vrouw
/vrɑu̯/feminine
The Dutch word for wife is vrouw. Wiktionary also lists echtgenote.
Meaning: female partner in a marriage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vrouw | /vrɑu̯/ | feminine |
| echtgenote | /ˈɛxt.xəˌnoː.tə/ | feminine |
The term vrouw is used to refer to a female partner in a marriage. It is important to note that depending on the context, vrouw can mean both 'wife' and 'woman'. It is very common in Dutch to use the possessive pronoun to identify one's spouse, such as mijn vrouw (my wife).
Which one should you use?
While vrouw is the common, everyday term, echtgenote is a more formal way to say wife. Vrouw also carries the dual meaning of 'woman' in different contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of vrouw is vrouwen, which can mean either 'wives' or 'women'.
How do you pronounce it?
/vrɑu̯/
Did you know?
- While vrouw means 'wife', the word wijf now often carries a negative or derogatory connotation when referring to a woman.
- In Middle Dutch, vrouw was not a general term for 'wife' or 'woman' but was reserved specifically for aristocratic or well-off women.
- The formal term echtgenote is literally composed of echt meaning 'real' or 'true' and genote meaning 'companion'.
Examples in context
- Zij is mijn vrouw.She's my wife.This sentence shows how to use vrouw to say 'my wife'.Tatoeba #6798976 by Micsmithel, translation #1325177 by Scott
- Ik ben Toms vrouw.I'm Tom's wife.This sentence demonstrates how to use vrouw when identifying oneself as someone's wife.Tatoeba #9072164 by MarijnKp, translation #2235801 by CK
- Ze mist haar vrouw.She misses her wife.This sentence illustrates the use of vrouw to mean 'wife'.Tatoeba #6639768 by RobinvanderVliet, translation #6610655 by RobinvanderVliet
- Mijn echtgenote en ik zijn al vijftien jaar getrouwd.My wife and I have been married for fifteen years.
- Mijn vrouw is een geweldige partner.My wife is an amazing partner.
- Schat, jij bent de liefste vrouw ter wereld.Sweetie, you are the sweetest wife in the world.
- Mijn lieve vrouw maakt mijn leven compleet.My sweet wife completes my life.
- 316 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noah and Sophie are talking about their friends at a party.
- NoahKen jij de vrouw van Mark?Do you know Mark's wife?
- SophieNee, ik heb zijn vrouw nooit gezien.No, I have never seen his wife.
- NoahZij is een heel lieve vrouw.She is a very kind woman/wife.
- SophieDat is fijn om te horen.That is good to hear.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wife” translations and entries vrouw, echtgenote, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries echtgenote, vrouw, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
