je bent schattig
In Dutch, 'you're cute' is translated as je bent schattig.
The word schattig is used for both people and objects (like a puppy or a child), similar to the English word 'cute'. To add emphasis, you can say je bent zo schattig to mean 'you are so cute'.
Which one should you use?
You might also use Wat ben je schattig! to say 'How cute you are!' or Jij ziet er echt leuk uit! to say 'You look really cute!' in an informal setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use u bent schattig instead of je bent schattig if you are addressing someone in a formal context, such as an elder or a stranger, though calling someone 'cute' in a formal setting is socially unusual.
Did you know?
- Dutch has a specific habit of adding the suffix -je to nouns to make them 'cute' or small, a process called diminutive.
- The word schattig is built from the word schat, which means 'treasure'.
- While schattig describes cuteness, Dutch speakers often use leuk to describe a person they find attractive or 'cute' in a romantic sense.
Examples in context
- Je bent schattig met dat nieuwe kapselYou're cute with that new hairstyle
- Wat ben je schattig als je lachtHow cute you are when you smile
- Je bent mooi, zo schattig dat je altijd een glimlach op mijn gezicht tovert.You're beautiful, so cute that you always put a smile on my face.
- Wat ben jij schattig! Je maakt mijn dag altijd een stukje beter.How cute you are! You make my day a little bit better every time.
- Je bent schattig als je slaapt.You're cute when you sleep.
- Je bent schattig in dat nieuwe jasje.You're cute in that new jacket.
Example conversation
Sophie and Noah are walking in a park.
- SophieNoah, je bent schattig vandaag.Noah, you're cute today.
- NoahEcht waar, Sophie?Really, Sophie?
- SophieJa, je lacht zo mooi.Yes, you smile so beautifully.
- NoahDank je wel, dat is lief.Thank you, that is sweet.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bent, schattig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
