bläckfisk
common gender
The Swedish word for octopus is bläckfisk.
The term bläckfisk is used to refer to cephalopods such as octopuses and squid. Although the word contains the term for fish, it is the standard way to describe these molluscs.
Meaning: mollusc (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of bläck, meaning ink and fisk, meaning fish.
Which one should you use?
While bläckfisk is the standard term, the informal term bläckis can also be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, add -ar to the singular to get bläckfiskar. To indicate a specific octopus, add the suffix -en to create the definite form bläckfisken.
Did you know?
- The word bläck meaning 'ink' is a cognate of the English word 'black', as ink was traditionally black.
- The diminutive bläckis is not just for children but is frequently used by adults in casual settings to sound more playful.
- In Swedish, the word bläck can refer to both the ink of a cephalopod and the ink used in a fountain pen.
Examples in context
- Hur många armar har en bläckfisk?How many arms does an octopus have?This sentence is useful for practicing the singular form bläckfisk.Tatoeba #2194153 by herrsilen, translation #2228387 by Tximist
- Jag är fascinerad av bläckfiskar – de är otroligt intelligenta djur.I'm fascinated by octopuses – they are incredibly intelligent creatures.
- Vi såg en stor bläckis när vi snorklade vid kusten idag!We saw a large octopus while snorkeling along the coast today!
- En bläckfisk simmar i havet.An octopus swims in the sea.
- Jag såg en stor bläckfisk i akvariet.I saw a large octopus in the aquarium.
Example conversation
Maja and Erik are visiting an aquarium.
- MajaTitta, där är en bläckfisk!Look, there is an octopus!
- ErikDen ser väldigt spännande ut.It looks very exciting.
- MajaDen rör sig så snabbt.It moves so fast.
- ErikJa, den är verkligen imponerande.Yes, it is truly impressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “octopus” translations and entries bläckfisk, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
