'any' in Dutch
I notice that 'any' is usually translated to 'elk' or 'enig' in Dutch. For example: 'Any color is okay' -- 'Elke kleur is oke' (which can also mean 'every color'); 'any idea' -- 'enig idee'. It seems that there is no difference between 'any' and 'every' when translated in Dutch. Is my understanding correct?

Question

'any' in Dutch
I notice that 'any' is usually translated to 'elk' or 'enig' in Dutch. For example: 'Any color is okay' --> 'Elke kleur is oke' (which can also mean 'every color'); 'any idea' --> 'enig idee'. It seems that there is no difference between 'any' and 'every' when translated in Dutch. Is my understanding correct?

Answer

Thanks Matthias!

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If you use any in the meaning of 'no matter which' you can also use 'eender welke' to more closely translate the meaning. 'Eender welke kleur is oké.' However it's true that the semantically close 'elke' is used more often in this context than it is in English.

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Thanks Nathalie!

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Maybe this can help: The adjective 'enig' means 'waarvan er geen tweede is' (more like 'special). Enig and Elk are not interchangeable. You can for exemple say 'Ik heb geen enkel idee'. but you can't say Ik heb geen enig idee.

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