natuurlijk
/naːˈtyrlək/
natuurlijk is the Dutch way to say 'of course'.
The word is used to indicate enthusiastic agreement.
Meaning: indicates enthusiastic agreement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, natuurlijk means 'naturally', acting as the adverbial form of natuur (nature).
Which one should you use?
While natuurlijk is a common way to express 'of course', you can also use uiteraard to mean 'certainly' or 'obviously'. For a playful and informal tone, you can say natuurlijk joh! which translates to 'of course, mate/buddy'.
How do you pronounce it?
/naːˈtyrlək/
Did you know?
- While natuurlijk is the standard translation for 'of course', the formal alternative uiteraard literally means 'from the surface' or 'outwardly'.
- In some Dutch dialects, natuurlijk can be used sarcastically to mean the exact opposite, similar to how 'sure!' is used in English.
- The suffix -lijk in natuurlijk is a cognate of the English suffix -ly, both used to turn nouns or adjectives into adverbs.
Examples in context
- Natuurlijk help ik je.Of course, I'll help you.This sentence shows how to use natuurlijk to offer help.Tatoeba #10365244 by doemaar14, translation #10365241 by CK
- Natuurlijk, ga je gang.Of course, you may.This sentence shows how to use natuurlijk to give permission.Tatoeba #8066943 by Elsofie, translation #30544 by Mediabat
- Natuurlijk help ik Tom.Of course, I'm going to help Tom.This sentence shows how to use natuurlijk to express intention to help someone.Tatoeba #13225681 by PaulP, translation #6844965 by CK
- 57 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie asks Daan for a small favor.
- SophieKun je me even helpen?Can you help me for a moment?
- DaanNatuurlijk, wat is er?Of course, what's wrong?
- SophieKun je dit boek vasthouden?Can you hold this book?
- DaanJa, natuurlijk kan dat.Yes, of course that's possible.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry natuurlijk, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
