slaap lekker
/slaːp ˈlɛ.kər/word by word
The Dutch phrase for "sleep well" is slaap lekker.
slaap lekker is a way to say 'sleep well' in Dutch.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "sleep tasty", where lekker is used to mean "nicely" or "pleasantly" in this context.
Which one should you use?
While slaap goed is grammatically correct, slaap lekker is the much more common and idiomatic way to wish someone a good night's sleep in Dutch.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the imperative singular form of the verb slapen (to sleep).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /slaːp ˈlɛ.kər/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
When someone says slaap lekker to you, a common response is Jij ook (You too).
Did you know?
- The word lekker in slaap lekker is actually a relative of the Dutch verb lekken, which means 'to lick'.
- In Dutch, lekker can be used ironically to describe something unpleasant, such as a 'nice' rainstorm, though it is rarely used this way when wishing someone a good sleep.
- Despite the similarity to German lecker, which is almost exclusively used for food, the Dutch lekker is far more versatile and can be applied to sleep, weather and feelings.
Examples in context
- Slaap lekker, mijn prinses.Sleep well, my princess.This sentence shows how to use slaap lekker when addressing a princess.Tatoeba #7462188 by MarijnKp, translation #9634419 by abburns
- Slaap lekker!Sleep well!This example shows the standalone use of slaap lekker.Tatoeba #4707752 by doemaar14, translation #2425757 by bionicboy
- Slaap lekker, Timmy.Sleep well, Timmy.This example shows how to use slaap lekker when addressing someone named Timmy.Tatoeba #377989 by Dorenda, translation #4402239 by hakkeb
- Goedenacht, slaap zacht en droom mooi.Goodnight, sleep tight, and have beautiful dreams.
- Slaap lekker, tot morgen!Sleep well, see you tomorrow!
- Lekker slapen en droom iets moois.Sleep tight and dream something beautiful.
- Welterusten, lieve [name].Goodnight, dear [name].
Example conversation
Emma and Noah are saying goodnight in their bedroom.
- EmmaHet is tijd om te gaan liggen.It is time to lie down.
- NoahOké, slaap lekker, Emma.Okay, sleep well, Emma.
- EmmaDank je, jij ook.Thank you, you too.
- NoahWelterusten.Good night.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (slaap, lekker) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lekker, slaap, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
