Are you interested in learning how to say “etc.” in Swedish? It’s a useful phrase that can be handy in various situations. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express “etc.” in Swedish, provide you with tips and examples, and touch on regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “etc.” in Swedish
When it comes to formal situations, you can use the following phrases to convey the meaning of “etc.” in Swedish:
1. Och så vidare
This is the most standard and widely-accepted phrase for “etc.” in formal Swedish. The literal translation is “and so on.” It is a versatile phrase that can be used in both spoken and written communication.
Exampel 1: Vi behöver färgpennor, papper, sudd, och så vidare.
Translation 1: We need colored pencils, paper, erasers, and so on.
Exampel 2: Ändra prioritetsordningen för punkterna på listan och så vidare.
Translation 2: Change the priority order of the items on the list, and so on.
2. Etcetera
“Etcetera” is a Latin-derived phrase that is also commonly used in formal Swedish. Even though it originated from Latin, it has become a part of the Swedish language. It is often abbreviated as “osv.” in writing, which stands for “och så vidare.”
Exampel 1: Försäkring, bankkonto, sparande etcetera.
Translation 1: Insurance, bank account, savings, etcetera.
Exampel 2: Lärarna undervisar i matematik, fysik, historia, etcetera.
Translation 2: The teachers teach mathematics, physics, history, etcetera.
Informal Ways to Say “etc.” in Swedish
When you are in a casual or informal setting, you might want to use more relaxed phrases to convey the meaning of “etc.” Here are a couple of informal alternatives:
1. Och sånt
“Och sånt” is a colloquial phrase that functions as an informal equivalent of “etc.” in Swedish. It is derived from the words “och” (and) and “sånt” (things).
Exampel 1: Jag gillar att läsa böcker, titta på film, laga mat, och sånt.
Translation 1: I like to read books, watch movies, cook, and so on.
Exampel 2: De träffade sina vänner, gick på bio, åt middag ute, och sånt.
Translation 2: They met their friends, went to the cinema, ate dinner outside, and so on.
2. Och liknande
“Och liknande” is another informal way of expressing “etc.” in Swedish, roughly translating to “and similar.” This phrase is commonly used in informal conversations to indicate additional similar items or concepts.
Exampel 1: Vi borde köpa grönsaker, frukt, mejeriprodukter, och liknande.
Translation 1: We should buy vegetables, fruit, dairy products, and similar.
Exampel 2: Hon gillar att lyssna på rock, pop, hiphop, och liknande musik.
Translation 2: She likes to listen to rock, pop, hip-hop, and similar music.
Tips for Using “etc.” in Swedish
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using “etc.” in Swedish:
- Try to use more formal expressions like “och så vidare” or “etcetera” in formal writing or professional contexts.
- When speaking informally, “och sånt” or “och liknande” are suitable alternatives for “etc.”
- Remember that “etc.” rarely appears in Swedish sentences. Native speakers often prefer specifying the items or ideas instead of using a broad term like “etc.”
- Be mindful of the context. If you are unsure about the appropriate way to use “etc.” in Swedish, feel free to ask native speakers for guidance.
Now that you are equipped with various formal and informal ways to express “etc.” in Swedish, you can confidently navigate conversations and written communication using this versatile phrase.
