olifant
/ˈoː.liˌfɑnt/masculine
The Dutch word for elephant is olifant. Wiktionary also lists elpendier and elp.
Meaning: mammal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| olifant | /ˈoː.liˌfɑnt/ | masculine |
| elpendier | /ˈɛl.pə(n)ˌdiːr/ | neuter |
| elp | masculine |
The word refers to the mammal.
Which one should you use?
olifant is a masculine noun, while elpendier is a neuter noun. The form elp is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈoː.liˌfɑnt/.
Did you know?
- In Dutch, the phrase een olifant in een porseleinkast describes someone who is clumsy, similar to the English 'bull in a china shop'.
- The word olifant entered Dutch via Old French rather than directly from Latin or Germanic roots.
- The Dutch term olifantengeheugen literally means 'elephant memory' and is used to describe someone with an incredible ability to remember details.
Examples in context
- De olifant is grijs.The elephant is grey.This sentence shows the color of the olifant.Tatoeba #1474939 by pimmhogeling, translation #819042 by sundown
- De olifant is groot.The elephant is big.This sentence describes the size of the olifant.Tatoeba #11553993 by megamanenm, translation #11553991 by megamanenm
- De olifant is pienter.The elephant is clever.This sentence describes the intelligence of the olifant.Tatoeba #13017226 by Tom9358, translation #13017227 by Tom9358
- De olifant is het grootste landdier.The elephant is the largest land animal.
- Kijk eens naar dat schattige olifantje!Look at that cute little elephant!
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lisa and Noah are visiting the zoo together.
- LisaKijk, daar loopt een olifant!Look, an elephant is walking there!
- NoahJa, die olifant is echt indrukwekkend.Yes, that elephant is really impressive.
- LisaVind jij de olifant ook zo leuk?Do you like the elephant that much too?
- NoahAbsoluut, hij is een prachtig dier.Absolutely, he is a beautiful animal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elephant” translations and entries olifant, elpendier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries elpendier, olifant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
