chillen
/ˈtʃɪ.lə(n)/
The Dutch word for chill is chillen.
The term is used to describe being calm, relaxed or easygoing. It can function as a verb to describe the act of relaxing or hanging out, or as an adjective to describe a person or situation.
Meaning: calm, relaxed, easygoing (adj)
Which one should you use?
While chillen is the verb used for the act of relaxing or hanging out, the word chill can be used as an adjective to mean relaxed or easygoing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Chillen is an informal expression and is primarily used in casual speech among younger generations. For a more formal way to say relaxed, you should use ontspannen.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb form chillen is used to denote the act of relaxing or hanging out.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃɪ.lə(n)/. The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Dutch speakers often combine chillen with the word lekker, creating the phrase lekker chillen, which emphasizes the pleasure or coziness of the relaxation.
- Dutch has a specific word for the feeling of cozy relaxation called gezelligheid, which is the atmosphere often sought when people decide to chillen.
- While chillen is a borrowed English term, it has become so integrated into Dutch that it follows standard Dutch conjugation patterns, such as 'ik chill' or 'wij chillen'.
Examples in context
- Hij is altijd rustig en ontspannen.He is always calm and relaxed.
- Probeer rustig te blijven.Try to stay calm.
- Na een drukke dag is het belangrijk om ontspannen te zijn.After a busy day, it is important to be relaxed.
- Ik probeer altijd ontspannen te blijven, zelfs in stressvolle situaties.I always try to stay relaxed, even in stressful situations.
- Laten we vanavond gewoon chillen en een film kijken.Let's just chill tonight and watch a movie.
- Ik vind het heerlijk om in het weekend te chillen.I love to chill on weekends.
- Hij is altijd zo relaxed, zelfs onder druk.He is always so chill, even under pressure.
- De sfeer in dat café is altijd heel relaxed.The atmosphere in that café is always very chill.
Example conversation
Julia and Levi are deciding what to do on a Friday evening.
- JuliaWat gaan we doen, Levi?What are we going to do, Levi?
- LeviIk wil alleen maar chillen.I just want to chill.
- JuliaDat klinkt heel chill.That sounds very chill.
- LeviZullen we gaan chillen in het park?Shall we go chill in the park?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chillen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
