duktig flicka
The Swedish phrase for "good girl" is duktig flicka.
The phrase duktig flicka is most commonly used to praise a child's behavior or achievement rather than as a romantic or sexualized compliment.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, duktig flicka translates to "capable girl", as the word duktig literally means 'capable' or 'skilful' rather than 'good' in a moral sense.
Which one should you use?
While duktig flicka praises competence or effort, snäll flicka would be used to praise a girl for being kind or well-behaved.
Did you know?
- The word duktig is a cognate of the English word 'doughty', which means brave or resolute.
- While duktig flicka is used for people, the adjective duktig is also the standard word for praising a dog for following a command.
- In historical German slang known as Rotwelsch, the similar word Flikk actually referred to a 'boy' or 'lad'.
Examples in context
- Hon är en duktig flicka.She is a good girl.
- Vilken duktig flicka du är!What a good girl you are!
- Min dotter är en duktig flicka.My daughter is a good girl.
Example conversation
Karl is praising Maja for finishing her homework.
- MajaTitta, jag är klar med läxan!Look, I am finished with the homework!
- KarlVad duktig flicka du är, Maja.What a good girl you are, Maja.
- MajaTack så mycket, Karl!Thank you very much, Karl!
- KarlNu kan vi gå och leka.Now we can go and play.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duktig, flicka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
