moe
/mu/
The English word 'tired' is translated into Dutch as moe.
moe is used to describe being in need of rest or sleep. Depending on the level of exhaustion, you might use other expressions: Ik heb slaap is used to convey sleepiness, while Ik ben bekaf means you are worn out. If you are completely exhausted, you can say Ik ben gesloopt or use the colloquial expression Ik ben kapot.
Meaning: in need of rest or sleep (adj)
Which one should you use?
While moe is the standard term for being tired, vermoeid is a more formal or literary synonym often used to describe a state of exhaustion. In casual conversation, you might also hear op, which literally means 'up' or 'at the end', to indicate that you have no energy left.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective moe is invariable, meaning it does not change based on the gender or number of the noun it describes.
How do you pronounce it?
/mu/
Did you know?
- In some Dutch contexts, if you see the word moe written in a list of family members, it might actually be a shortened form of moeder, meaning 'mother'.
- The colloquial term kapot literally means 'broken'. When a Dutch person says they are kapot, they are describing their energy as if a physical object has shattered.
- The word moe is a linguistic cousin of the Old English word 'mēþe'. While 'mēþe' has disappeared from modern English, the root survived in Dutch and German müde.
Examples in context
- Ik ben moe nu.I'm tired now.This sentence is useful for stating that you are currently feeling moe.Tatoeba #382130 by Dorenda, translation #28936 by CK
- Ik was al moe.I was already tired.This sentence is useful for describing a past state of being moe.Tatoeba #3991074 by PaulP, translation #3819637 by CK
- Ben je nu moe?Are you tired now?This sentence is useful for asking someone if they are currently feeling moe.Tatoeba #3998696 by PaulP, translation #3969237 by CK
- Ik voel me vermoeid, maar ik heb nog wat taken te voltooien.I feel tired, but I still have some tasks to complete.
- Ik ben kapot na een hele dag sporten.I am exhausted after playing sports all day.
- 364 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Daan are sitting on the couch in the evening.
- EmmaBen je al moe, Daan?Are you tired already, Daan?
- DaanJa, ik ben erg moe.Yes, I am very tired.
- EmmaZullen we gaan slapen?Shall we go to sleep?
- DaanDat is een goed idee.That is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tired” translations and entries moe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries moe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
