je bent lelijk
The English phrase "you're ugly" is translated into Dutch as je bent lelijk.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they are not physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (you), bent (are) and lelijk (ugly).
Which one should you use?
You can also use je bent een lelijk mens, which means "you are an ugly person". This variation can shift the emphasis from purely physical appearance to a person's character or essence.
Did you know?
- The word lelijk is an old way of saying one is 'sorrow-like', as it stems from the Middle Dutch word for 'sorrow' combined with the suffix '-like'.
- In some Dutch dialects, using the archaic gij instead of je can make the phrase gij zijt lelijk sound strangely poetic or old-fashioned rather than a modern insult.
- The word lelijk can also describe a 'lelijke fout', which translates to a 'nasty mistake' or a 'clumsy error'.
Examples in context
- Je bent lelijk, maar ik hou toch van je.You're ugly, but I love you anyway.This sentence shows how to express affection despite the insult using je bent lelijk.Tatoeba #9609022 by Nylez, translation #3063953 by Hybrid
- Je bent lelijk.You're ugly.This sentence is a simple, direct way to state the insult using je bent lelijk.Tatoeba #9051759 by Micsmithel, translation #2789146 by Hybrid
Example conversation
Daan and Julia are arguing during a fight.
- DaanJe bent lelijk!You're ugly!
- JuliaDat is echt gemeen, Daan.That is really mean, Daan.
- DaanHet is gewoon de waarheid.It is just the truth.
- JuliaIk praat niet meer met je.I'm not talking to you anymore.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bent, lelijk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
