kapitein
/kaː.piˈtɛi̯n/masculine
The English word "captain" can be translated into Dutch as kapitein or gezagvoerder.
Meaning: the person lawfully in command of a sea-going vessel (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kapitein | /kaː.piˈtɛi̯n/ | masculine |
| gezagvoerder | /ɣəˈzɑxˌvur.dər/ | masculine |
Both terms refer to a person in command of a vessel, specifically the person lawfully in charge of a sea-going vessel.
Which one should you use?
While kapitein is the common word for a ship's captain, gezagvoerder is a more formal and technical term used in maritime contexts to denote the person legally in command of the vessel.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of kapitein is kapiteins. Both words are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
kapitein is pronounced /kaː.piˈtɛi̯n/ with three syllables and the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The word kapitein shares the same Latin root as the English word 'chief', as both derive from the word for 'head' or 'the head of a group'.
- While kapitein is used for a ship's leader, the word schipper is more common for the captain of a smaller boat or a canal barge.
- Unlike in English where 'Captain' is often used as a generic respectful address, gezagvoerder is never used as a spoken title to address someone directly.
Examples in context
- Waar is je kapitein?Where's your captain?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of a captain.Tatoeba #6101773 by Raizin, translation #3731227 by CM
- Dank u, kapitein Evident.Thank you, Captain Obvious.This sentence shows how to use the word as a title when addressing someone.Tatoeba #12719447 by PaulP, translation #1780712 by nickyeow
- Hij werd kapitein gemaakt.He was made captain.This sentence demonstrates the use of the word when describing someone's promotion or role.Tatoeba #650024 by PaulP, translation #307383 by CK
- Goedemorgen Kapitein, hoe kan ik u van dienst zijn?Good morning Captain, how can I assist you?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Levi and Emma are standing on the deck of a large ship.
- LeviKijk, daar is de kapitein van het schip.Look, there is the captain of the ship.
- EmmaZiet hij ons staan, Levi?Does he see us standing here, Levi?
- LeviIk denk het wel, hij zwaait naar ons.I think so, he is waving to us.
- EmmaLaten we naar de kapitein toe lopen.Let's walk toward the captain.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “captain” translations and entries kapitein, gezagvoerder, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gezagvoerder, kapitein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
