brave hond
The Dutch phrase for "good dog" is brave hond.
This phrase is used to praise a dog for being well-behaved or obedient. You can also use the word braaf to describe a dog's behavior as being good or well-behaved.
What does it mean word for word?
In this specific context, brave means well-behaved or good rather than courageous.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use goede hond to praise a pet. However, you should use brave hond as it is the idiomatic way to say a dog is well-behaved.
Did you know?
- In Dutch, braaf is often used for children and pets, but using it for an adult can sound condescending, as if you are treating them like a child.
- The word brave comes from a root meaning 'tame' or 'docile', which explains why it describes a dog's obedience rather than its moral goodness.
- The word hond shares a common ancestor with the English word 'hound', though they have evolved to sound quite different.
Examples in context
- Wie is een brave hond?Who's a good dog?Tatoeba #9763055 by megamanenm, translation #8952642 by Objectivesea
- Brave hond!Good dog!Tatoeba #6081939 by Mandalay, translation #4769857 by Hybrid
- Uw hond is braaf! U heeft een geweldige hond.Your dog is well-behaved! You have a great dog.
- Wat ben je toch een goede hond! Jij bent de trouwste viervoeter.What a good dog you are! You're the most loyal four-legged friend.
- Wat een brave hond ben je!What a good dog you are!
Example conversation
Noah is training his dog in the park with Sophie.
- NoahBlijf liggen, ja!Stay, yes!
- SophieHij luistert heel goed naar je.He listens to you very well.
- NoahDat klopt, hij is een brave hond.That's true, he is a good dog.
- SophieHij is echt een schatje.He really is a sweetheart.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hond, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
