What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'I want have'. This is because the verb ha (to have) is required in Swedish to express that you want to possess something.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between wanting an object and wanting to perform an action. Use jag vill ha when you want an object, but use jag vill when you want to perform an action, such as jag vill sova (I want to sleep).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While jag vill ha is standard, you can use Jag skulle vilja ha to be more polite and formal, which is common when ordering food or making requests. For a more formal tone of wishing, you can use Jag önskar. In very informal situations, you might say Jag är sugen på, which means 'I feel like'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying jag vill followed immediately by a noun, such as jag vill kaffe. This is a common error for English speakers. You must include ha to properly indicate you want to possess the object, as in jag vill ha kaffe.
Did you know?
- The informal phrase Jag är sugen på literally translates to 'I am greedy for' or 'I am craving'.
- The verb vill in jag vill ha is a doublet of the Swedish word vild, which means 'wild'.
- The formal Jag önskar is so solemn that using it in a casual setting can make the speaker sound like they are in a poem or an old play.
Examples in context
- Jag vill ha två.I want two.This example shows how to specify a quantity using jag vill ha.Tatoeba #10705941 by Pineapple, translation #8773561 by carlosalberto
- Jag vill ha vin.I want wine.This example shows how to request a specific drink using jag vill ha.Tatoeba #11852275 by Pineapple, translation #11851417 by CK
- Jag vill ha ris.I want rice.This example shows how to request a specific food item using jag vill ha.Tatoeba #11852279 by Pineapple, translation #11851416 by CK
- Jag skulle vilja ha en kaffe, tack.I would like a coffee, please.
- Jag önskar att få träffa dig.I wish to meet you.
- Jag vill ha en hamburgare till middag.I want a hamburger for dinner.
- Jag är sugen på att gå på bio ikväll.I feel like going to the movies tonight.
- Jag skulle vilja ha en bok att läsa.I would like a book to read.
- Jag önskar att få se vackra platser.I wish to see beautiful places.
- Jag vill ha en resa till Stockholm.I want a trip to Stockholm.
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alice and Karl are at a cafe.
- AliceJag vill ha en kaffe.I want a coffee.
- KarlVad vill du ha i kaffet?What do you want in the coffee?
- AliceJag vill ha lite mjölk.I want some milk.
- KarlOkej, jag fixar det.Okay, I'll fix that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ha, jag, vill, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
