Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| aantrekkelijk | /ˌaːnˈtrɛ.kə.lək/ |
| mooi | /moːi̯/ |
| knap | /knɑp/ |
When describing something as attractive or friendly, the choice of word depends on what you are referring to. aantrekkelijk is used to focus on personal charm or physical attraction. If you mean nice in the sense of being neat, tidy or behaving in a socially proper way, use netjes. Additionally, the words mooi and goed zo can function as interjections to signify approval.
Which one should you use?
While aantrekkelijk focuses on personal charm or physical attraction, mooi is often used for objects, weather or general aesthetics, similar to the English "beautiful" or "pretty".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective mooi changes its form based on the noun it precedes. When used before a de-word (feminine or masculine noun), it becomes mooie. When used before a het-word (neuter noun), it remains mooi.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌaːnˈtrɛ.kə.lək/. The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word knap shares a root with the German word knapp, but while the Dutch version means 'attractive', the German version means 'scarce' or 'scant'.
- To describe a person as 'nice' in the sense of being polite or well-behaved, Dutch uses netjes, which literally means 'neat'.
Examples in context
- Je haar zit mooi.Your hair looks nice.This sentence shows the use of mooi to describe hair.Tatoeba #10215582 by megamanenm, translation #3061752 by CK
- Wat een mooie dag!What a nice day it is!This sentence demonstrates mooi used to describe the weather.Tatoeba #791785 by martinod, translation #36054 by Dejo
- Wat een mooi huis!What a nice house!This sentence shows mooi used to describe an object like a house.Tatoeba #8445150 by doemaar14, translation #4984205 by AlanF_US
- Bedankt voor de leuke avond.Thank you for the nice evening.
- Het is fijn om je te ontmoeten.It's nice to meet you.
- Dat is echt gaaf!That is really cool!
- Vet cool dat je meegaat.It's nice/cool that you're coming along.
- Wat een mooie bloemen!What nice/pretty flowers!
- Toch mooi dat het is gelukt.Still nice that it worked out.
- 103 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daan and Sophie are looking at photos of people in a magazine.
- DaanVind jij deze acteur ook aantrekkelijk?Do you also find this actor attractive?
- SophieJa, hij is echt heel aantrekkelijk.Yes, he is really very attractive.
- DaanSophie, jij bent ook een aantrekkelijke vrouw.Sophie, you are also an attractive woman.
- SophieDank je wel, dat is lief van je.Thank you, that is sweet of you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nice” translations and entries aantrekkelijk, mooi, knap, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aantrekkelijk, knap, mooi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
