huid
/ɦœy̯t/feminine
The English word skin is translated into Dutch as huid or vel.
Meaning: outer protective layer of the body of a person or animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| huid | /ɦœy̯t/ | feminine |
| vel | /vɛl/ | neuter |
Both words refer to the outer protective layer of a person or animal. You can use the phrase Een mooie huid hebben to say to have beautiful skin, or Je huid verzorgen to say to take care of your skin. To describe textures, use Gladde huid for smooth skin or Ruwe huid for rough skin. For extreme paleness, the simile Bleek als een doek means as pale as a sheet.
Which one should you use?
Use huid when referring to the biological skin of humans or animals. Use vel when referring to skin as a material, such as leather or the skin of certain animals in a more tactile sense.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
huid is a feminine noun. vel is a neuter noun and therefore takes the neuter definite article het.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɦœy̯t/
Did you know?
- The word vel is also used in the phrase een vel papier to describe a single sheet of paper.
- If you are talking about the skin of a fruit, such as an orange, Dutch speakers will often use the word schil instead of huid or vel.
- The phrase een dik vel hebben literally means to have a thick skin, but it is used as a common idiom for being emotionally resilient.
Examples in context
- De huid is ruw.The skin is rough.This sentence illustrates the use of huid to describe skin texture.Tatoeba #10734630 by megamanenm, translation #2002563 by bichodebola
- Haar huid is ruw.Her skin is harsh.Tatoeba #10773059 by megamanenm, translation #7276377 by MessDjaaf
- Haar huid is glad.Her skin is smooth.Tatoeba #791901 by martinod, translation #309622 by CK
- Een gezonde huid is essentieel voor de algehele gezondheid.A healthy skin is essential for overall health.
- Pas op, anders verbrand je jouw velletje in de zon!Be careful, or you'll burn your skin in the sun!
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Noah are talking about skincare products.
- EmmaIk heb een droge huid in de winter.I have dry skin in the winter.
- NoahGebruik je dan een speciale crème?Do you use a special cream then?
- EmmaJa, die is erg goed voor mijn huid.Yes, it is very good for my skin.
- NoahIk moet ook iets voor mijn huid zoeken.I need to look for something for my skin too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skin” translations and entries huid, vel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
