Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| paddenstoel | /ˈpɑ.də(n)ˌstul/ | masculine |
| zwam | /zʋɑm/ | masculine |
The term is used to describe the fruiting body of a fungus. While paddenstoel generally refers to the recognizable mushroom shape with a cap and stem, the word zwam can also be used to refer to fungi more broadly or specifically to fungi that lack a distinct stem, such as bracket fungi.
What does it mean word for word?
The word paddenstoel is a compound of pad (frog) and stoel (chair), literally meaning frog chair.
Which one should you use?
Use paddenstoel for a typical mushroom with a cap and stem. Use zwam for fungi that lack a distinct stem, such as bracket fungi or other general fungal growths. Additionally, Oesterzwam specifically refers to an oyster mushroom.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of paddenstoel is paddenstoelen. Both paddenstoel and zwam are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈpɑ.də(n)ˌstul/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- Dutch folklore often associates paddenstoelen with 'heksenringen' or 'witch rings', the fairy rings formed by certain fungi.
- The word paddenstoel is an exact equivalent to the archaic English dialect word 'padstool'.
- While paddenstoel is the common term, the word champignon is used specifically in Dutch culinary contexts for the white button mushroom.
Examples in context
- Er is een paddenstoel.There's a mushroom.This sentence is useful for stating the presence of a mushroom using paddenstoel.Tatoeba #11717772 by PaulP, translation #12246120 by Miktsoanit
- Ik eet een paddenstoel.I'm eating a mushroom.This sentence is useful for describing the action of eating a mushroom using paddenstoel.Tatoeba #1042825 by martinod, translation #10221349 by megamanenm
- Wat is deze paddenstoel?What is this mushroom?This sentence is useful for asking for the identification of a mushroom using paddenstoel.Tatoeba #7684515 by MarijnKp, translation #6037290 by Adelpa
- Wij hebben champignons nodig voor het receptWe need mushrooms for the recipe.
- De paddenstoelen groeien in het bosThe mushrooms are growing in the forest.
- De zwammen groeien goed in deze vochtige omgevingThe mushrooms grow well in this humid environment.
- De oesterzwammen zijn perfect voor een roerbakgerechtThe oyster mushrooms are perfect for a stir-fry dish.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Levi and Julia are walking in a damp forest.
- LeviJulia, kijk naar die paddenstoel!Julia, look at that mushroom!
- JuliaIs het een mooie?Is it a beautiful one?
- LeviJa, hij is heel bijzonder.Yes, it is very special.
- JuliaNiet aanraken, Levi!Don't touch it, Levi!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mushroom” translations and entries paddenstoel, zwam, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paddenstoel, zwam, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
