pen
/pɛn/feminine
The Dutch word for "pen" is pen.
pen refers to a writing tool. If you want to specify a ballpoint pen, you would use balpen and a pen holder is called a pennenbakje. When discussing a pen grip or pen cushion, the term penverdikker is used.
Meaning: writing tool (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
pen is a feminine noun. It uses the definite article de (de pen) and the indefinite article een (een pen). The plural form of the word is pennen.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɛn/
When do people say it?
If you need to ask to borrow a pen, you can say Kan ik een pen lenen?
Did you know?
- In Dutch, the word pen can also refer to a 'pin' or 'bolt' used in carpentry and joinery.
- The word pen evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root peth-, which meant 'to rush' or 'to fly'.
- The word pen shares a root with the Greek word pterosauriër, which refers to a winged reptile.
Examples in context
- Is dit uw pen?Is this your pen?This sentence is useful for asking if a pen belongs to someone.Tatoeba #7814226 by MarijnKp, translation #55989 by CK
- Ik heb een pen.I have a pen.This sentence is useful for stating that you possess a pen.Tatoeba #1246216 by martinod, translation #255571 by CK
- Dit is een pen.This is a pen.This sentence is useful for identifying an object as a pen.Tatoeba #5965671 by Raizin, translation #55842 by CK
- Mag ik een pen van u lenen?May I borrow a pen from you?
- Heeft u misschien een balpen die ik kan gebruiken?Do you perhaps have a ballpoint pen I can use?
- Ik ben mijn pennetje kwijt, kan ik die van jou even lenen?I've lost my pen, can I borrow yours for a moment?
- 90 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noah and Sophie are at a desk in an office.
- NoahHeb je een pen voor mij?Do you have a pen for me?
- SophieJa, hier is een blauwe pen.Yes, here is a blue pen.
- NoahDank je wel, Sophie.Thank you, Sophie.
- SophieGraag gedaan, Noah.You're welcome, Noah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pen” translations and entries pen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
