språk
/sproːk/neuter
The English word 'language' is translated into Swedish as språk. Wiktionary also lists tungomål.
Meaning: body of words used as a form of communication (noun)
Ways to say it
| Swedish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| språk | /sproːk/ | neuter |
| tungomål | neuter |
språk is the standard term for language in Swedish. If you want to refer specifically to the way language is used or the manner of speech, you can use the compound noun språkbruk.
Which one should you use?
språk is the standard, common word for 'language', whereas tungomål is a more formal or archaic term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word språk is an invariable noun, which means its form does not change when it is pluralized.
How do you pronounce it?
/sproːk/
Did you know?
- The word språk was borrowed into Old Swedish from Middle Low German sprāke, showing the deep historical influence of German trade on the Swedish tongue.
- Swedish uses språk to describe a specific style of speaking, such as kroppsspråk for 'body language', which is not a spoken language at all.
- In Swedish, the word mål can mean 'speech', 'language', or even 'a goal' in sports, depending on the context.
Examples in context
- Vi talar samma språk.We speak the same language.Tatoeba #10749463 by Pineapple, translation #10748522 by sundown
- Jag förstår ditt språk.I can understand your language.Tatoeba #8389893 by morbrorper, translation #29040 by CM
- Ett språk är aldrig nog.One language is never enough.Tatoeba #5978128 by herrsilen, translation #614312 by Eldad
- Engelska är ett viktigt språkEnglish is an important language
- Svenska är mitt modersmål och engelska mitt andra tungomålSwedish is my mother tongue, and English is my second language
- Jag talar flytande spanskaI speak fluent Spanish
- 80 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Karl and Linnea are discussing their studies at a cafe.
- KarlVilket språk studerar du nu?Which language are you studying now?
- LinneaJag studerar ett främmande språk.I am studying a foreign language.
- KarlÄr det ett svårt språk?Is it a difficult language?
- LinneaJa, men det är roligt.Yes, but it is fun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “language” translations and entries språk, tungomål, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries språk, tungomål, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
