gewoon

Gewoon is a Dutch word with several related meanings. As an adjective it denotes ordinary, usual, or typical, describing things that are not special or remarkable: for example, “een gewoon fenomeen” (a common phenomenon) or “het is gewoon wat het is” (it is just what it is). As an adverb, gewoon means simply or merely: “Ik ben gewoon moe” (I am simply tired) or “Geef me gewoon koffie” (Just give me coffee). It can also function as a discourse particle in phrases like “Het is gewoon zo,” which signals a straightforward assertion or helps soften a statement.

Gewoon is closely related to the concept of habit or custom. The noun gewoonte means habit or custom, and the related adjective gewoonlijk means usually or normally. These forms reflect a shared Germanic heritage and parallel cognates in other languages, such as German gewöhnlich and the broader idea of customary behavior.

Etymology and usage notes: the word is of Dutch origin and part of a family of terms connected to regularity and everyday life. In formal writing, gewoon remains common and neutral, while its opposite forms, such as bijzonder or speciaal, emphasize rarity or exception. The nuance of gewoon can range from describing the everyday or typical to serving as a blunt, plain way to state a fact.

In summary, gewoon functions as a versatile term in Dutch, signaling normality or simplicity in adjectives, and serving as a flexible adverb or discourse element in everyday speech. Related terms like gewoonte and gewoonlijk expand on the broader concept of habit and regularity.