Short, punchy, and packed with feeling, “amai” is one of the most recognisable words in Flemish Dutch.
It’s an exclamation that can mean wow, oh my, goodness, or even yikes, all depending on tone and context.
You might hear: “Amai, dat is duur!” – “Wow, that’s expensive!” or “Amai, wat een weer!” – “Oh my, what weather!”
Part of what makes amai so versatile is that it’s emotionally flexible. Said with a rising tone, it can express pleasant surprise or admiration. Said flatly or with a sigh, it can convey disbelief, shock, or mild complaint. It’s a perfect linguistic shortcut for situations where words might otherwise fail you.
Amai is not standard Dutch, you won’t often hear it in the Netherlands. But in Flanders, it’s everyday language. Even people who don’t speak Flemish often pick it up after a short time in Belgium because it slips so naturally into conversation.
So, whether you’ve just tasted the best chocolate of your life or opened an electricity bill that made your jaw drop, remember the local way to react: Amai!
See all our previous ‘Belgian word of the day’ features here.
