Fine versus Fijn

Fine (English) and Fijn (Dutch) are words that are used a lot in English and Dutch. But watch out, because there is a slight difference between Dutch and English here. If you have been answering "fijn" to tell how you are, you should read on.

"Fijn" can't be used to express your mood or current state! It would translate as "nice" or "pleasurable". Let's just look at some examples.

• I have had a nice weekend.
• Ik heb een fijn weekend gehad.
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• This is a comfortable/nice bed.
• Dit is een fijn bed.
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• I am fine.
• Ik ben oké.

Just like in English "fijn" can also mean something finely, thin.

• I have fine (thin) hair.
• Ik heb fijn (dun) haar.