pæn
/pɛːn/
The Danish word for pretty is pæn.
pæn is used to describe something or someone as pleasant or attractive, especially when referring to women and children. Beyond physical appearance, it is frequently used to describe behavior or things that are considered nice or decent, such as having a nice behavior.
Meaning: especially of women and children: pleasant, attractive (adj)
Which one should you use?
While pæn means pretty or nice-looking, the word smuk is a stronger term used to mean beautiful.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective pæn is the common gender form and remains unchanged regardless of whether it is used with masculine, feminine or neuter nouns. To compare things, use the comparative form pænere (prettier) and the superlative form pænest (prettiest).
How do you pronounce it?
/pɛːn/
Did you know?
- The word pæn can be used to describe a 'decent' amount of something, implying a substantial or respectable quantity.
- The word pæn is a linguistic traveler that arrived in Danish from the French word peine, which refers to 'pain' or 'trouble'.
- Danish lacks a separate word for 'handsome' and frequently uses pæn for men as well, though it is less common than for women.
Examples in context
- Han forelskede sig i en pæn pige.He fell in love with a pretty girl.This sentence shows how to use pæn to describe a girl.Tatoeba #8161007 by danepo, translation #3767571 by Hybrid
- en pæn skulpturA pretty sculptureThis phrase demonstrates using pæn to describe a sculpture.
- Denne kjole er virkelig smukThis dress is truly pretty
- Den nye bygning er virkelig lækkerThe new building is really pretty
- Din nye frisure er virkelig flotYour new hairstyle is really pretty
- Hun er en meget pæn pige.She is a very pretty girl.
Example conversation
Mads and Mette are looking at a photo of a girl.
- MadsSynes du, hun er pæn?Do you think she is pretty?
- MetteJa, hun er virkelig pæn.Yes, she is really pretty.
- MadsHun har et pænt smil.She has a pretty smile.
- MetteDet har hun helt sikkert.She certainly does.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pæn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pæn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
