lief
sweet; dear; kind
Pronunciation
/liːf/
Cultural Note
'Lief' is one of the most versatile affectionate words in Dutch. It can describe a person, an action, or a gesture. The superlative 'liefste' is used as a term of endearment meaning 'dearest'. Writing 'Lieve...' is the standard opening for personal letters.
📝 Example Sentences
Wat ben je lief!
How sweet you are!
Hij is heel lief voor haar.
He is very sweet to her.
📊 Adjective Forms
| Gender | Form |
|---|---|
| base | lief |
| inflected | lieve |
| comparative | liever |
| superlative | liefst |
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