ik vind je leuk
The English phrase "I like you" is expressed in Dutch as ik vind je leuk.
The phrase ik vind je leuk is a common and simple way to express that you like someone. It is important to note that this phrase often implies romantic interest. If you wish to express that you find someone's personality pleasant or kind in a purely platonic way, you should instead use ik vind je aardig.
Meaning: I like you (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ik vind je leuk translates to "I find you fun" or "I find you nice", where leuk means fun, nice or pleasant.
Which one should you use?
While ik vind je leuk often implies romantic interest, ik vind je aardig is more platonic and means you find someone's personality pleasant or kind.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express romantic interest in a formal setting or to someone you address with the formal u, replace je with u to say ik vind u leuk. If you are addressing a group of people rather than an individual, replace je with jullie to say ik vind jullie leuk.
Did you know?
- The word leuk is believed to be related to the word for 'lukewarm'. While it now means 'fun' or 'nice', its origins may lie in the idea of something being 'mild' or 'temperate'.
- While ik vind je leuk implies romantic interest and ik vind je aardig is platonic, using aardig in certain contexts can accidentally sound patronizing, as if you are describing a child.
- In the Netherlands, saying ik vind je leuk is a common way to start a relationship, but it is considered much more cautious and less intense than saying ik hou van je.
Examples in context
- Ik vind je leuk zoals je bent.I like you just the way you are.Tatoeba #8510044 by Elsofie, translation #5687982 by Hybrid
- Ik vind je leuk.I like you.This sentence is a simple way to express that you like someone.Tatoeba #3266498 by adynee, translation #410751 by CK
- Hi, Lisa! Ik vind je echt leuk, je bent een geweldige vriendin.Hi, Lisa! I really like you, you're an amazing friend.
- Lieve Emma, ik ben gek op je. Je maakt me gelukkig op zoveel niveaus.Dear Emma, I am in love with you. You make me happy on so many levels.
Example conversation
Sophie and Noah are talking on a first date.
- SophieIk vind je echt leuk, Noah.I really like you, Noah.
- NoahDat is lief, want ik vind je leuk ook!That is sweet, because I like you too!
- SophieZullen we vaker afspreken?Shall we meet up more often?
- NoahJa, dat lijkt me een goed idee.Yes, that seems like a good idea to me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I like you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ik, leuk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
