Eventjes

Eventjes is a Dutch adverb meaning for a moment or for a short while. It is a diminutive form related to the word even, and it is commonly used to indicate a brief delay, a short pause, or a request to wait briefly. The nuance is that the moment is small and temporary, often expressed with a friendly or informal tone.

The word is frequent in everyday speech and informal writing. It often serves to soften commands or requests, for example in phrases like “Kun je eventjes wachten?” (Could you wait for a moment?) or “Ik ben eventjes weg” (I’ll be away for a moment). In many cases it functions as a time adverbial that signals an approximate, short duration rather than a precise length of time.

Usage notes and nuances: eventjes is almost always used in casual contexts. In more formal situations, speakers may opt for alternatives such as “evenementjes” (rare) or simply “even” or “een momentje.” The expression can also appear in combinations like “even wachten” or “nog even” to indicate a brief continuation of an action or delay.

Etymology and related forms: eventjes originates from the adverb even with the diminutive suffix -tje, forming a word that conveys a small, short amount of time. It shares with even a sense of immediacy and temporaryness, though eventjes tends to carry a softer, more informal tone.