paracetamol
/ˌpaːraːˌseːtaːˈmɔl/masculine
The Dutch word for acetaminophen is paracetamol. Wiktionary also lists calpol.
Meaning: drug (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| paracetamol | /ˌpaːraːˌseːtaːˈmɔl/ | masculine |
| calpol | /ˌkɑlˈpɔl/ | Suriname, masculine |
While English speakers use 'acetaminophen', Dutch speakers almost exclusively use the term 'paracetamol' to refer to this drug.
Which one should you use?
In Suriname, the brand name calpol is commonly used as a generic term for acetaminophen.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Suriname, the term for acetaminophen is paracetamol.
How does it change in a sentence?
paracetamol is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpaːraːˌseːtaːˈmɔl/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using the word 'acetaminophen' in a Dutch pharmacy, as it is not the standard term and may cause confusion. Use paracetamol instead.
Did you know?
- Dutch speakers may use the word pilletje 'little pill' affectionately or casually when referring to taking a paracetamol.
- Dutch pharmacies often sell paracetamol in small, inexpensive strips rather than large bottles, which is common in the US.
- The term paracetamol is a contraction of the chemical name para-acetylaminofenol.
Examples in context
- Ik heb hoofdpijn. Heb je paracetamol?I have a headache. Do you have acetaminophen?
- Ja, ik heb paracetamol. Hier is een strip.Yes, I have acetaminophen. Here is a pack.
- Ik voel me niet lekker. Heb je paracétamol?I'm not feeling well. Do you have acetaminophen?
- Heb je paracetamol in huis?Do you have paracetamol at home?
- Ik heb een paracetamol nodig tegen de pijn.I need a paracetamol for the pain.
- De paracetamol werkt eindelijk.The paracetamol is finally working.
Example conversation
Noah tells Lisa he is not feeling well.
- NoahMijn hoofd doet echt heel erg pijn.My head really hurts a lot.
- LisaWil je een paracetamol van mij?Do you want a paracetamol from me?
- NoahJa, dat zou heel fijn zijn, Lisa.Yes, that would be very nice, Lisa.
- LisaHier is er een voor je, Noah.Here is one for you, Noah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “acetaminophen” translations and entries paracetamol, calpol, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calpol, paracetamol, CC BY-SA 4.0.
