vierkantswortel
/ˈviːr.kɑntsˌʋɔr.təl/masculine
The English phrase "square root" is vierkantswortel in Dutch. Wiktionary also lists wortel.
Meaning: number (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vierkantswortel | /ˈviːr.kɑntsˌʋɔr.təl/ | masculine |
| wortel | /ˈʋɔr.təl/ | masculine |
In Dutch, you can say vierkantswortel trekken to mean calculating square roots. To express "the square root of [number]", use the construction de wortel van [getal].
What does it mean word for word?
The word vierkantswortel is a compound of vierkant (square) and wortel (root).
Which one should you use?
While vierkantswortel is the precise mathematical term for "square root", the shorter form wortel is frequently used in mathematical contexts to mean the same thing.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables. The stress is on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈviːr.kɑntsˌʋɔr.təl/.
Did you know?
- In a botanical context, the Dutch word wortel also refers to a 'carrot', the vegetable we eat.
- The mathematical use of wortel in Dutch was coined by Simon Stevin, a famous Flemish mathematician and engineer from the 16th century.
Examples in context
- Wat is de wortel van 67?What is the square root of 67?This sentence is useful for asking for the square root of a specific number using wortel.Tatoeba #9754509 by Nylez, translation #4982224 by NatsuDonkey
- Wat is de wortel van 100?What's the square root of 100?Tatoeba #1473250 by Citrine, translation #1056333 by Mofli
- De wortel van negen is drie.The square root of nine is three.This sentence is useful for stating what the square root of a number is using wortel.Tatoeba #12340217 by doemaar14, translation #11562732 by carlosalberto
- De wortel van 16 is 4.The square root of 16 is 4.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Levi and Sophie are studying mathematics together.
- LeviWeet jij de vierkantswortel van zestien?Do you know the square root of sixteen?
- SophieJa, dat is vier.Yes, that is four.
- LeviDat was makkelijk, Sophie.That was easy, Sophie.
- SophieWat is de volgende vraag, Levi?What is the next question, Levi?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “square root” translations and entries vierkantswortel, wortel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vierkantswortel, wortel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
