kylskåp
/²ɕyːlˌskoːp/neuter
The Swedish word for refrigerator is kylskåp.
kylskåp is used to refer to the household appliance used for keeping food cold.
Meaning: appliance (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of kyl, meaning cooling or cold and skåp, meaning cupboard or cabinet, literally translating to "cold cupboard".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a neuter noun. The plural form is identical to the singular indefinite form, kylskåp. When you use the definite form "the refrigerator", the word changes to kylskåpet. For the plural definite possessive form "the refrigerators'", use kylskåpens.
How do you pronounce it?
/²ɕyːlˌskoːp/
Did you know?
- The Swedish word kylskåp is a close linguistic relative of the Estonian word külmkapp, which also combines words for 'cold' and 'cupboard'.
- While kylskåp is the standard term, Swedish speakers often use the shortened word kylen when talking about the refrigerator in their own home.
- If you were to refer to a 'freezer' in Swedish, you would use a different compound word, frys, rather than using 'kyl' to mean frozen.
Examples in context
- Mitt kylskåp är fullt.My refrigerator is full.This sentence shows how to use the indefinite form kylskåp.Tatoeba #10689457 by Pineapple, translation #9177352 by CK
- Det finns yoghurt i kylskåpet.There's yogurt in the refrigerator.This sentence demonstrates the use of the definite form kylskåpet.Tatoeba #4338212 by richke, translation #3719079 by CK
- Jag har aldrig sett ett rött kylskåp.I've never seen a red refrigerator.This sentence provides an example of the indefinite form kylskåp used with an adjective.Tatoeba #1959844 by herrsilen, translation #5077168 by Lindoula
- Jag behöver köpa ett nytt kylskåp till mitt kök.I need to buy a new refrigerator for my kitchen.
- Har du något gott i kylskåpet?Do you have something tasty in the fridge?
- Gå och hämta lite vatten från kylskåpet, snälla.Please go and get some water from the fridge.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Karl and Linnea are looking at a broken appliance in their kitchen.
- KarlDet verkar som att vårt kylskåp är trasigt.It seems like our refrigerator is broken.
- LinneaJa, det blir inte kallt i det.Yes, it is not getting cold in it.
- KarlSka jag ringa efter en reparatör?Should I call for a repairman?
- LinneaNej, vi behöver nog bara ett nytt.No, we probably just need a new one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “refrigerator” translations and entries kylskåp, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kylskåp, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
