swedish: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal. 'Swedish' is standard; 'Swede' is the demonym for a person.
Quick answer
What does “swedish” mean?
Relating to Sweden, its people, or their language.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to Sweden, its people, or their language.
1. Of or pertaining to the culture, language, or people of Sweden. 2. A design style characterized by simplicity, functionality, and light colours. 3. An informal term for the Swedish language itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. US English more likely to use 'Swedish' as a standalone noun for the language ("Do you speak Swedish?") where British might marginally prefer "...speak *any* Swedish?"
Connotations
Both associate with neutrality, design (IKEA), welfare state, and specific cultural exports (ABBA, meatballs).
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “swedish” in a Sentence
[be] + Swedish (adj)[speak/learn/study] + Swedish (n)[of] + Swedish + [origin/design/etc.]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “swedish” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She has a Swedish passport.
- The furniture had a distinctly Swedish aesthetic.
American English
- He loves Swedish meatballs.
- They adopted a Swedish style of parenting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to companies, trade, or business practices originating in Sweden (e.g., 'We are meeting with Swedish partners').
Academic
Used in studies of history, linguistics, or social sciences concerning Sweden (e.g., 'The Swedish education system is often studied').
Everyday
Commonly refers to food, travel, language learning, and furniture (e.g., 'I bought a Swedish sofa').
Technical
In linguistics, refers to the North Germanic language; in design/architecture, denotes a specific aesthetic.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “swedish”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “swedish”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “swedish”
- Incorrect: 'He is a Swedish.' (Correct: 'He is Swedish' or 'He is a Swede.').
- Incorrect capitalisation in phrases like 'swedish meatballs' (should be capitalised as it's a proper adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring directly to the nationality, language, or things originating from Sweden (e.g., Swedish music). It may appear lowercase in very informal contexts or specific compounds (e.g., 'swedish fish' candy).
'Swedish' is an adjective (Swedish car) or the name of the language. 'Swede' is a noun for a person from Sweden (He is a Swede). You cannot say 'He is a Swedish.'
No, 'Swedish' is not used as a verb in standard English.
Yes, Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish are mutually intelligible to a high degree, especially in their written forms, due to shared North Germanic roots.
Relating to Sweden, its people, or their language.
Swedish is usually neutral to formal. 'swedish' is standard; 'swede' is the demonym for a person. in register.
Swedish: in British English it is pronounced /ˈswiː.dɪʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈswiː.dɪʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To go Swedish (informal: to split the bill equally)”
- “Swedish finish (sports: a specific gymnastics dismount)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SWEDish = SWEden + Dish (think of a dish of Swedish meatballs).
Conceptual Metaphor
NATION AS PERSON/CULTURE (e.g., 'Swedish simplicity', 'Swedish neutrality').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'Swedish' correctly as a noun?