trevlig helg
In Swedish, "have a nice weekend" is translated as trevlig helg.
trevlig helg is a polite phrase used to wish someone a pleasant time during the coming weekend. It is typically used as a parting phrase on Fridays or during the weekend, rather than as a greeting when arriving.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase trevlig helg literally translates to "nice weekend".
Which one should you use?
While trevlig helg is the most common elliptical form, you can also say the full sentence Ha en trevlig helg to mean "Have a nice weekend".
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English "have a nice weekend", the Swedish phrase trevlig helg omits the verb "to have" (ha), making it a noun phrase used as an interjection.
When do people say it?
When someone says trevlig helg, a common and natural response is Tack, detsamma!, which means "Thanks, the same [to you]!"
Did you know?
- The word helg in trevlig helg comes from the Old Norse word for 'holy', meaning the word for 'weekend' is etymologically linked to 'sacred' or 'holy'.
- In Sweden, trevlig helg is often said to colleagues on Thursday afternoons if one of them is taking a Friday off.
- While trevlig means 'nice', it is also the root of the verb trivas, which describes the feeling of being cozy and content in one's environment.
Examples in context
- Ha en trevlig helg!Have a nice weekend!
- Jag önskar dig en trevlig helg!I wish you a nice weekend!
- Ha en skön helg!Have a great weekend!
- Trevlig helg!Nice weekend!
- Jag önskar dig en trevlig helg.I wish you a nice weekend.
Example conversation
Erik and Emma are leaving work on a Friday afternoon.
- ErikNu slutar jag för veckan.I am finishing for the week now.
- EmmaVad skönt! Ha en trevlig helg, Erik!How nice! Have a nice weekend, Erik!
- ErikTack samma, Emma! Ha en trevlig helg du också.Thanks, same to you, Emma! Have a nice weekend too.
- EmmaTack, vi ses på måndag!Thanks, see you on Monday!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries helg, trevlig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
