bra match
/brɑː matːɕ/word by word
The English phrase "good game" is translated into Swedish as bra match.
bra match is used to praise the quality of a sports match or to show sportsmanship after a game. While it is a literal translation of "good game", in Swedish it is more common to use this phrase to describe the quality of the competition itself rather than as a standard post-game greeting like the English "GG".
What does it mean word for word?
bra match is composed of bra (good) and match (match/game).
Which one should you use?
bra match is the singular form, whereas bra matcher is the plural form meaning "good games".
How do you pronounce it?
/brɑː matːɕ/
Did you know?
- The word bra has an unexpected connection to English words like 'brave' and 'bravo', tracing back through French and Italian to describe something that is good or courageous.
- While an English speaker might say 'good game' as a polite handshake to an opponent, saying bra match to a person can sound as if you are critiquing the level of play rather than greeting them.
- Swedish gamers frequently use the English 'GG' instead of bra match to avoid the perceived formality of the native translation.
Examples in context
- Bra spelat! Du är riktigt skicklig!Well played! You are really skilled!
- Grymt spelat, grabbar!Awesome game, guys!
- Det var en bra match.That was a good game.
- Tack för en bra match!Thanks for a good game!
- Vilken bra match vi hade!What a good game we had!
Example conversation
After a tennis match at a local club.
- EmmaBra match, Oscar!Good game, Oscar!
- OscarTack, Emma. Du spelade jättebra.Thanks, Emma. You played really well.
- EmmaDet var verkligen en bra match.It really was a good game.
- OscarJa, jag vill gärna spela igen.Yes, I would love to play again.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bra, match) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bra, match, CC BY-SA 4.0.
