This is the 229th most frequent Dutch word.
nou
"Nou" in Dutch translates to "well," "now," or "so" in English, depending on context.
Here 'nou' is used as an interjection to signal a transition or beginning of an action.
Nou, laten we beginnen met de les.
Well, let's start with the lesson.
In this case, 'nou' expresses surprise or amazement.
Nou, dat had ik niet verwacht!
Well, I didn't expect that!
Here, 'nou' in combination with the context slightly emphasizes the preceding clause and gives a nuance of reflection.