is
/iːs/common gender
The Swedish word for ice is is.
is is a noun used to refer to water in its frozen form.
Meaning: water in frozen form (noun)
Which one should you use?
While is refers to frozen water, do not confuse it with the Swedish verb är, which means 'is' (to be).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify 'the ice', add the definite suffix -en to the word to get isen. To form the genitive case (meaning 'the ice's'), add -ens to the definite form to get isens.
How do you pronounce it?
/iːs/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid confusing the noun is (ice) with the verb är (is).
Did you know?
- The word is is used in isglass, which refers to a popsicle or an ice lolly.
- In Swedish, if someone is acting very cold or distant, you might say they have an 'is i hjärtat' (ice in the heart), a metaphor for being heartless.
- In Swedish, the word is is used in the term isbit, which literally translates to 'ice piece' to describe an ice cube.
Examples in context
- Tom halkade på is.Tom slipped on ice.This sentence shows how to describe slipping on is.Tatoeba #10664911 by Pineapple, translation #1545436 by Spamster
- Jag hämtar lite is.I'll get some ice.This sentence demonstrates asking for or getting some is.Tatoeba #2027007 by herrsilen, translation #1890901 by CK
- Is smälter i vatten.Ice melts in water.This sentence shows the melting process of is in water.Tatoeba #892640 by Tximist, translation #574246 by FeuDRenais2
- Kan ni vänligen lägga is i min dryck?Could you please put ice in my drink?
- Kan du slänga i några isbitar i min läsk?Could you toss in a few ice cubes in my soda?
- Kan jag få lite krossad is till min cocktail, tack?Can I have some crushed ice for my cocktail, please?
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alice and Karl are preparing to drive in winter.
- AliceVägen är täckt av is.The road is covered in ice.
- KarlJa, det är mycket is här.Yes, there is a lot of ice here.
- AliceSka vi köra försiktigt?Should we drive carefully?
- KarlJa, vi måste vara försiktiga.Yes, we must be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ice” translations and entries is, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
