blij
/blɛi̯/
The English word happy can be translated into Dutch as blij or gelukkig.
Meaning: contented, joyous (adj)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| blij | /blɛi̯/ |
| gelukkig | /ɣəˈlʏ.kəx/ |
In Dutch, different words are used depending on whether you are describing a fleeting emotion or a deep state of being. blij refers to being pleased or cheerful about a specific event, while gelukkig describes long-term contentment or life satisfaction. Additionally, gelukkig can be used to mean lucky or fortunate, describing someone who is blessed by their circumstances.
Which one should you use?
Use blij to express short-term happiness or being pleased about something specific. Use gelukkig to describe a deep sense of being fortunate or a long-term state of being contented.
How do you pronounce it?
/blɛi̯/
Did you know?
- The Dutch word blij is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'blithe', as seen in the phrase 'blithe spirit'.
- In some Dutch contexts, saying Ik ben blij can be a polite way to express relief that a stressful situation has ended.
- Dutch speakers often use the phrase gelukkig getrouwd to describe being happily married, where gelukkig implies both a successful relationship and a fortunate circumstance.
Examples in context
- Blij u te zien.Happy to see you.This sentence shows how to express being happy to see someone using blij.Tatoeba #1144505 by martinod, translation #507753 by FeuDRenais
- Ben je nu blij?Are you happy now?This sentence is a way to ask if someone is feeling happy using blij.Tatoeba #7682395 by MarijnKp, translation #971988 by DJ_Saidez
- Ik ben ook blij.I'm happy, too.This sentence is used to state that you are also happy using blij.Tatoeba #7682414 by MarijnKp, translation #2044393 by CK
- Ik wens je een gelukkig nieuwjaar!I wish you a happy new year!
- Ik ben blij om je te zien!I am happy to see you!
- Ze danst altijd zo vrolijk!She always dances so cheerfully!
- Ik wens je een vrolijk kerstfeest!I wish you a merry Christmas!
- 637 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Noah are celebrating a small achievement at home.
- JuliaIk ben zo blij met dit nieuws!I am so happy with this news!
- NoahDat ben ik ook, Julia.I am too, Julia.
- JuliaZullen we het vieren?Shall we celebrate it?
- NoahJa, dat is een goed idee.Yes, that is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy” translations and entries blij, gelukkig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries blij, gelukkig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
