zus
/zʏs/feminine
The English word 'sister' is translated into Dutch as zus. Wiktionary also lists zuster.
Meaning: woman or girl having the same parents (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| zus | /zʏs/ | feminine |
| zuster | /ˈzʏstər/ | feminine |
The word is used to refer to a woman or girl who shares the same parents as another person.
Which one should you use?
While zus is the standard word for a sibling, zuster is often used in a formal or professional context to mean a 'nurse'. Additionally, the term zusje is an affectionate way to refer to a younger sister.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of zus is zussen. All forms provided are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/zʏs/
Did you know?
- The Dutch word zuster is a common way to say 'nurse' in a hospital setting. This usage stems from the historical fact that many nurses before the Reformation were nuns.
- While zus is used for biological sisters, zuster can be used in a formal religious context to address a fellow member of a convent.
- In a hospital setting, calling a nurse zuster is traditional, but modern Dutch healthcare is moving toward more neutral terms to avoid the religious connotations of the word.
Examples in context
- Ik ben je zus.I'm your sister.This sentence is useful for stating your relationship as a sister using zus.Tatoeba #7949427 by Elsofie, translation #1979740 by CM
- Ik heb één zus.I have one sister.This sentence is useful for stating the number of sisters you have using zus.Tatoeba #1480369 by Citrine, translation #370738 by saeb
- Ze is mijn zus.She's my sister.This sentence is useful for identifying someone else as your sister using zus.Tatoeba #2352964 by megamanenm, translation #469126 by CK
- Ik wil graag mijn zus voorstellen, zij is een verpleegster.I would like to introduce my sister, she's a nurse.
- De zuster in het klooster zorgt voor de zieken.The nun in the monastery takes care of the sick.
- Mijn zusje en ik gaan samen naar de film vanavond.My little sister and I are going to the movies together tonight.
- 313 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Sophie are talking about their families at a cafe.
- SophieHeb je een zus, Lucas?Do you have a sister, Lucas?
- LucasJa, ik heb een zus.Yes, I have a sister.
- SophieHoe heet je zus?What is your sister's name?
- LucasZij heet Emma.Her name is Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sister” translations and entries zus, zuster, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zus, zuster, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
