delikat
/dɛlɪˈkɑːt/
The English word "delicious" can be translated into Swedish in several ways, such as delikat, läcker, smaklig or välsmakande.
Meaning: pleasing to taste (adj)
Ways to say it
| Swedish | IPA |
|---|---|
| delikat | /dɛlɪˈkɑːt/ |
| läcker | |
| smaklig | /ˈsmɑ̂ː.klɪɡ/ |
| välsmakande |
These terms are used to describe something that is pleasing to the taste.
Which one should you use?
välsmakande is a more formal and descriptive term, often used in polite settings or written reviews to mean tasty or flavorful. In contrast, läcker is a common way to say something is delicious. While delikat might look like the English word, it is actually used to describe something that is delicate, dainty or a delicacy.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using läcker as a standalone exclamation, such as saying "Delicious!", it often takes the neuter form läckert.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɛlɪˈkɑːt/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse delikat with the English meaning of "delicious". In Swedish, delikat refers to something being delicate, dainty or a delicacy.
Did you know?
- The word läcker can also be used to describe a person as 'attractive' or 'hot', moving far beyond the context of food.
- The word smaklig is most commonly seen in the phrase smaklig måltid, which is the Swedish equivalent of 'bon appétit'.
- When Swedes use läckert as a general exclamation for something 'cool' or 'great', it does not have to refer to taste at all.
Examples in context
- Soppan var läcker.The soup was delicious.This sentence shows how to use the form läcker to describe food.Tatoeba #11199614 by Pineapple, translation #9482358 by CK
- Läckert!Delicious!This example demonstrates using the form läcker as an exclamation.Tatoeba #8755407 by skanne, translation #7917598 by fpp
- Denna rätt är verkligen läcker!This dish is truly delicious!
- Den här efterrätten är så smaklig!This dessert is so delicious!
- Det här brödet är så himla gott!This bread is so incredibly delicious!
- Kakan du bakade var riktigt god!The cake you baked was really delicious!
- Maten på den här restaurangen är alltid smaskens!The food at this restaurant is always delicious!
Example conversation
Maja and Oscar are eating a meal together.
- MajaSmaka på fisken, Oscar!Taste the fish, Oscar!
- OscarWow, den är verkligen delikat.Wow, it is really delicious.
- MajaVisst är den god?Isn't it tasty?
- OscarJa, den smakar fantastiskt.Yes, it tastes fantastic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “delicious” translations and entries delikat, läcker, smaklig, välsmakande, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
