Ways to say it
| Swedish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| flicka | /ˈflɪkːˌa/ | common gender |
| tjej | /ɕɛj/ | common gender |
flicka is the standard word for a young female child or girl, whereas tjej is more colloquial and often used for both girls and young women, similar to the English 'girl' used in social contexts.
Which one should you use?
flicka is the standard word for a young female child, whereas tjej is a more colloquial term used for girls and young women, much like the English 'girl' used in social contexts. Another term is brud, which is an informal way to refer to a girl similar to the English 'chick'. However, be aware that brud can be seen as slightly derogatory in certain contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
flicka is the formal and standard term. tjej is a colloquial or informal way to say 'girl' or 'gal'. Brud is also informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word flicka is a common-gender noun. Its plural form is flickor and its definite form (the girl) is flickan. The word tjej is also a common-gender noun. Its plural form is tjejer and its definite form (the girl/young woman) is tjejen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈflɪkːˌa/
Did you know?
- While brud is used informally for 'girl', the word literally means 'bride' in standard Swedish.
- The word tjej has its roots in the Romani language, specifically from the word ćhaj, which means 'girl'.
Examples in context
- En tjej ringde mig.A girl phoned me.This sentence shows the use of tjej for a girl.Tatoeba #2180617 by herrsilen, translation #67222 by CK
- Flickan har en mus.The girl has a mouse.This sentence shows the use of flicka for a girl.Tatoeba #8727295 by morbrorper, translation #3218076 by Dreamk33
- Flickan föll i sömn.The girl went to sleep.Tatoeba #10346419 by morbrorper, translation #267887 by CK
- Jag träffade en flicka i parken.I met a girl in the park.
- Hon är en smart flicka.She is a smart girl.
- Vi ska träffa några tjejer ikväll.We are going to meet some girls tonight.
- Den tjejen är min bästa vän.That girl is my best friend.
- 78 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Linnea and Oscar are looking at a family photo.
- LinneaVem är den lilla flicka här?Who is the little girl here?
- OscarDet är min kusin, Sara.That is my cousin, Sara.
- LinneaHon var en väldigt söt flicka.She was a very cute girl.
- OscarJa, hon var det verkligen.Yes, she really was.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “girl” translations and entries flicka, tjej, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries flicka, tjej, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
