vuilnis
/ˈvœy̯l.nɪs/masculine
The English word trash is translated into Dutch as vuilnis. Wiktionary also lists vuil.
Meaning: things to be discarded (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vuilnis | /ˈvœy̯l.nɪs/ | masculine |
| vuil | /vœy̯l/ | neuter |
Vuilnis is used to refer to things that are to be discarded, specifically household waste or garbage. It is often used in compound nouns, such as vuilnisbak, which means trash can or bin.
Which one should you use?
Vuilnis refers specifically to household waste or garbage, whereas vuil is a more general term for dirt or filth.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Vuilnis is a masculine noun, while vuil is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈvœy̯l.nɪs/.
Did you know?
- The Dutch have a specific cultural obsession with afvalscheiding, or waste separation. It is common for households to have four or five different bins for plastic, paper, organic waste and glass.
- While vuilnis is the standard term, the word afval is often used in official contexts. It literally means 'fallen off', treating trash as things that have simply dropped away from their useful state.
- The Dutch word vuil is a linguistic cousin of the English word 'foul'. Both descend from the Proto-Germanic word *fūlaz, which originally described something dirty or rotten.
Examples in context
- Tom heeft geen vuilnisbak.Tom doesn't have a trash can.This sentence shows how to use vuilnis in the context of a trash can.Tatoeba #10751039 by megamanenm, translation #8340203 by CK
- Vuilnis hoort bij het vuilnis.Trash belongs in the trash.This sentence uses vuilnis to express that trash belongs with trash.Tatoeba #5932549 by Raizin, translation #5930465 by mailohilohi
- Jij hebt het vuilnis weggegooid.You've taken out the trash.This sentence illustrates the use of vuilnis when talking about taking out the trash.Tatoeba #7107984 by slashslasher, translation #7106668 by AlanF_US
- De gemeente vraagt de inwoners om hun afval op de juiste manier weg te gooien.The municipality asks residents to dispose of their trash properly.
- Ruim je troep op voordat je weggaat!Clean up your trash before you leave!
- Gooi je rommel in de prullenbak.Throw your trash in the trash bin.
- Ik gooi het afval in de vuilnisbak.I'm throwing the trash in the garbage bin.
- We moeten het afval scheiden.We need to separate the trash.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noah and Emma are cleaning the kitchen.
- NoahWaar is het vuilnis?Where is the trash?
- EmmaHet zit in de nieuwe zak.It is in the new bag.
- NoahZal ik het vuilnis buiten zetten?Shall I put the trash outside?
- EmmaJa, dat zou fijn zijn.Yes, that would be nice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trash” translations and entries vuilnis, vuil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vuil, vuilnis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
