pootje

Pootje is a Dutch noun meaning a small paw or foot, usually referring to the paws of animals but also used affectionately for small feet in humans, especially children or pets. It is the diminutive form of poot, which denotes a paw or leg, and the suffix -je signals smallness or endearment. The word is common in everyday speech and appears in both spoken and written Dutch.

Etymology and forms: Pootje derives from the base word poot plus the diminutive suffix -je. The usual plural is pootjes. In context, pootje conveys a sense of cuteness or tenderness and is widely understood across Dutch-speaking regions.

Usage and examples: Pootje is primarily used when talking about animals—cats, dogs, rabbits, birds—and their paws. Examples include: “Het pootje van de kat is nat” or “Het pupje likt haar pootje.” It can also be used in a playful or affectionate way when referring to a child’s or a pet’s feet, contributing a warm or charming tone to the description.

Cultural notes: The term is benign and everyday, frequently appearing in family conversation, children’s books, and light literature. It does not denote a technical term, but rather a familiar, tender linguistic register for small, endearing body parts.

See also: poot; diminutive suffix -je; Dutch vocabulary.