kapjes

Kapjes is the plural form of kapje, a Dutch diminutive of kap meaning a small cap, lid, or cover. The exact meaning of kapjes depends on context, and it is a broadly used, informal term rather than a precise technical designation.

In clothing and fashion, kapjes refer to small head coverings such as baby caps, bonnet-like hats, or decorative caps worn for warmth or style. They are common in children's wear and in certain traditional or rustic outfits.

In health and safety contexts, kapjes can denote face coverings or masks used to protect the wearer or others. In everyday language people might say mondkapje or gezichtsmasker, with kapje functioning as a casual synonym in some regions or situations.

In packaging and hardware, kapjes describe small protective caps or covers used to seal, insulate, or protect parts. Examples include end caps on cables, protective caps for connectors, or bottle caps. In technical settings more specific terms such as dop, kap, or beschermkap are often preferred.

Biology note: the standard Dutch term for the protein shell of a virus is kapside (singular) / kapsiden (plural); kapjes is not used in technical virology contexts. Etymology: kapjes derives from kap with the diminutive suffix -je, signaling a small version or covering of a kap.