is the past participle of wijzen?
The cited past participle is gewezen. Verify the auxiliary in the sentence you actually want to say.
Use wijzen in a recorded answer
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