paraplu
/ˌpaː.raːˈply/
The Dutch word for umbrella is paraplu. Wiktionary also lists regenscherm.
Meaning: cloth-covered frame used for protection against rain or sun (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| paraplu | /ˌpaː.raːˈply/ |
| regenscherm | /ˈreː.ɣə(n)ˌsxɛrm/ |
Both paraplu and regenscherm refer to a cloth-covered frame used for protection against rain or sun.
Which one should you use?
paraplu is the standard, most common term used in everyday conversation. regenscherm is a more descriptive and slightly more formal term that literally translates to 'rain screen'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
paraplu is the most common and standard term for umbrella in the Netherlands.
How does it change in a sentence?
paraplu is a common gender noun and takes the definite article de. The plural of paraplu is paraplu's.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /ˌpaː.raːˈply/.
Did you know?
- The Dutch word scherm also relates to the sport of 'schermen' (fencing), as both refer to the act of shielding or blocking.
- The word paraplu is a direct loan from the French word parapluie, where 'para' means 'to protect' and 'pluie' means 'rain'.
- The plural paraplu's uses an apostrophe, which is a specific Dutch spelling rule used to avoid three vowels appearing in a row.
Examples in context
- Is dat uw paraplu?Is that your umbrella?This sentence is useful for asking if an umbrella belongs to someone.Tatoeba #933997 by martinod, translation #3629000 by MTC
- Hier is uw paraplu.Here's your umbrella.This sentence is useful for handing an umbrella to someone.Tatoeba #7460033 by MarijnKp, translation #3819020 by CK
- Is dat zijn paraplu?Is that his umbrella?This sentence is useful for asking if an umbrella belongs to a male person.Tatoeba #5340327 by Raizin, translation #3628999 by MTC
- Mag ik alstublieft een paraplu lenen? Het regent nogal hard.May I please borrow an umbrella? It is raining quite hard.
- Kunt u mij vertellen waar ik een regenscherm kan kopen? Ik heb de mijne verloren.Can you tell me where I can buy an umbrella? I have lost mine.
- Hé, heb jij even een plu voor me? Het begint te regenen.Hey, do you have an umbrella for me? It is starting to rain.
- 141 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Noah are standing outside a cafe during a rainstorm.
- JuliaHeb je een paraplu bij je?Do you have an umbrella with you?
- NoahNee, ik heb mijn paraplu vergeten.No, I forgot my umbrella.
- JuliaGeen zorgen, ik heb een grote paraplu.No worries, I have a large umbrella.
- NoahDank je wel, dat is erg fijn.Thank you, that is very nice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “umbrella” translations and entries paraplu, regenscherm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paraplu, regenscherm, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
