schattig
/ˈsxɑ.təx/
schattig is the Dutch word for cute.
schattig is used to describe something that is attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way. While schattig is used for things that are endearing or dainty, leuk is a more general term for 'nice' or 'fun' and is used more frequently for people or activities that aren't necessarily 'cute'.
Meaning: attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective takes the suffix -e to become schattige when it is used before a de-word or a word with a definite article.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈsxɑ.təx/.
Did you know?
- Because schattig is derived from schat, meaning 'treasure', calling something 'cute' is etymologically similar to calling it 'little treasure-y'.
- Dutch speakers often use the diminutive suffix -je to make a noun itself sound schattig, such as turning huis (house) into huisje (little house).
- In Dutch, describing an adult man as schattig can be perceived as patronizing or infantilizing, whereas leuk is a safer compliment for an adult's personality.
Examples in context
- Hoe schattig is ze?How cute is she?This sentence is useful for practicing the use of schattig when asking about a female subject.Tatoeba #12349235 by megamanenm, translation #8405404 by Amastan
- Ze zijn zo schattig.They're so cute.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of schattig with plural subjects.Tatoeba #7611580 by MarijnKp, translation #7538271 by CK
- De hond is schattig.The dog is cute.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of schattig with a neuter noun.Tatoeba #8444556 by doemaar14, translation #6480269 by Micsmithel
- Dat is een schattig hondjeThat is a cute little dog
- Jouw nieuwe jurk is zo mooiYour new dress is so cute/pretty
- Ik vind je tekeningen erg leukI think your drawings are very cute
- Wat een snoezig katjeWhat an adorable little kitten
- Wat heb jij een poepig jurkje aanWhat a cute dress you're wearing
- Jouw kinderen zijn zo koddig als ze samen spelenYour children are so cute when they play together
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie and Noah are looking at a photo of a kitten.
- SophieKijk naar dit kleine katje!Look at this little kitten!
- NoahWat een schattig beestje.What a cute little creature.
- SophieIk wil er ook een.I want one too.
- NoahDat is een schattig idee, Sophie.That is a cute idea, Sophie.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry schattig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries schattig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
