mond
/mɔnt/masculine
The English phrase 'mouth' translates to Dutch as mond, the default masculine form. Wiktionary also lists bek and muil.
Meaning: the opening of a creature through which food is ingested (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mond | /mɔnt/ | masculine |
| bek | /bɛk/ | masculine |
| muil | /mœy̯l/ | masculine |
The word refers to the opening of a creature through which food is ingested.
Which one should you use?
While mond is the standard word for a human mouth, bek refers to the mouth of an animal and is used colloquially or rudely to refer to a person's mouth. muil is used for the mouth of an animal and, when applied to a person, is highly derogatory or used to describe a large, unattractive mouth.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
muil is an informal word for 'mouth'. Using bek instead of mond when addressing a person is aggressive and often used in commands.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mond is monden.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɔnt/
Did you know?
- The word muil has a strange etymological history that may link it to the Latin word for 'red shoe'.
- In Dutch, if you tell someone to hou je mond, you are literally telling them to 'hold their mouth', which is the standard way to say 'shut up'.
- The command hou je bek is a common and very blunt way to tell someone to shut up.
Examples in context
- Doe je mond open.Open your mouth!This sentence is useful for practicing the command to open one's mond.Tatoeba #394627 by Dorenda, translation #1664 by CE
- Ik hou mijn mond.I'll keep my mouth shut.This sentence shows how to use mond when expressing the intent to stay quiet.Tatoeba #8110682 by Raizin, translation #1111582 by Scott
- Hou je grote bek!Shut your big mouth.This sentence demonstrates the use of bek in an aggressive or rude command.Tatoeba #9866533 by Micsmithel, translation #323687 by CK
- Ik heb hoofdpijn en een zere mond.I have a headache and a sore mouth.
- Hou je muil! Ik wil even rust.Shut your mouth! I want some peace and quiet.
- 98 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Daan are at the dentist's office.
- EmmaKun je je mond open doen?Can you open your mouth?
- DaanJa, ik doe het nu.Yes, I am doing it now.
- EmmaIk zie iets in je mond.I see something in your mouth.
- DaanWat is dat?What is that?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mouth” translations and entries mond, bek, muil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bek, mond, muil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
