kakkerlak
/ˈkɑ.kərˌlɑk/feminine
The English word cockroach is translated into Dutch as kakkerlak. If unsure, use kakkerlak. Wiktionary also lists sissende kakkerlak.
Meaning: type of insect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kakkerlak | /ˈkɑ.kərˌlɑk/ | feminine |
| sissende kakkerlak | feminine |
The word is a noun used to describe this specific type of insect.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of kakkerlak is kakkerlakken.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, and the first syllable is stressed. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈkɑ.kərˌlɑk/.
Did you know?
- The name for the insect may have originated from kakalaka, a word from the Fon language spoken in the Dahomey region.
Examples in context
- Het is een kakkerlak.It's a cockroach.This example shows how to identify the insect using kakkerlak.Tatoeba #12128746 by PaulP, translation #12128192 by ddnktr
- Hoe heb je de kakkerlak gedood?How did you kill the cockroach?This example demonstrates a question about how the kakkerlak was killed.Tatoeba #11514973 by GewoonLeonYT, translation #5143867 by CarpeLanam
- Er zit een kakkerlak op de tafel.There's a cockroach on the table.This example describes the location of a kakkerlak on a table.Tatoeba #12794169 by PaulP, translation #12792376 by rul
- Gisteren zag ik een enorme kakkerlak in de keuken. Bah!Yesterday, I saw a huge cockroach in the kitchen. Yuck!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daan and Emma are in the kitchen.
- DaanKijk, daar loopt een kakkerlak!Look, there goes a cockroach!
- EmmaWat vies! Snel weghalen!How gross! Get it away quickly!
- DaanIk durf die kakkerlak niet aan te raken.I don't dare to touch that cockroach.
- EmmaGeef mij de krant dan maar.Just give me the newspaper then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cockroach” translations and entries kakkerlak, sissende kakkerlak, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kakkerlak, sissende kakkerlak, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
