AskSweden
Hej
Hi / hello
hey
Pronunciation may vary by device
Survival guide · with audio
Swedish phrases you will actually use
Hej, fika, the bathroom, and 112. Tap the speaker for in-browser Swedish pronunciation.
Greetings & basics
Hej då
Bye
hey doh
Pronunciation may vary by device
Tack
Thanks
tack
Pronunciation may vary by device
Tack så mycket
Thank you very much
tack soh MICK-eh
Pronunciation may vary by device
Varsågod
You're welcome / here you go
var-soh-GOOD
Pronunciation may vary by device
Ursäkta mig
Excuse me
ur-SHEK-ta may
Pronunciation may vary by device
Förlåt
Sorry
fur-LOHT
Pronunciation may vary by device
Ja
Yes
yah
Pronunciation may vary by device
Nej
No
nay
Pronunciation may vary by device
Fika & food
Fika
Coffee break (a social ritual, not just a drink)
FEE-kah
Pronunciation may vary by device
Smaklig måltid
Enjoy your meal
SMOCK-lig molt-teed
Pronunciation may vary by device
Skål
Cheers
skohl
Pronunciation may vary by device
Notan, tack
The bill, please
NOO-tan tack
Pronunciation may vary by device
En kaffe, tack
A coffee, please
en KAH-feh tack
Pronunciation may vary by device
Everyday survival
Var är toaletten?
Where's the bathroom?
var air too-ah-LET-en
Pronunciation may vary by device
Pratar du engelska?
Do you speak English?
PRAH-tar doo ENG-el-ska
Pronunciation may vary by device
Jag förstår inte
I don't understand
yah fur-STOHR in-teh
Pronunciation may vary by device
Hur mycket kostar det?
How much does this cost?
hur MICK-eh KOSS-tar deh
Pronunciation may vary by device
Ursäkta, var är...?
Excuse me, where is...?
ur-SHEK-ta, var air
Pronunciation may vary by device
Small talk
Hur mår du?
How are you?
hur mor doo
Pronunciation may vary by device
Vad heter du?
What's your name?
vah HAY-ter doo
Pronunciation may vary by device
Trevligt att träffas
Nice to meet you
TREHV-ligt att TREFF-ass
Pronunciation may vary by device
Vilket väder!
What weather! (a very Swedish conversation starter)
VILL-ket VAY-der
Pronunciation may vary by device
Emergency
Hjälp!
Help!
yelp
Pronunciation may vary by device
Ring 112
Call 112 — Sweden's emergency number
ring ett ett två
Pronunciation may vary by device
Jag behöver en läkare
I need a doctor
yah beh-HOH-ver en LAY-kah-reh
Pronunciation may vary by device
Pronunciation may vary by device. Uses your browser’s Swedish (sv-SE) voice.
Estimate only, not official tax/legal advice. For exact figures, consult Skatteverket directly.
Why these phrases?
Swedes will often switch to English if you look lost — but Hej, Tack and Ursäkta still open doors. Ring 112 is the emergency number across the EU, including Sweden. Fika is not a joke: it is how meetings, friendships and work breaks actually run.
Pair this with the Sweden public holidays calendar 2026 so you know when offices close — and try the Should I move to Sweden quiz.