je leeftijd
/jə ˈleːf.tɛi̯t/word by word
The English phrase "your age" is translated into Dutch as je leeftijd.
The phrase refers to the number of years a person has lived.
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of the possessive pronoun je (your) and the noun leeftijd (age).
Which one should you use?
While je leeftijd is the standard form, jouw leeftijd can be used to add emphasis to the word "your", such as when you are contrasting one person's age with another's. Additionally, uw leeftijd is the formal version of the phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
In formal situations, use uw leeftijd instead of je leeftijd. To emphasize the possessive nature of the phrase, replace je with jouw to create jouw leeftijd.
How do you pronounce it?
It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word tijd in leeftijd is a cognate of the English word 'tide', which originally meant 'time' before it came to refer to the movement of the ocean.
- The word leeftijd literally translates to 'living time', combining the verb leven (to live) with tijd (time).
- In many Dutch forms, instead of asking for je leeftijd, you might see the more clinical term geboortejaar (birth year) requested instead.
Examples in context
- Gedraag je naar je leeftijd.Act your age.This sentence is useful for the expression "Act your age."Tatoeba #5518186 by benscheelings, translation #282154 by CK
- Vul je leeftijd in op het formulier.Please put your age on the form.This sentence shows how to use the phrase when asking someone to provide their age on a form.Tatoeba #12350807 by megamanenm, translation #680114 by Source_VOA
- Je ziet er oud uit voor je leeftijd.You look old for your age.This sentence illustrates using the phrase to say someone looks old for their age.Tatoeba #13650126 by doemaar14, translation #6267135 by CK
- Ik ben 25 jaar oud.I am 25 years old.
- Ik ben 30.I am 30.
- Ik ben 30 jaartjes jong.I am 30 years young.
- Hoe oud ben je?How old are you?
- Wat is jouw leeftijd?What is your age?
- Mag ik vragen hoe oud je bent?May I ask how old you are?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Levi and Sophie are chatting about a registration form.
- LeviMag ik je leeftijd weten?May I know your age?
- SophieNatuurlijk, ik ben tweeëntwintig.Of course, I am twenty-two.
- LeviIk moet je leeftijd hier invullen.I have to fill in your age here.
- SophieDat is prima, Levi.That is fine, Levi.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (je, leeftijd) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leeftijd, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
