prachtig
/ˈprɑx.təx/
The English word "gorgeous" can be translated into Dutch as prachtig.
Prachtig is used to describe something that is very beautiful. While it shares a similar meaning to mooi (beautiful), it is a stronger and more emphatic word used to express a higher degree of beauty.
Meaning: very beautiful (adj)
Which one should you use?
Prachtig is a more intense and emphatic version of the word mooi, which simply means "beautiful".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the southern parts of the Netherlands, the expression Dondersmooi is used to mean "extremely beautiful".
How does it change in a sentence?
When used before a de-word noun, the form takes an -e ending, resulting in prachtige. For example, een prachtige dag means "a gorgeous day".
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈprɑx.təx/.
Did you know?
- The regional expression dondersmooi uses donder, meaning 'thunder', as an intensifier to mean 'extremely'. This reflects an old Dutch habit of using weather or noise words to add emphasis.
- While prachtig is often used for scenery, it can also be used in a sarcastic tone to describe something that is actually quite ugly or poorly done.
- In certain Dutch dialects, you might hear people use the word geil to mean 'gorgeous' in a physical sense, though this is much more sexualized than prachtig.
Examples in context
- Uw stad is prachtig.Your city is gorgeous.This sentence shows how to use prachtig to describe a city.Tatoeba #6039040 by Mandalay, translation #13446272 by rul
- Het weer was prachtig.The weather was gorgeous.This sentence demonstrates using prachtig to describe weather.Tatoeba #637312 by Citrine, translation #51845 by CM
- Het is een prachtig land.It's a gorgeous country.This sentence illustrates the use of prachtig when describing a country.Tatoeba #7481187 by MarijnKp, translation #9735916 by shekitten
- U ziet er prachtig uit!You look gorgeous!
- Wat bende gij dondersmooi!You look extremely stunning!
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Levi and Emma are visiting an art gallery.
- LeviKijk naar dit schilderij, Emma!Look at this painting, Emma!
- EmmaWauw, dat is echt prachtig.Wow, that is truly gorgeous.
- LeviIk vind de kleuren ook geweldig.I think the colors are great too.
- EmmaJa, het is een prachtig werk.Yes, it is a gorgeous piece of work.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry prachtig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
