ijs
/ɛi̯s/neuter
The English phrase ice cream is translated into Dutch as ijs. Wiktionary also lists roomijs.
Meaning: dessert (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ijs | /ɛi̯s/ | neuter |
| roomijs | /ˈroːm.ɛi̯s/ | neuter |
The term is used to refer to the dessert. While ijs can mean both ice cream and ice depending on the context, it is the standard way to refer to the dessert in general. When you are ordering a single serving or a small ice cream cone, it is very common to use the diminutive form ijsje.
Which one should you use?
The word ijs is used for both ice cream and ice. The listener will understand which you mean based on the context of your conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both ijs and roomijs are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛi̯s/
Did you know?
- The spelling of ijs is a common stumbling block because the combination of 'ij' is treated as a single letter in the Dutch alphabet.
- In many Dutch ice cream parlours, you will see the word bolletjes on the menu, which refers specifically to the 'scoops' or 'balls' of ice cream served in a cone.
- While ijs means ice cream, the Dutch word for a frozen treat on a stick is waterijsje, even if it is not made primarily of water.
Examples in context
- Wil je wat ijs?Do you want some ice cream?This sentence is useful for offering someone ice cream.Tatoeba #6049731 by Ag12x, translation #3424156 by CK
- Ik hou van ijs.I love ice cream.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for ice cream.Tatoeba #7717334 by MarijnKp, translation #740936 by CK
- Wie wil er ijs?Who wants ice cream?This sentence is useful for asking who would like ice cream.Tatoeba #7717351 by MarijnKp, translation #6273797 by CK
- Kan ik een bolletje ijs krijgen, alsjeblieft?Can I have a scoop of ice cream, please?
- 104 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie and Levi are at an ice cream parlor on a sunny day.
- SophieZullen we een ijsje gaan eten?Shall we go eat an ice cream?
- LeviJa, dat lijkt me heerlijk.Yes, that sounds delicious to me.
- SophieIk wil graag een hoorntje ijs.I would like an ice cream cone.
- LeviIk neem ook een ijsje.I'll have an ice cream too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ice cream” translations and entries ijs, roomijs, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
