The exact lemma appears at position 11,124 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 zaaien is pronounced
IPA: /ˈzaːi̯ə(n)/ · Syllables: zaai·en
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 zaaien means
to sow, plant seed
to spread, sow, engender
Usage label: figuratively
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.
Zaaien conjugation table
| Tense | Subject | Dutch form |
|---|---|---|
| Present | ik | zaai |
| Present | jij (subject first) | zaait |
| Present | hij/zij/het | zaait |
| Present | wij/jullie/zij | zaaien |
| Simple past | singular | zaaide |
| Simple past | plural | zaaiden |
| Past participle | — | gezaaid |
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 zaaien examples
Hij zaaide haat jegens zijn tegenstanders.
He sowed hatred against his opponents.
Het verbod om te zaaien zaaide onrust onder de boeren.
The sowing ban spread unrest among the farmers.
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 zaai or zaait and add a concrete time or place.
- Move the same event into the past with zaaide; keep the meaning stable while changing the timeline.
- Use gezaaid 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 zaaien
What does zaaien mean?
to sow, plant seed; to spread, sow, engender.
What is the past tense of zaaien?
The cited standard singular anchor is zaaide and the plural anchor is zaaiden.
What is the past participle of zaaien?
The cited past participle is gezaaid. Verify the auxiliary in the sentence you actually want to say.
Use zaaien in a recorded answer
Dutch Speaking Exam Coach provides original speaking tasks, recording and focused AI coaching. One lesson and three assessments are free; a subscription is optional.
Open in the App Store