HyphenateIt

Hyphenation ofzelfbedieningswinkels

Syllable Division & Pronunciation

Syllable Division:

zelf-be-die-nings-win-kels

Phonetic Transcription:(how the word sounds using IPA symbols)

/ˈzɛlf.bə.diː.nɪŋs.ʋɪŋ.kəls/

Stress Pattern:(which syllables are emphasized when speaking)

000100

Primary stress falls on the fourth syllable ('nings'), following the typical penultimate stress rule in Dutch.

Detailed Syllable Breakdown

Syllables are the building blocks of words - each one typically contains a vowel sound

zelf/zɛlf/

Open syllable, containing a short vowel and ending in a consonant.

be/bə/

Open syllable, containing a schwa vowel.

die/diː/

Open syllable, containing a long vowel.

nings/nɪŋs/

Closed syllable, containing a short vowel and ending in a consonant cluster. Primary stress.

win/ʋɪn/

Open syllable, containing a short vowel.

kels/kəls/

Closed syllable, containing a schwa vowel and ending in a consonant cluster.

Morphemic Breakdown

Morphemes are the smallest meaningful parts of words: prefixes (beginning), roots (core meaning), and suffixes (ending)

zelf(prefix)
+
bedien(root)
+
ings(suffix)

Prefix: zelf

Old Dutch origin, reflexive/intensifying function.

Root: bedien

Middle Dutch origin, meaning 'to serve'.

Suffix: ings

Nominalizing suffix, derived from the gerund form.

Meanings & Definitions
noun(grammatical role in sentences)

Stores where customers select items themselves and pay at a checkout.

Translation: Self-service stores

Examples:

"De zelfbedieningswinkels zijn vaak 24 uur per dag open."

"Ze kocht boodschappen in de zelfbedieningswinkels."

Similar Words Comparison

Words with similar syllable patterns or pronunciation features

supermarktsu-per-markt

Similar syllable structure with consonant clusters.

winkelcentrumwin-kel-cen-trum

Demonstrates typical Dutch vowel-based syllable division.

benzinepompben-zi-ne-pomp

Illustrates handling of consonant clusters.

Syllable Division Rules

The linguistic principles used to determine where syllables begin and end

Vowel-Based Division

Syllables are formed around vowel sounds.

Digraph Preservation

Digraphs like 'ie' are kept together.

Consonant Cluster Handling

Complex clusters may be split, simpler ones are kept together.

Penultimate Stress

Primary stress falls on the second-to-last syllable.

Special Considerations

Important exceptions or unusual features in this word's pronunciation or structure

Compound word structure influences syllable division.

The 'ings' suffix is a common nominalization marker.

Regional vowel pronunciation variations may exist but do not affect syllable division.

Analysis Summary

Summary:

The word 'zelfbedieningswinkels' is a Dutch compound noun divided into six syllables: zelf-be-die-nings-win-kels. Primary stress falls on 'nings'. The division follows vowel-based rules, preserving digraphs and handling consonant clusters according to Dutch phonological norms. It consists of the prefix 'zelf', root 'bedien', suffix 'ings', root 'winkel', and plural suffix 's'.

Detailed Analysis:

Dutch Word Analysis: zelfbedieningswinkels

1. Examination & Pronunciation:

The word "zelfbedieningswinkels" (self-service stores) is a compound noun in Dutch. Its pronunciation involves a series of vowel and consonant clusters typical of the language. The 'z' is pronounced as /z/, the 'f' as /f/, the 'ie' as /i/, and the 'ng' as /ŋ/. The 'w' is pronounced as /ʋ/.

2. Syllable Division:

Following Dutch syllabification rules, which prioritize vowel sounds and avoid splitting digraphs (like 'ie'), the word is divided as follows (see JSON output for the orthographic representation).

3. Morphemic Analysis:

  • zelf-: Prefix, originating from Old Dutch self, meaning "self". Morphological function: reflexive or intensifying.
  • bedien-: Root, originating from Middle Dutch bedienen, meaning "to serve". Morphological function: core meaning related to service.
  • -ings-: Suffix, derived from the gerund form of a verb. Morphological function: nominalization, creating a noun from a verb.
  • -winkel-: Root, originating from Middle Dutch winkel, meaning "shop". Morphological function: core meaning related to a store.
  • -s: Suffix, indicating plural. Morphological function: pluralization.

4. Stress Identification:

Dutch stress is generally on the penultimate (second-to-last) syllable. In this case, the primary stress falls on "-nings-".

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˈzɛlf.bə.diː.nɪŋs.ʋɪŋ.kəls/

6. Edge Case Review:

Dutch allows for some flexibility in syllable division, particularly with consonant clusters. However, the division presented here adheres to the most common and accepted rules. The 'ie' digraph is always kept together as a single syllable.

7. Grammatical Role:

The word is exclusively a noun. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its grammatical function within a sentence.

8. Definition & Semantics:

  • Word: zelfbedieningswinkels
  • Part of Speech: Noun (plural)
  • Translation: Self-service stores
  • Definitions:
    • Stores where customers select items themselves and pay at a checkout.
  • Synonyms: supermarkten (supermarkets), winkels zonder bediening (stores without service)
  • Antonyms: bediende winkels (stores with service)
  • Examples:
    • "De zelfbedieningswinkels zijn vaak 24 uur per dag open." (Self-service stores are often open 24 hours a day.)
    • "Ze kocht boodschappen in de zelfbedieningswinkels." (She bought groceries at the self-service stores.)

9. Phonological Comparison:

  • supermarkt (supermarket): su-per-markt. Similar syllable structure, with a consonant cluster at the beginning of the second syllable.
  • winkelcentrum (shopping center): win-kel-cen-trum. Demonstrates the typical Dutch pattern of dividing around vowel sounds.
  • benzinepomp (gas station): ben-zi-ne-pomp. Shows how consonant clusters are handled, often being split if they are complex.

The differences in syllable division arise from the varying consonant and vowel combinations within each word. "zelfbedieningswinkels" has more complex consonant clusters and the 'ie' digraph, influencing its division.

10. Division Rules:

  • Vowel-Based Division: Syllables are generally formed around vowel sounds.
  • Digraph Preservation: Digraphs like 'ie' are kept together within a single syllable.
  • Consonant Cluster Handling: Complex consonant clusters may be split, but simpler clusters are often kept together.
  • Penultimate Stress: Primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable.

11. Special Considerations:

The compound nature of the word requires careful consideration of morphemic boundaries when determining syllable divisions. The 'ings' suffix is a common feature in Dutch nominalizations and influences the stress pattern.

12. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

While the provided transcription is standard, some regional variations in vowel pronunciation might exist. However, these variations generally do not affect the syllable division.

Analysis generated by gemma3:27b on 6/8/2025

The hottest word splits in Dutch

See what terms are trending and getting hyphenated by users right now.

  • ic-infrastructuur
  • abdiceer
  • Abchazië
  • abcessen
  • Abbekerk
  • abc-boek
  • Abbeweer
  • abubakar
  • abrikoos
  • abattoir
  • absoute
  • abdellah
  • abdullah
  • abdallah
  • absurds
  • absurde
  • abusief
  • abuizen
  • absente
  • absence

What is hyphenation

Hyphenation is the use of hyphens to join words or parts of words. It plays a crucial role in writing, ensuring clarity and readability.

In compound terms like 'check-in', the hyphen clarifies relationships between words. It also assists in breaking words at line ends, preserving flow and understanding, such as in 'tele-communication'. Hyphenation rules vary; some words lose their hyphens with common usage (e.g., 'email' from 'e-mail'). It's an evolving aspect of language, with guidelines differing across style manuals. Understanding hyphenation improves writing quality, making it an indispensable tool in effective communication.