zakenman

Zakenman is a Dutch noun that refers to a male businessperson or trader. It is formed from the words zaak (business, matter) and man (man). The term is most commonly used in the Netherlands and the Dutch-speaking parts of Belgium (Flanders) to designate someone engaged in commerce, industry, or corporate management.

Usage and nuance: Zakenman typically denotes a professional involved in business activities, often at a managerial or executive level. It can carry connotations of being commercially successful or influential, similar to the English term "businessman." The word is gendered; the feminine form is zakenvrouw, though in modern language neutral terms like ondernemer or businessperson are increasingly preferred in formal writing. Some contexts distinguish between a merchant (handelaar) and a corporate executive; in everyday speech, zakenman can simply mean someone who runs or owns a business.

Relation to other terms: Related terms include ondernemer (entrepreneur), which emphasizes starting and growing ventures, and bedrijfsleider (manager). The adjective zakelijk is related but refers to businesslike or transactional aspects rather than a person.

Cultural notes: In contemporary Dutch usage, gender-neutral language is becoming more common, and some style guides advise using neutral alternatives in official writing. However, zakenman remains a recognized historical and contemporary term for a male businessperson within Dutch-speaking communities.