dutje
/ˈdʏt.jə/neuter
The Dutch word for nap is dutje.
dutje is a noun used to describe a short period of sleep, typically during the day. To express the action of taking a nap, you can use the phrase een dutje doen.
Meaning: a short period of sleep, especially during the day (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
dutje is a neuter noun. Because of this, it takes the definite article het (as in het dutje) rather than de. The plural form is dutjes. You can also use the compound word middagdutje to specifically refer to an afternoon nap.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. It is pronounced /ˈdʏt.jə/.
Did you know?
- In many Dutch households, the concept of a middagdutje is often linked to the culture of 'gezelligheid', a sense of coziness or comfort.
- While een dutje doen means 'to take a nap', the verb dutten can also describe the light, rhythmic nodding off of someone who is struggling to stay awake.
- The word dutje uses the diminutive suffix -je, which usually implies something is small or cute. In this case, it is used to emphasize that the sleep is brief and light.
Examples in context
- Tom nam een dutje.Tom took a nap.This sentence shows how to use dutje to say someone took a nap.Tatoeba #8318140 by Micsmithel, translation #8689172 by Hybrid
- Ik ga een dutje doen.I'm going to take a nap.This sentence demonstrates using the phrase een dutje doen to express the intention to take a nap.Tatoeba #11153324 by PaulP, translation #1890992 by CK
- Ik heb een dutje nodig.I need a nap.This sentence shows how to express a need for a nap using dutje.Tatoeba #4711451 by PaulP, translation #3330288 by CK
- Ik ga even een dutje doen.I am going to take a nap for a while.
- Ik ga even pitten.I'm gonna crash for a nap.
- Na een lange vergadering had ik behoefte aan een dutje.After a long meeting, I felt the need for a nap.
- Hij heeft altijd tijd voor een kort dutje in de middag.He always has time for a quick nap in the afternoon.
- geniet van je dutjeEnjoy your nap
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie and Levi are sitting in a quiet living room on a Sunday afternoon.
- LeviZullen we een dutje doen?Shall we take a nap?
- SophieDat is een goed idee, Levi.That is a good idea, Levi.
- LeviIk ben echt moe.I am really tired.
- SophieSlaap lekker, schat.Sleep well, honey.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nap” translations and entries dutje, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
