älskling
/²ɛlːsklɪŋ/common gender
The English word "darling" can be translated into Swedish as älskling. Wiktionary also lists raring.
Meaning: often used as an affectionate term of address: person who is very dear to one (noun)
Ways to say it
| Swedish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| älskling | /²ɛlːsklɪŋ/ | common gender |
| raring |
Both älskling and raring are used as affectionate terms of address for someone who is very dear to you.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun älskling is formed from the verb älska (to love) and the diminutive suffix -ling.
Which one should you use?
Älskling is a standard term of endearment for a partner. In contrast, raring is often perceived as more diminutive and is frequently used for children or pets.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Älskling is a common-gender noun. Its plural form is älsklingar.
How do you pronounce it?
/²ɛlːsklɪŋ/
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'darling' for many people, calling a stranger älskling in Sweden can feel uncomfortably intimate or even patronizing.
- The verb älska inside älskling is reserved for deep love, whereas the more common word for 'like' or 'love' in casual contexts is tycka om.
- In older Swedish literature, terms like älskling were often used more formally in poetry to address a distant or idealized love, unlike the domestic way it is used today.
Examples in context
- Vad gör du, älskling?What are you doing, darling?This sentence shows how to use älskling in a question about someone's current activity.Tatoeba #3126960 by herrsilen, translation #4889833 by warrenbisch
- Vad är det, älskling?What's the matter, darling?This sentence shows how to use älskling when asking what is wrong.Tatoeba #4159698 by richke, translation #3799200 by Hybrid
- Är du trött, älskling?Are you tired, darling?This sentence shows how to use älskling when asking if someone is tired.Tatoeba #11485331 by Pineapple, translation #4872390 by derpapottamus
- Kära Maria, jag är så glad att få kalla dig min.Darling Maria, I'm so happy to call you mine.
- God morgon, mitt hjärta!Good morning, my darling!
- Min älskade, jag är så stolt över dig.My darling, I am so proud of you.
- Kom hit, mitt hjärta!Come here, my darling!
- Vill du gå ut ikväll, älskling?Do you want to go out tonight, darling?
- Älskade, jag saknade dig så mycket.Darling, I missed you so much.
- Hjärtat mitt, du är det bästa som har hänt mig.My darling, you are the best thing that has happened to me.
- Kom och krama mig, älskling.Come and hug me, darling.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is cooking dinner together in their kitchen.
- LinneaKan du hjälpa mig, älskling?Can you help me, darling?
- LucasSjälvklart, vad behöver du?Of course, what do you need?
- LinneaJag behöver bara lite hjälp med de här grönsakerna.I just need a little help with these vegetables.
- LucasDet ska jag fixa direkt.I will fix that right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “darling” translations and entries älskling, raring, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
