This is the 600th most frequent Dutch word.
zou
The Dutch word "zou" is the past tense of "zal" and translates to "would" in English, used for conditional or polite expressions.
The word 'zou' is used here to express a hypothetical wish or polite desire.
Ik zou graag naar het concert gaan.
I would like to go to the concert.
'Zou' is used to indicate reported or indirect speech in the past.
Hij zei dat hij zou komen, maar hij is er niet.
He said he would come, but he is not here.
The word 'zou' in this context is used to express an expectation or intention that was not fulfilled.