Tack snälla
/tak ˈsnɛlːˌa/word by word
The Swedish phrase for "please and thank you" is Tack snälla.
This phrase is used as a polite expression to both request something and show gratitude simultaneously. While English uses "please" to initiate a request, the Swedish component snälla functions more like an adverb to soften a request, meaning "kindly" or "please".
Did you know?
- Swedish has no direct equivalent to the English word 'please'. Instead, speakers use words like tack or snälla depending on the context of the request.
- While snälla is used in Tack snälla, it is often used alone by children or when begging, similar to the English 'pretty please'.
- In Swedish, tack is also used as a standalone way to say 'you're welcome' after someone thanks you.
Example conversation
Oscar is asking Linnea for a glass of water.
- OscarLinnea, kan jag få ett glas vatten, tack snälla?Linnea, can I have a glass of water, please and thank you?
- LinneaJa, självklart kan du det.Yes, of course you can.
- OscarTack så mycket!Thank you very much!
- LinneaVarsågod, Oscar.You're welcome, Oscar.
