alfabet
/ˈalfaˌbeːt/neuter
The English word "alphabet" is translated into Swedish as alfabet. Wiktionary also lists ABC.
Meaning: an ordered set of letters used in a language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Swedish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alfabet | /ˈalfaˌbeːt/ | neuter |
| ABC | neuter |
The word is a neuter noun used to refer to an ordered set of letters used in a language.
Which one should you use?
ABC and alfabet are both neuter.
How does it change in a sentence?
The indefinite plural form of alfabet is also alfabet. To say "the alphabet" in the definite form, use alfabetet.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈalfaˌbeːt/
Did you know?
- The word alfabet is a loanword that entered Swedish via French and German, rather than coming directly from Latin or English.
- In many digital contexts, such as sorting files, the Swedish alfabet places the letters å, ä, and ö at the very end of the sequence, after 'z'.
- Because the Swedish alfabet contains 29 letters, it is more extensive than the English version, despite both being based on the same Latin roots.
Examples in context
- Tekniskt sett är hiragana en stavelseskrift, inte ett alfabet.Technically hiragana is a syllabary, not an alphabet.This sentence is useful for illustrating the distinction between a syllabary and the word alfabet.Tatoeba #5701814 by Tokeingah, translation #5701767 by zumley
- Kan du säga abecedariet baklänges?Can you say the alphabet backward?
- Det svenska alfabetet är ganska kort.The Swedish alphabet is quite short.
Example conversation
Linnea and Karl are studying for a language test.
- LinneaVilket alfabet använder de i ryska?Which alphabet do they use in Russian?
- KarlDe använder det kyrilliska alfabetet, Linnea.They use the Cyrillic alphabet, Linnea.
- LinneaÄr det svårare än vårt alfabet?Is it harder than our alphabet?
- KarlJag tror att det tar lite tid att lära sig.I think it takes some time to learn.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alphabet” translations and entries alfabet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
