zeehond
/ˈzeːɦɔnt/masculine
The English word seal (referring to the animal) is zeehond in Dutch. Wiktionary also lists rob.
Meaning: pinniped (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| zeehond | /ˈzeːɦɔnt/ | masculine |
| rob | /rɔp/ | masculine |
In Dutch, when referring to the pinniped animal, you use zeehond or rob. Note that the verb verzegelen is used for different meanings, such as fastening something closed so it cannot be opened without visible damage or placing a seal on a document.
What does it mean word for word?
The word zeehond is a compound of zee (sea) and hond (dog).
Which one should you use?
zeehond and rob both refer to the animal. A sea lion is specifically called a zeeleeuw.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of zeehond is zeehonden.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzeːɦɔnt/
Did you know?
- The Dutch word for seal may have been influenced by the personal name Robbe.
- While English uses 'seal' to mean both the animal and a wax stamp, Dutch separates these concepts entirely, using zeehond for the animal and zegel for the stamp.
Examples in context
- De zeehond zwemt in het water.The seal swims in the water.
- Ik zie een grote zeehond op het strand.I see a large seal on the beach.
- De zeehond ligt op een ijsblok.The seal is lying on an ice block.
Example conversation
Sophie and Daan are looking at a nature documentary on television.
- SophieKijk, daar ligt een zeehond!Look, there is a seal lying there!
- DaanWat een schattige zeehond is dat.That is such a cute seal.
- SophieHij ziet er erg rustig uit.He looks very calm.
- DaanJa, hij geniet van de zon.Yes, he is enjoying the sun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “seal” translations and entries zeehond, rob, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rob, zeehond, CC BY-SA 4.0.
