IKEA
/ɪˈkêːa/
The term for the international retailer originally from Sweden is IKEA in Swedish.
Meaning: international, originally Swedish retailer (name)
Ways to say it
| Swedish | IPA |
|---|---|
| IKEA | /ɪˈkêːa/ |
| Ikea |
In Swedish, it can be used as a prefix in compound words.
What does it mean word for word?
The name is an acronym derived from the founder's name (Ingvar Kamprad), the farm where he grew up (Elmtorp) and the village (Agunnaryd).
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a modifier for a noun (like 'IKEA furniture'), the word is often treated as an indeclinable proper noun in Swedish, though it can be used as a prefix in compound words like Ikeamöbler.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪˈkêːa/
Did you know?
- While the brand is a global icon, Swedish speakers sometimes use the term Ikea-möbler as a generic shorthand for any cheap, flat-pack furniture, regardless of the actual brand.
- While the name is an acronym, Swedish speakers do not pronounce it as a series of letters but as a single word with a melodic rise and fall.
- The name IKEA is used in Swedish to form the word IKEA-fynd, which refers to a great bargain or a lucky find discovered while browsing the store.
Examples in context
- Tycker du om Ikeamöbler?Do you like IKEA furniture?Tatoeba #4335271 by richke, translation #2770661 by Hybrid
- Jag köper möbler från Ikea.I buy furniture from IKEA.Tatoeba #3841210 by herrsilen, translation #3841209 by Jesse
- Hon kan inte montera Ikeamöbler.She can't assemble Ikea furniture.Tatoeba #4338043 by richke, translation #1699354 by Spamster
- Vill du åka till IKEA idag?Do you want to go to IKEA today?
- Vi kan mötas upp vid IKEA efter jobbetWe can meet up at IKEA after work
- Har du sett den nya bokhyllan från IKEA?Have you seen the new bookshelf from IKEA?
- Jag köpte några ljusstakar på IKEA idag.I bought some candle holders at IKEA today.
- Passera förbi IKEA och hämta upp soffan på vägen hem.Swing by IKEA and pick up the couch on your way home.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Linnea and Lucas are planning a shopping trip.
- LinneaSka vi åka till IKEA senare?Are we going to IKEA later?
- LucasJa, det passar bra för mig.Yes, that suits me well.
- LinneaBra, jag ska köpa en ny lampa där.Great, I am going to buy a new lamp there.
- LucasPerfekt, då ses vi vid IKEA.Perfect, then I'll see you at IKEA.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ikea” translations and entries IKEA, Ikea, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
