Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vriend | /vrint/ | masculine |
| lief | /lif/ | neuter |
The word vriend is used to refer to a male partner in a romantic relationship. Because this word can be ambiguous, speakers use specific phrasing to clarify whether they mean a platonic friend or a romantic boyfriend. To clarify that you are referring to a boyfriend, you often use the possessive pronoun mijn (my) to say mijn vriend (my boyfriend). Conversely, if you wish to refer to a platonic friend and avoid confusion, you can use the construction vriend van mij (a friend of mine).
Which one should you use?
The term vriend is ambiguous and can mean either a friend or a boyfriend depending on the context. Similarly, the word vriendin can mean either a female friend or a girlfriend. To distinguish between a romantic partner and a platonic friend, pay attention to whether the speaker uses possessive pronouns or the vriend van mij construction.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the word is vrienden, which can refer to a group of friends or multiple boyfriends.
How do you pronounce it?
/vrint/
When do people say it?
In informal settings, someone might address or refer to their boyfriend as mijn vent, which translates to 'my man' or 'my guy'.
Did you know?
- The word vriend is related to the Dutch verb vrijen, which means 'to make love' or 'to court'.
- In the Netherlands, using mijn vriend is so strongly associated with romance that referring to a platonic male as mijn vriend can lead people to believe you are dating him.
Examples in context
- Ik wil een vriend.I want a boyfriend.This sentence demonstrates wanting a vriend.Tatoeba #704277 by LaraCroft, translation #2221028 by Hybrid
- Ik heb een vriend.I have a boyfriend.This sentence shows the phrase for having a vriend.Tatoeba #3153356 by PaulP, translation #3947203 by Balamax
- Tom is mijn vriend.Tom is my boyfriend.This sentence illustrates how to identify someone as vriend.Tatoeba #788064 by Citrine, translation #2273294 by CK
- Wil je mijn vriend aan mijn ouders voorstellen? Hij is erg aardig.Would you like to introduce my boyfriend to my parents? He is very kind.
- Dit is mijn vriendje, Jan. Hij studeert geneeskunde.This is my boyfriend, Jan. He is studying medicine.
- Mijn vent is zo zorgzaam, ik ben heel gelukkig met hem.My man is so caring, I am very happy with him.
- 133 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Noah are talking at a cafe.
- JuliaIs dat je nieuwe vriend, Noah?Is that your new boyfriend, Noah?
- NoahJa, hij is echt geweldig.Yes, he is really great.
- JuliaWat leuk voor je!How lovely for you!
- NoahDank je, Julia.Thank you, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boyfriend” translations and entries vriend, lief, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lief, vriend, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
