meneer

Meneer is a Dutch honorific meaning "Mr." or "sir," used to address or refer to an adult man in a polite or formal way. It functions as a form of respectful address in everyday speech and can appear before a man’s name or simply in direct address, as in "Goedemorgen, meneer." In written Dutch, especially in formal contexts, the equivalent title often used is "de heer" (for example, "De heer Jansen" or "De heer De Vries").

Usage notes help distinguish its levels of formality. Meneer is common in spoken language, customer service, and informal or semi-formal situations. It is less formal than "de heer," which remains the standard in formal letters, official documents, and formal public references. In many settings, "meneer" may be followed by a surname or a first name, such as "Meneer Janssen" or "Meneer Jan Janssen," depending on social context and personal preference.

Etymology and history point to Dutch origins, with the word historically linked to a term meaning "my lord" or "master." Over time, it developed into a courteous title used broadly for adult men. The form exists in other Dutch-influenced languages as well; in Afrikaans, "meneer" serves a similar purpose as a polite form of address.

Related terms include mevrouw for adult women, meaning "Mrs." or "Ms." While used widely in the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders), the exact social nuances of meneer can vary by region, setting, and personal preference.