peppar
/ˈpɛpːar/common gender
The English word 'pepper' is translated into Swedish as peppar.
The noun peppar refers to the spice. If you want to be specific and refer to black pepper, you can use the term svartpeppar.
Meaning: spice (noun)
Which one should you use?
The noun peppar refers to the spice itself, whereas the related verb peppra means to sprinkle or add something (such as pepper) frequently. Additionally, while peppar means the spice, it appears in the word for gingerbread, pepparkaka, which literally translates to 'pepper cake'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
peppar is a common-gender noun. To refer to a specific pepper, use the definite singular form pepparn. The plural form of the spice is pepprar.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɛpːar/
Did you know?
- In modern Swedish slang, the verb peppra has evolved to mean 'hyping someone up' or giving them a burst of energy and motivation.
- While pepparkaka means 'pepper cake', the 'pepper' in this traditional Swedish cookie refers to long pepper, which was used in the Middle Ages.
- If a Swedish speaker says someone is pepprig, they might be describing a person with a sharp, spicy or irritable temperament.
Examples in context
- Jag vill ha två korv med bröd med mycket peppar.I want two hot dogs with lots of pepper.This sentence shows how to use peppar when requesting a large amount of the spice.Tatoeba #1971099 by herrsilen, translation #1970999 by Saponutti
- salt och pepparSalt and pepperThis phrase demonstrates the common pairing of salt and pepper.
- Jag skulle vilja ha lite peppar på min sallad, tack.I would like some pepper on my salad, please.
- Kan du ge mig lite mer svartpeppar till min pasta?Can you give me some more black pepper for my pasta?
- Jag föredrar att ha svartpeppar istället för vitpeppar i min gryta.I prefer to have black pepper instead of white pepper in my stew.
- Kan du skicka pepparn?Can you pass the pepper?
Example conversation
Alice and Erik are having dinner at home.
- AliceMaten smakar gott, men den saknar peppar.The food tastes good, but it lacks pepper.
- ErikSka jag hämta pepparn från skåpet?Should I get the pepper from the cupboard?
- AliceJa, tack snälla.Yes, please.
- ErikHär har du den.Here you go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pepper” translations and entries peppar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
