mooi meisje
/moːi̯ ˈmɛi̯.ʃə/word by word
The English phrase "pretty girl" is translated into Dutch as mooi meisje.
The phrase is used to describe a girl who is attractive or pleasing to look at.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mooi (beautiful/pretty) and meisje (girl).
Which one should you use?
While mooi is the standard word for pretty or beautiful, the word leuk is often used to mean 'cute' or 'nice' in a more casual or less intense way.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mooi meisje is mooie meisjes.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /moːi̯ ˈmɛi̯.ʃə/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- While mooi meisje is the literal translation, Dutch people often describe a girl as knap to mean she is physically attractive or 'pretty' in a more striking way.
- The word mooi may actually be an ancient way of saying something is 'clean' or 'washed', stemming from a root meaning 'to wet'.
- The word meisje is a diminutive form, meaning it literally translates to 'little girl'. Using the diminutive is a core feature of Dutch and is used for both size and affection.
Examples in context
- Ik zag een mooi meisje met zwart haar in het park.There was a pretty girl with black hair in the park.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use mooi meisje when describing someone's hair.Tatoeba #4573854 by lonepawn, translation #3709100 by CK
- Dat is een echt mooi meisje.That is a truly pretty girl.
- Zij is een mooi meisje, nietwaar?She is a pretty girl, isn't she?
Example conversation
Levi and Sophie are looking at a childhood photograph.
- LeviWie is dit op de foto?Who is this in the photo?
- SophieDat was ik als een mooi meisje.That was me as a pretty girl.
- LeviJe zag er inderdaad heel lief uit.You did indeed look very sweet.
- SophieDank je wel, Levi!Thank you, Levi!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mooi, meisje) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mooi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
