beste vriend
masculine
The Dutch phrase for 'best friend' is beste vriend. Wiktionary also lists beste vriendin.
Meaning: an especially close and trusted friend (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | Note |
|---|---|
| beste vriend | masculine |
| beste vriendin | feminine |
The term is used to describe an especially close and trusted friend.
Which one should you use?
beste vriend is the standard term used for a single male friend or can be used in a general, non-gender-specific sense. In contrast, beste vriendin is used strictly when referring to a female friend.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use beste vriendin when referring specifically to a female best friend. Use beste vriend when referring to a male best friend or as a generic term.
Did you know?
- If you introduce someone as mijn vriend, a Dutch listener will likely assume you are introducing your romantic partner rather than your best friend.
- The Dutch concept of friendship often emphasizes gezelligheid, a unique word for cozy social belonging that is central to the bond between a beste vriend and their friend.
- The word vriend shares a linguistic root with the verb vrijen, which means 'to court' or 'to make love'.
Examples in context
- Hij is mijn beste vriend.He is my best friend.This sentence is useful for saying 'He is my best friend' using beste vriend.Tatoeba #821138 by simonbr, translation #297783 by CK
- Ze was mijn beste vriend.She was my best friend.This sentence is useful for saying 'She was my best friend' using beste vriend.Tatoeba #5404414 by Raizin, translation #2282941 by Hybrid
- Je bent mijn beste vriend.You are my best friend.This sentence is useful for saying 'You are my best friend' using beste vriend.Tatoeba #605229 by PaulP, translation #20116 by CK
- Gisteren ben ik samen met mijn beste vriendin naar de film geweest.Yesterday, I went to the movies with my best friend.
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their social circles at a cafe.
- LucasWie is je beste vriend?Who is your best friend?
- SophieMark is mijn beste vriend.Mark is my best friend.
- LucasDat is een goede vriend.That is a good friend.
- SophieJa, ik vertrouw hem altijd.Yes, I always trust him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “best friend” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vriend, vriendin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
