schatje
The Dutch word for cutie is schatje.
schatje is used to refer to a cute person or animal. However, it is also very commonly used as a term of endearment, such as 'sweetheart' or 'darling', when speaking to a romantic partner or a child.
Meaning: cute person or animal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word schatje is the diminutive form of schat, which means 'treasure'. It literally translates to 'little treasure'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
schatje is an informal word used in intimate or affectionate contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of schatje is schatjes.
When do people say it?
In a colloquial context, the phrase Lekker ding can also be used to call someone a cutie, though it translates literally to 'tasty thing'.
Did you know?
- The diminutive suffix -je in schatje does not always imply small size but often functions to add a layer of emotional warmth or coziness to the word.
- In some contexts, schatje can be used ironically or patronizingly to describe someone who is being naive, similar to calling someone 'sweetie' in English.
- While schatje is affectionate, the alternative lekker ding can be perceived as overly forward or suggestive depending on the tone, as 'lekker' is most commonly used to describe food.
Examples in context
- Ze is een schatje.She's a cutie.This sentence is useful for describing someone as a schatje.Tatoeba #10638357 by rose_d, translation #1641021 by Spamster
- Mary is een echt schatje.Mary is a real cutie.This sentence shows how to use schatje to emphasize that someone is a real cutie.Tatoeba #10519053 by Daehworra, translation #10518716 by CK
- Wat zie je er weer lekker uit vandaag, lekker ding!You look great again today, cutie!
- Kom hier, schattie, ik geef je een knuffel.Come here, cutie, I'll give you a hug.
- Die puppy is echt een schatje.That puppy is really a cutie.
Example conversation
Julia and Noah are looking at a kitten in a window.
- JuliaKijk nou naar dat kleine katje!Look at that little kitten!
- NoahWat een schatje is hij toch.He is such a cutie.
- JuliaIk wil hem graag meenemen.I really want to take him home.
- NoahDat begrijp ik helemaal, Julia.I completely understand that, Julia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry schatje, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
