Dutch · Emotions & States
huilen
to cry
Beginnerverb
Definition
To shed tears as an expression of emotion.
Example
Het kind huilt omdat het moe is.
The child cries because it is tired.
Etymology
The word 'huilen' comes from the Old Dutch 'hūlan', which is linked to the Proto-Germanic '*hūlōną', meaning 'to shout or cry out'. Its meaning has remained largely consistent through the ages.
How & Where It’s Used
'Huilen' is used in informal contexts, often in conversations about emotions. It can appear in both spoken and written forms, especially in discussions about sadness and grief.