Spaans
/spaːns/neuter
In Dutch, the word for the Spanish language is Spaans.
Spaans refers to the Romance language of Spain and the Americas. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something that pertains to Spain.
Meaning: Romance language of Spain and the Americas (name)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While Spaans is the neuter form, it changes to Spaanse when used as an adjective modifying a common gender or feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/spaːns/
Did you know?
- Dutch has a specific word Spaanse vlieg for the 'Spanish fly', a term for a specific type of beetle that has nothing to do with the language or the country of Spain.
- If you were to describe a 'Spanish speaker' in Dutch, you would not use Spaans persoon, but rather een Spaan, which refers to a person from Spain.
- Spaans is derived from the Middle Dutch word spaensch, which was formed by combining the word for Spain Spanje with the suffix -s.
Examples in context
- Ik geef Spaans les.I teach Spanish.This sentence shows how to use Spaans when discussing teaching the language.Tatoeba #7481415 by MarijnKp, translation #436981 by lukaszpp
- Ja, ik spreek Spaans.Yes, I speak Spanish.This sentence demonstrates using Spaans to state that you speak the language.Tatoeba #1497331 by Citrine, translation #687868 by lukaszpp
- Waarom leer je Spaans?Why are you learning Spanish?This sentence is useful for asking why someone is learning Spaans.Tatoeba #4454263 by PaulP, translation #10832755 by ddnktr
- Ik ben geïnteresseerd in de Spaanse taal.I am interested in the Spanish language.
- 153 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Lisa are discussing language courses at a cafe.
- LucasLeer jij ook Spaans?Are you also learning Spanish?
- LisaNee, ik leer Frans.No, I am learning French.
- LucasIs Spaans moeilijk?Is Spanish difficult?
- LisaDat denk ik niet.I don't think so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spanish” translations and entries Spaans, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Spaans, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
