Nov 23, 2010
Swedish glossary
by: Sweden.se
Even though most Swedes speak English, it may be fun to know some Swedish words as well. So, why not learn a few words and phrases to help you feel more at home in Sweden? Like fika, a compulsory word in your Swedish vocabulary.
"Fika" — a typically Swedish word for a typically Swedish coffee break.
Photo: rinse/Flickr (CC BY ND)
Greetings and courtesies
| Hej! |
Hello |
| Tjena! |
Hi (informal) |
| Talar du engelska? |
Do you speak English? |
| Hur mår du? |
How are you? (neutral) |
| Hur står det till? |
How are you? (formal) |
| Hur är läget? |
What’s up? (informal) |
| Bara bra, tack. Och du? |
I’m fine, thanks. And you? |
| Trevligt att träffas |
Pleased to meet you |
| Hejdå! |
Bye-bye |
| God morgon! |
Good morning |
| God natt! |
Good night |
| Tack! |
Thank you/Please (depending on the context) |
| Varsågod! |
Here you go/Please/You’re welcome (depending on the context) |
| Ursäkta mig! |
Excuse me |
| Ursäkta mig, var ligger toaletten? |
Excuse me, where is the restroom/toilet? |
Food and drinks
| Smör |
Butter |
| Ost |
Cheese |
| Bröd |
Bread |
| Knäckebröd |
Crispbread |
| Kött |
Meat |
| Fisk |
Fish |
| Skaldjur |
Shellfish |
| Kyckling |
Chicken |
| Vegetariskt |
Vegetarian |
| Köttbullar och lingonsylt |
Meatballs and lingonberry jam |
| En dagens, tack! |
Today’s special, please (mostly lunch time) |
| Vatten |
Water |
| Mjölk |
Milk |
| Lättöl |
Low-alcohol beer (a maximum of 2.25% alcohol by volume, common in Sweden) |
| En stor stark |
A beer = lager (literally: a big strong) |
| Ett glas rött/vitt |
A glass of red/white wine |
| Kaffe på maten |
Coffee after dinner |
Feelings
| Jag gillar dig |
I like you |
| Jag älskar dig |
I love you |
| Jag hatar dig |
I hate you |
| Jag är ledsen |
I’m sorry/I’m sad (depending on the context) |
| Förlåt! |
I’m sorry/Forgive me |
Typically Swedish
| Fika |
Coffee break (including the socializing that goes with it) |
| Påtår |
A refill of coffee (often included) |
| Glögg |
The Swedish version of mulled wine |
| Lagom |
Just right; not too little, not too much |
| Nja (Nej + Ja) |
No and yes |
| Smörgåsbord |
Smorgasbord |
| Ombudsman |
Ombudsman (!) |
| Sambo |
Someone who lives together with her/his partner without being married (short for samboende) |
| Särbo |
Someone who is in a long-term relationship but does not live together with her/his partner |
| Älg |
Moose (elk) |
Numerals
| 0 |
Noll |
| 1 |
Ett |
| 2 |
Två |
| 3 |
Tre |
| 4 |
Fyra |
| 5 |
Fem |
| 6 |
Sex |
| 7 |
Sju |
| 8 |
Åtta |
| 9 |
Nio |
| 10 |
Tio |
Copyright:
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