Vocabulary (Review)

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Lesson Transcript

nej
en gång till
sakta
What do these words mean? Stick around.
In this quick lesson, you’ll learn basic Swedish phrases all beginners must know.
Before we start, did you know why Swedes keep about an arm’s length apart at bus stops?
Keep watching for the answer at the end.
ja
"yes"
ja
ja
The Swedish yes, “ja”, is usually quite definite compared to English and some other languages. You may also hear “jo”, which can carry many different meanings depending on context and intonation, but in its basic form, it’s also a yes.
Let’s start with the normal “ja!”
Tom helps Oscar at an electronics store.
Oscar: Gillar du det här märket?
Tom: Ja, jag tycker att det är ett bra märke.
nej
"no"
nej
nej
Sometimes you’ll hear this shortened to “nä.”
Jack mistakes Steve for a student.
Jack: Är du student här?
Steve: Nej, det är jag inte. Jag är bara på besök.
en gång till
"one more time"
en gång till
en gång till
In Swedish it’s usually quite simple to add politeness to a request, just add a tack (please!) after it!
Lina asks Alexandra for clarification.
Lina: Ursäkta, jag hörde inte det där. En gång till tack.
Alexandra: Javisst, självklart.
sakta
"slowly"
sakta
sakta
If things are going a bit too fast, then use this word! You use it the exact same way as in English.
Susan needs clarification when asking Jonas for directions.
Susan: Ursäkta, sakta tack.
Jonas: Ta första till vänster och sedan höger.
Ursäkta mig.
"Excuse me."
Ursäkta mig.
Ursäkta mig.
This is the go-to phrase to get someone’s attention.
Jack expresses interest in an item at a store.
Jack: Ursäkta mig. Hur mycket kostar den här?
Tom: Den kostar 20 kronor. Vill du köpa den?
Jag ber om ursäkt.
"I'm sorry."
Jag ber om ursäkt.
Jag ber om ursäkt.
You might also hear “Ursäkta mig” here, but be careful with your tone so it doesn’t sound sarcastic. It’s safer to say this phrase slowly and sincerely.
Steve apologizes to Oscar for a misunderstanding.
Steve: Jag ber om ursäkt. Det var ett misstag från mitt håll.
Oscar: Det är okej. Inga problem.
Tack.
"Thank you."
Tack.
Tack.
The most common and basic way to thank someone is simply with “tack”, this is often enough. You can also say “tackar” to sound a bit more formal. Another way is to say “tack så mycket”, but don’t drag it out too much.
Susan thanks Lina for a party invite.
Susan: Tack så mycket för inbjudan.
Lina: Ingen orsak! Jag är glad att du kunde komma.
Ingen orsak.
"You are welcome."
Ingen orsak.
Ingen orsak.
An easier version to remember is “inga problem,” just like “no problem” in English. It’s a bit more casual, so “ingen orsak” is a safer choice in most situations. Let’s try that.
Natalie provides legal advice to Steve.
Steve: Tack så mycket för din hjälp!
Natalie: Ingen orsak. Jag är glad att jag kunde hjälpa till.
Let's review.
You'll see the words in English and your job is to say the words in Swedish.
Ready?
Do you remember how to say "yes"?
ja
ja
And how to say "no"?
nej
nej
How about "one more time"?
en gång till
en gång till
Do you remember how to say "slowly"?
sakta
sakta
And how to say "Excuse me."?
Ursäkta mig.
Ursäkta mig.
What about "I'm sorry."?
Jag ber om ursäkt.
Jag ber om ursäkt.
Do you remember how to say "Thank you."?
Tack.
Tack.
And finally, do you remember how to say "You are welcome?"
Ingen orsak.
Ingen orsak.
Did you know why Swedes keep about an arm’s length apart at bus stops?
It’s about respecting personal space. Swedes value quiet and distance, even in public places.
Thanks for watching! Don't forget to practice these new words and phrases, and see you next time!

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