je bent mooi
The phrase "you're beautiful" in Dutch is je bent mooi.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are physically attractive.
Which one should you use?
While mooi means beautiful, you can use prachtig in the phrase je bent prachtig to increase the intensity of the compliment to mean "gorgeous" or "magnificent". Additionally, if you want to describe someone specifically as handsome or good-looking, you should use je bent knap instead of mooi.
How does it change in a sentence?
The formal version of the phrase uses the verb form u bent instead of the informal je bent.
Did you know?
- The word mooi can be used sarcastically in the phrase Mooi zo, which often means 'just great' or 'wonderful' when something has actually gone wrong.
- While mooi describes beauty, the word knap for handsome is also used to describe someone who is clever or smart.
- The word mooi may have its roots in an ancient concept of being 'washed' or 'clean', tracing back to Proto-Indo-European roots for wetting.
Examples in context
- Je bent mooi.You're beautiful.This sentence is useful for practicing the form je bent mooi.Tatoeba #7900585 by MarijnKp, translation #863592 by Daga007
- U bent mooi, zowel van binnen als van buiten.You are beautiful, both inside and out.
- U ziet er prachtig uit vandaag.You look beautiful today.
- Je bent mooi, precies zoals je bent.You are beautiful, just the way you are.
- Je hebt een geweldige uitstraling.You have an amazing aura.
- Je bent niet alleen mooi van buiten, maar ook van binnen.You are beautiful not only on the outside but also on the inside.
Example conversation
Daan and Julia are getting ready for a party.
- DaanJe ziet er geweldig uit, je bent mooi.You look great, you're beautiful.
- JuliaDank je, dat is lief van je.Thank you, that is sweet of you.
- DaanIk meen het echt, Julia.I really mean it, Julia.
- JuliaNu ben ik helemaal blij.Now I am completely happy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bent, mooi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
