Dutch

Suffix

-lui pl

1. Alternative plural form of Dutch words suffixed with -man or -vrouw. Only used in the spoken language, replaced by -lieden in the formal language.

Derived terms

• sportman 'sportsman' → sportlui 'athletes'
• brandweerman 'fireman' → brandweerlui 'firefighters'

Romanian

Alternative forms

• -ului (for masculine and neuter nouns that do not end in a vowel other than -i)

Etymology

From Latin illī, dative common singular of ille (through Vulgar Latin *illūi) or from illīus in the case of the use as a genitive.

Suffix

-lui m/n

1. (definite article) the (masculine/neuter singular, genitive and dative)

Usage notes

This form of the definite article is used for both masculine and neuter nouns in the genitive and dative cases which end in a vowel (including -e, but not -i):

• tatălui, from tată, masc.
• fiului, from fiu, masc.
• fratelui, from frate, masc.
• numelui, from nume, neut.
• soarelui, from soare, masc.

The suffix is also used with masculine and neuter singular adjectives in the genitive and dative cases to make the articulated definite form, often for emphasis, and it is used before the noun it modifies.

• osul iutelui câine, from osul câinelui iute (both meaning, "the swift dog's bone")

Related terms

See also

• lui