varken
/ˈvɑrkə(n)/neuter
The English word 'pig' is translated into Dutch as varken. Wiktionary also lists zwijn.
Meaning: mammal of family Suidae (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| varken | /ˈvɑrkə(n)/ | neuter |
| zwijn | /zʋɛi̯n/ | neuter |
The term refers to mammals of the family Suidae. It is commonly used to describe domestic pigs or used metaphorically to describe someone's behavior or cleanliness.
Which one should you use?
While varken is the word for a domestic pig, zwijn is used specifically to refer to wild boars or in certain compound words relating to wild animals.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both varken and zwijn are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvɑrkə(n)/
When do people say it?
Calling someone a varken is a common way to insult them, implying that they are dirty or behave badly, similar to the usage in English.
Did you know?
- The word varken contains a double diminutive suffix in its oldest forms, emphasizing its origin as a term for something small.
- In Dutch, calling someone a varken can specifically target their lack of table manners rather than just general filth.
Examples in context
- Wat is een varken?What is a pig?This sentence is useful for practicing a basic question about the identity of a varken.Tatoeba #9804984 by Raizin, translation #12492098 by Tom9358
- Het varken is roze.The pig is pink.This sentence is useful for describing the color of a varken.Tatoeba #7547695 by MarijnKp, translation #2504051 by Ricardo14
- Je bent zo'n varken.You're such a pig.This sentence is useful for seeing how varken can be used as an insult.Tatoeba #12872348 by Tom9358, translation #1895562 by CK
- Het varken is een belangrijk landbouwdier in Nederland.The pig is an important farm animal in the Netherlands.
- Varkens worden vaak gebruikt voor wetenschappelijk onderzoek.Pigs are often used for scientific research.
- Kijk eens naar dat schattige varkentje!Look at that cute little piggy!
- Ik heb een varkentje als huisdier.I have a piggy as a pet.
- In sommige Belgische dialecten noemen ze een varken een zwijn.In some Belgian dialects, they call a pig a "zwijn."
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Daan are visiting a local petting zoo.
- EmmaDaan, kijk naar dat varken!Daan, look at that pig!
- DaanJa, het is een erg schattig varken.Yes, it is a very cute pig.
- EmmaKan ik het varken aaien?Can I pet the pig?
- DaanPas op, dat varken is erg hongerig.Be careful, that pig is very hungry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pig” translations and entries varken, zwijn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries varken, zwijn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
