stilletjes

Stilletjes is a Dutch adverb meaning quietly or softly, used to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It often conveys a gentle, unobtrusive, or discreet quality to the activity.

The form stilletjes is derived from the adjective stil (quiet) with a diminutive suffix, and it is most common in everyday speech. In formal writing, speakers may opt for the simpler stil or for synonyms such as zachtjes, depending on the context. Stilletjes can also appear in phrases where the action is done with little noise over a period of time.

Common usage includes sentences like “Zij liep stilletjes naar binnen” (She walked quietly inside) or “Hij luisterde stilletjes naar muziek” (He listened quietly to music). The expression stilletjes aan, sometimes written stilletjesaan, means gradually or little by little, as in “Het werd stilletjes aan donker” (It slowly grew dark).

Stilletjes can carry a neutral or affectionate tone and is considered informal or conversational. It contrasts with stronger terms for noise level, and while it emphasizes quietness, it does not inherently imply secrecy; other nuances depend on the surrounding verbs and context.

Related Dutch terms include zachtjes (gently/softly) and geruisloos (soundless). The phrase stilletjes aan is a common idiom for gradual change and is widely understood across Dutch-speaking regions.