ondoordacht
/ˌɔn.doːrˈdɑxt/
The English phrase 'silly' can be translated into Dutch using ondoordacht or dom.
Meaning: foolish, showing a lack of good sense and wisdom (adj)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| ondoordacht | /ˌɔn.doːrˈdɑxt/ |
| dom | /dɔm/ |
Which one should you use?
While dom is used for 'silly' in many English contexts, it is a stronger and more blunt term than the English word 'silly', often leaning closer to the meaning of 'stupid' or 'dumb'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the adjective dom is used before a common gender noun (a 'de-word'), it takes the inflectional ending '-e', such as in een domme fout (a silly mistake).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˌɔn.doːrˈdɑxt/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- In Dutch, the word dom can also mean 'cathedral', as seen in the famous Domtoren in Utrecht.
- The English word 'dumb' and the Dutch word dom are distant linguistic cousins, both descending from the Proto-Germanic root *dumbaz.
- The word ondoordacht literally translates to 'unthought through', meaning a thought that was not fully processed or completed.
Examples in context
- Wat dom van me!How silly of me!This example shows how to express self-reproach using dom.Tatoeba #12109975 by PaulP, translation #255325 by CM
- Doe niet zo dom.Don't be silly.This example is a way to tell someone not to behave in a silly manner using dom.Tatoeba #8699377 by Micsmithel, translation #282402 by Zifre
- Kom, wees niet zo dom.Come on, don't be silly.This example is a way to encourage someone not to be silly using dom.Tatoeba #8244326 by Elsofie, translation #282403 by al_ex_an_der
- Die kinderen zijn zo gek!Those kids are so silly!
- Hij trok een gek gezicht.He pulled a silly face.
- Wees niet gek en focus je op je werk!Stop being silly and focus on your work!
- Ze maakte een gekke fout.She made a silly mistake.
- Het is zo'n gek idee!It's such a silly idea!
- Ik kan niet geloven dat we in die gekke grap trapten.I can't believe we fell for that silly prank.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lucas are discussing a quick decision Julia made.
- JuliaIk heb dat ondoordacht gedaan.I did that without thinking.
- LucasDat was inderdaad een ondoordachte actie.That was indeed a foolish action.
- JuliaIk had beter moeten nadenken.I should have thought better about it.
- LucasMaak je geen zorgen, Julia.Don't worry, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “silly” translations and entries ondoordacht, dom, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dom, ondoordacht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
