och
/ɔ/
The English word 'and' is translated into Swedish as och.
och is a conjunction used to connect similar words or phrases. In certain idiomatic constructions, such as gå och [verb], it is used to suggest someone perform an action, similar to the English 'go ahead and [verb]'.
Meaning: used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj)
Which one should you use?
While och is the standard way to say 'and', the word samt serves as a formal alternative often found in academic or professional writing. Additionally, if you want to express the concept of 'neither…nor', Swedish uses the compound construction varken…eller.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔ/
Did you know?
- The Swedish word och is a distant relative of the English word 'eke', as seen in the phrase 'to eke out a living'.
- In spoken Swedish, 'och' is often shortened to a simple 'å' sound in rapid conversation, much like how 'going to' becomes 'gonna' in English.
- The word och is cognate with the German word auch, though in modern German auch shifted in meaning from 'and' to 'also'.
Examples in context
- Kom och ta mig.Come and get me.This sentence shows how to use och in a command.Tatoeba #4323835 by richke, translation #2869908 by CK
- Kom in och kör.Get in and drive.This sentence demonstrates the use of och to connect two actions.Tatoeba #4338812 by richke, translation #2648843 by CK
- Gå och fråga Tom.Go ahead and ask Tom.This sentence illustrates the idiomatic use of och to suggest an action, similar to 'go ahead and'.Tatoeba #4317199 by richke, translation #2951863 by CK
- Solen skiner, och fåglarna sjungerThe sun is shining, and the birds are singing
- Studien undersökte både orsaker och konsekvenser samt förslag till åtgärderThe study examined causes and consequences as well as proposed solutions
- Äpplen och päronApples and pears
- 1027 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Linnea and Erik are talking about their grocery list.
- LinneaVi behöver mjölk och bröd.We need milk and bread.
- ErikSka vi köpa äpplen och päron också?Shall we buy apples and pears too?
- LinneaJa, och vi behöver kaffe.Yes, and we need coffee.
- ErikJag skriver ner allt på listan.I will write everything on the list.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “and” translations and entries och, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries och, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
