Greetings

1. Hej

   Hello / Hi

   Usage

   The most common Swedish greeting, suitable for all situations

   Grammar Note

   Pronounced like English "hey". Versatile greeting usable at any time of day

2. God morgon

   Good morning

   Usage

   Morning greeting used until around noon

   Grammar Note

   "God" is pronounced "goo". A direct equivalent of English "good morning"

3. Tack så mycket

   Thank you very much

   Usage

   A warm expression of gratitude; "Tack" alone also works

   Grammar Note

   "Tack" alone is polite; adding "så mycket" emphasizes the gratitude

4. Förlåt

   Sorry / Excuse me

   Usage

   Used for apologies and to get someone's attention

   Grammar Note

   Imperative form of "förlåta" (to forgive). An everyday "sorry"; "ursäkta" is more for getting attention or slightly more formal situations

5. Hur mår du?

   How are you?

   Usage

   Common follow-up to a greeting; used with friends and acquaintances

   Grammar Note

   "Mår" comes from "må" (to be in a state of health). Direct equivalent of "how are you"

6. Bra, tack

   Fine, thank you

   Usage

   Standard response to "Hur mår du?" (How are you?)

   Grammar Note

   "Bra" pronounced "braa". A simple and natural response

7. Hej då

   Goodbye

   Usage

   Common farewell used in everyday situations

   Grammar Note

   "Hej" + "då" (then). A casual farewell; "adjö" is more formal

8. Välkommen

   Welcome

   Usage

   Used to welcome guests at hotels, shops, and events

   Grammar Note

   Combines "väl" (well) and "kommen" (come). Direct cognate of English "welcome"

9. Ursäkta mig

   Excuse me

   Usage

   Used to get attention or pass through a crowd

   Grammar Note

   "Ursäkta" means "to excuse"; "mig" is the object pronoun "me"

10. Talar du engelska?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Useful when there's a language barrier; most Swedes speak English well

    Grammar Note

    Swedish yes/no questions invert verb and subject: Talar (verb) du (subject)

11. Var är toaletten?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Used to ask for the location of the toilet in public places or restaurants

    Grammar Note

    "Var" asks for location. "Toaletten" is the definite form of "toalett" using the -en suffix

12. Jag talar inte svenska

    I can't speak Swedish

    Usage

    Used to let someone know you don't speak Swedish

    Grammar Note

    Negation in Swedish places "inte" after the verb. "Talar" is the present tense of "tala" (to speak)

13. Jag kommer tillbaka.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop — a friendly way to signal you enjoyed it

14. Jag hade jättekul.

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting, to share how much you enjoyed it

15. Tack, vi ses!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell for someone you've become friendly with

16. God natt.

    Good night

    Usage

    Said just before going to sleep — not a farewell, but a bedtime greeting

17. Jag går nu.

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving your lodging for a while

18. Jag är hemma.

    I'm home

    Usage

    Said upon returning to your lodging; literally "I'm home"

19. Jag måste tyvärr gå nu.

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    A polite phrase for excusing yourself when leaving before others

20. Ingen orsak.

    You're welcome

    Usage

    A reply when someone thanks you

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