schat
/sxɑt/masculine
In Dutch, darling can be said as schat or lieverd.
Meaning: often used as an affectionate term of address: person who is very dear to one (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| schat | /sxɑt/ | masculine |
| lieverd | /ˈli.vərt/ |
Both words serve as affectionate terms of address for someone who is very dear to you. Schat is a very common and slightly more casual term, while lieverd often carries a more tender or sweet connotation.
What does it mean word for word?
The word schat literally means 'treasure'. The word lieverd is derived from 'lief' (dear/sweet) and functions as 'dear one'.
Which one should you use?
Schat is generally used as a casual term of endearment, whereas lieverd is often perceived as more sweet or tender.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the province of Limburg, the term sjatteke is used as a variation of darling.
How does it change in a sentence?
The diminutive form schatjes is frequently used to express extra affection or to address children.
How do you pronounce it?
/sxɑt/
Did you know?
- The word schat shares a linguistic root with the English word 'shot' and 'scot', originally referring to a payment or a tax before it came to mean a hoard of treasure.
- While schat means 'treasure', you might be surprised to find it used by a shopkeeper to address a customer. In certain informal settings, it can function as a generic, friendly term of endearment rather than a romantic one.
- Using lieverd as a standalone exclamation can express more than just affection. Depending on the tone, it can be used to gently scold someone or to show sympathy when they are upset.
Examples in context
- Laten we dansen, schat!Let's dance, darling!This sentence shows the use of schat in an invitation.Tatoeba #7680660 by Micsmithel, translation #6586691 by Eccles17
- Laten we dansen, lieverd!Let's dance, my darling.This sentence shows how to use lieverd in an invitation.Tatoeba #7680659 by Micsmithel, translation #35841 by jakov
- Lieverd!My darling!This sentence demonstrates lieverd used as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #7962392 by Micsmithel, translation #9131375 by megamanenm
- Hoe gaat het, liefje?How are you, darling?
- Fijne dag, liefje!Have a great day, darling!
- Kom hier, schatje!Come here, darling!
- Slaap lekker, schatje.Sleep well, darling.
- Dank je wel, moppie.Thank you, darling.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing on the sofa after work.
- DaanZullen we een film kijken, schat?Shall we watch a movie, darling?
- EmmaDat is een goed idee, Daan.That is a good idea, Daan.
- DaanIk heb popcorn gemaakt voor ons.I made popcorn for us.
- EmmaJe bent echt lief, schat.You are really sweet, darling.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “darling” translations and entries schat, lieverd, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lieverd, schat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
