peper
/ˈpeː.pər/masculine
The English phrase "pepper" is peper in Dutch.
peper is a masculine noun referring to the spice.
Meaning: spice (noun)
Which one should you use?
peper refers specifically to the spice, such as black or white pepper. In contrast, the vegetable known as a bell pepper is called paprika in Dutch.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of peper is pepers.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/ˈpeː.pər/', 'syllables': 2, 'stressed_syllable': '1 of 2'}
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the Dutch word peper (the spice) with paprika (the bell pepper/capsicum).
Did you know?
- The Dutch expression peper in iemands gat hebben literally means 'to have pepper in one's backside' and describes someone who is restless or hyperactive.
- A pepernoten is a traditional Dutch cookie eaten during Sinterklaas, though the name suggests it contains 'pepper' when it is actually a sweet treat.
- In Dutch, the word peper is used in the common idiom peperduur, which literally translates to 'pepper-expensive'.
Examples in context
- Ik hou van de peper.I like the pepper.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for the spice peper.Tatoeba #8695381 by MarijnKp, translation #6639840 by dasbeispielholz
- Voeg er peper aan toe.Add some pepper.This sentence is useful for instructing someone to add the spice peper.Tatoeba #13658675 by doemaar14, translation #12177587 by sundown
- Geef de peper alsjeblieft door.Pass the pepper, please.This sentence is useful for requesting that someone pass the spice peper.Tatoeba #8545796 by Elsofie, translation #7771648 by CK
- Ik wil graag wat peper toevoegen aan deze soepI would like to add some pepper to this soup
- Deze saus heeft een snufje gemalen peper nodigThis sauce needs a pinch of ground pepper.
- Wil jij wat peper toevoegen aan de salade?Would you like to add some pepper to the salad?
- Ik houd van de smaak van zwarte peperI love the taste of black pepper.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a dining table during dinner.
- LisaKun je de peper even aangeven?Can you pass the pepper?
- DaanNatuurlijk, hier heb je de peper.Of course, here is the pepper.
- LisaDank je, de soep heeft wat peper nodig.Thank you, the soup needs some pepper.
- DaanDat is een goede smaakmaker.That is a good flavor enhancer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pepper” translations and entries peper, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
