Gross, a word commonly used to describe something disgusting or unpleasant, is a term that we often find ourselves using in our daily conversations. If you’re learning Dutch or simply curious about how to say “gross” in this language, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this concept in Dutch, and provide you with useful tips and examples along the way.
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Formal ways to say gross
When it comes to formal language, it’s important to choose your words carefully. In Dutch, you can use the following phrases to convey the idea of “gross” politely:
- Afschuwelijk – This word translates directly to “awful” or “horrible” in English. It can be used to describe something that is truly distasteful or repulsive.
- Walgelijk – Another formal option, this term means “disgusting” or “revolting” in English. It is particularly useful when you want to express a strong feeling of aversion or abhorrence.
- Onsmakelijk – This Dutch word is equivalent to “unappetizing” or “unpalatable” in English. It often refers to food or tastes that are not pleasant to the senses.
Informal ways to say gross
If you prefer a more casual or informal tone, there are several colloquial expressions you can use to convey “gross” in Dutch. Here are a few popular choices:
- Vies – This term simply means “dirty” or “disgusting” in English. It is widely used in everyday conversations to describe something gross or repugnant.
- Ranzig – A slang term commonly used by the younger generation, “ranzig” can be translated as “nasty” or “gross” in English. It is often used to describe something that is both unpleasant and unappealing.
- Smerig – This word carries a similar meaning to “filthy” or “foul” in English. “Smerig” is frequently used to express disgust or to describe something that is morally repugnant.
Tips and Examples
Knowing how to say “gross” is one thing, but using it in context is equally important. Here are some tips and examples to help you incorporate these Dutch words into your conversations:
Tips:
- Pay attention to the context: Different situations may require different levels of formality. Adjust your choice of words accordingly.
- Listen to native speakers: Immersing yourself in Dutch-speaking environments, such as by watching movies or listening to podcasts, can help you get a better grasp of how these words are used in everyday conversations.
- Practice using the words: Repeating the words in various sentences and scenarios will enhance your fluency and confidence.
Examples:
To help you better understand how to use these words, here are a few examples in both formal and informal contexts:
Formal:
“Ik vind dit afschuwelijk. Ik kan niet geloven dat zoiets bestaat!” (I find this gross. I can’t believe something like this exists!)”
“Deze film is werkelijk walgelijk. Ik kon amper naar het scherm kijken.” (This movie is truly disgusting. I could barely watch the screen.)”
“Dat gerecht ziet er onsmakelijk uit. Ik denk niet dat ik het durf te proeven.” (That dish looks unappetizing. I don’t think I dare to taste it.)”
Informal:
“Wat een vies toilet zeg. Ik ga hier niet naar binnen!” (What a gross toilet. I’m not going in there!)”
“Die stinkende vis is echt ranzig. Ik zou het nooit eten.” (That smelly fish is really gross. I would never eat it.)”
“Bah, wat een smerige gewoonte! Daar kan ik echt niet tegen.” (Yuck, what a filthy habit! I can’t stand it.)”
Remember, these examples are just a starting point. Feel free to adapt them to your own conversations and personalize your language accordingly.
With these formal and informal ways to say “gross” in Dutch, you’re well-equipped to express your feelings of disgust or aversion in various contexts. Whether you prefer a polite or casual approach, make sure to practice these words and phrases to become fluent in expressing yourself in Dutch!
