eens, even, maar
The particle eens (often combined with even) gives the imperative a
friendlier, milder tone. The particle even has a function very similar to
eens. It makes the imperative friendlier, more casual, and it makes it sound
as though it should take the listener no time or effort to carry out the com-
mand. The particle maar also makes the imperative much friendlier, and
at the same time it gives it a tone of encouragement or permissiveness.
It is often combined with even. Some examples:
Kom eens (even) hier. Come here (for a minute), please.
Geef me even je pen. Give me your pen for a minute.
Ga maar. Okay, you can go.
Zet die koffers hier maar neer. Just put those suitcases over here.
toch, nou
The particle toch can have different meanings. It can express friendly encour-
agement or impatience and irritation. Intonation plays an important
role. The particle nou gives a command or request a definite flavor of
impatience.
Kom toch binnen. (friendly tone) Please come in.
Hou toch op. (unfriendly tone) O, cut it out!
Wees toch een beetje voorzichtig! Please do be a little careful!
Schiet nou op! Hurry up, will you!
eens even, maar even, nou even, toch even
Often in the imperative we see a combination of different particles. The
particles eens, maar, nou and toch are frequently combined with even,
although it hardly changes the meaning. By itself, or in combination with
others, the particle even makes the command sound less burdensome or
time consuming. Examples:
Ga eens even opzij. Please move out of the way for a minute.
Zet de tv eens even aan. Please turn the TV on for me, will you?
Kom maar even mee. Please follow me if you will.
Kleed u zich maar even uit. Please go ahead and undress for a minute.
Help nou even. Please help me (with impatience).
Eet nou even je bord leeg. Finish your plate (with impatience).
Ga toch even mee. Come along for a minute.
Help die man toch even. Give that man a hand, please!
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imperative