je bent dom
The Dutch phrase for "you're stupid" is je bent dom.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they lack intelligence. While it is a direct insult to someone's intellect, other variations like je bent stom can be used more lightly to mean someone is being silly or dumb.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (you), bent (are) and dom (stupid).
Which one should you use?
je bent dom is a direct way to insult someone's intelligence, whereas je bent stom is a common variation used to mean someone is being silly or acting in a less heavy-handed way.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the formal pronoun u instead of je, the verb stays as bent (as in u bent dom). You may also encounter the informal expression Doe niet zo dom, which means "Don't act so stupid".
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Je bent dom.You're stupid.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase je bent dom.Tatoeba #7207262 by Micsmithel, translation #2123495 by CK
- Je bent niet erg slim, hè?You're not very smart, huh?
- Je bent dom als je dat niet weet.You are stupid if you don't know that.
- Echt waar, je bent dom.Seriously, you are stupid.
Example conversation
Two siblings are arguing after a silly mistake.
- SophieHoe kon je dat vergeten?How could you forget that?
- LucasIk weet het niet, Sophie.I don't know, Sophie.
- SophieJe bent dom, Lucas.You are stupid, Lucas.
- LucasDat is niet aardig van je.That is not kind of you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bent, dom, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
