hiel
/ɦil/common gender
In Dutch, the English word 'heel' can be translated as hiel or hak depending on the context.
Meaning: anatomy: part of the foot (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hiel | /ɦil/ | common gender |
| hak | /ɦɑk/ | common gender |
Use hiel when discussing the anatomy of the human body and hak when referring to the heel of footwear.
Which one should you use?
While hiel refers to the anatomical part of the foot, hak is used to refer to the heel of a shoe or a high heel.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ɦil/
Did you know?
- Dutch uses the word hak to describe the 'heel' of a loaf of bread, referring to the crusty end.
- The Dutch word hakken is also the verb used for the act of chopping wood or hacking at something.
- The term hak stems from the Proto-Germanic root *hak(k)-, which is associated with cutting and striking.
Examples in context
- Afgezien van zijn hiel was Achilles onkwetsbaar.Apart from his heel, Achilles was invulnerable.This sentence uses hiel to discuss the anatomical part of a person.Tatoeba #9938998 by MarijnKp, translation #326806 by Zifre
- De anatomie van de hiel is zeer complex.The anatomy of the heel is very complex.
- Ik heb nieuwe hakken gekocht.I bought new heels.
- Ik heb pijn aan mijn hiel.I have pain in my heel.
- De hiel van mijn voet is erg droog.The heel of my foot is very dry.
Example conversation
Levi and Sophie are talking about new hiking boots.
- LeviDeze schoenen zitten erg strak bij de hiel.These shoes are very tight at the heel.
- SophieDat is niet goed voor een lange wandeling.That is not good for a long walk.
- LeviIk ben bang dat ik zware blaren krijg.I am afraid I will get bad blisters.
- SophieJe moet een grotere maat proberen, Levi.You should try a larger size, Levi.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heel” translations and entries hiel, hak, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hak, hiel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
