medium
/ˈmeːdiʏm/
The Dutch word for medium is medium.
The word medium is used to describe something of an intermediate size. It is also used specifically in the context of cooking meat to describe the level of doneness.
Meaning: of intermediate size (adj)
Which one should you use?
When you want to refer to a mathematical average or a formal concept of a mean, the term gemiddelde is used instead of medium.
How does it change in a sentence?
When medium is used as an adjective meaning 'intermediate size', it is an invariable adjective. This means it does not take an -e ending, even when modifying a 'de'-word.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmeːdiʏm/
Did you know?
- When referring to a psychic who communicates with spirits, the Dutch use the word medium, which functions as a noun rather than an adjective.
- The word medium entered the Dutch language through two different paths: once directly from Latin and once as a loanword from English.
- Dutch has several words for 'middle' including midden and middel, but medium is specifically reserved for size categories or artistic materials.
Examples in context
- Ik heb mijn biefstuk graag medium.I like my steak medium.This sentence shows how to use medium when ordering a steak.Tatoeba #7030292 by Micsmithel, translation #51909 by CK
- Televisie is een erg belangrijk medium waarmede informatie wordt verschaft.Television is a very important medium through which to provide information.This sentence illustrates the use of medium as a communication tool or agency.Tatoeba #4654600 by doemaar14, translation #39192 by Kat
- De gemiddelde leeftijd van de deelnemers was 40 jaar.The average age of the participants was 40 years.
- Mag ik een koffie van normaal formaat, alstublieft?Can I have a medium-sized coffee, please?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lisa and Levi are shopping for clothes together.
- LisaDeze trui is te klein voor jou.This sweater is too small for you.
- LeviJe hebt gelijk, ik heb een medium nodig.You're right, I need a medium.
- LisaIk zoek even naar een medium voor je.I'll look for a medium for you.
- LeviDank je wel, Lisa.Thank you, Lisa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry medium, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries medium, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
