schildpad
/ˈsxɪl(t).pɑt/feminine
The English word turtle is translated into Dutch as schildpad.
The term refers to a land or marine reptile with a shell.
Meaning: land or marine reptile with a shell (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the West Flemish dialect, the term schildpad is used similarly to standard Dutch.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈsxɪl(t).pɑt/. The first of the two syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- The Dutch word for turtle is literally a 'shield toad'. It combines schild, meaning 'shield', and pad, meaning 'toad'.
- The word pad in schildpad comes from an old term for amphibians, even though turtles are reptiles.
- The Dutch language uses the same word schild for a heraldic coat of arms and a turtle's shell.
Examples in context
- We aten wat schildpadsoep.We ate some turtle soup.This sentence is useful for discussing turtle soup with the word schildpad.Tatoeba #7825024 by MarijnKp, translation #1934865 by Spamster
- Hoelang leeft een schildpad?How long does a turtle live?This sentence is useful for asking about the lifespan of a schildpad.Tatoeba #7825029 by MarijnKp, translation #4256542 by JFMorais
- We vonden een schildpad in de tuin.We found a turtle in the garden.This sentence is useful for describing finding a schildpad in a garden.Tatoeba #7825036 by MarijnKp, translation #376630 by CK
- De schildpad is een reptiel dat op land en in water leeft.The turtle is a reptile that lives on land and in water.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Daan are visiting an aquarium.
- JuliaKijk Daan, daar zwemt een grote schildpad!Look Daan, there swims a big turtle!
- DaanWauw, die schildpad is echt enorm.Wow, that turtle is really enormous.
- JuliaDenk je dat hij al oud is?Do you think he is already old?
- DaanJa, een schildpad kan heel oud worden.Yes, a turtle can become very old.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “turtle” translations and entries schildpad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries schildpad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
