ohövlig
The English word 'rude' can be translated into Swedish using ohövlig. Wiktionary also lists oförskämd and fräck.
Meaning: bad-mannered (adj)
Ways to say it
| Swedish |
|---|
| ohövlig |
| oförskämd |
| fräck |
The Swedish terms for 'rude' describe bad-mannered behavior.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ohövlig is composed of the prefix o- (un-) and hövlig (polite/courteous), literally meaning 'un-polite'.
Which one should you use?
oförskämd is often stronger than ohövlig and implies a level of shamelessness or lack of respect. The word fräck can mean 'rude' in a negative sense, but it is also frequently used colloquially to mean 'cheeky' or 'bold' in a playful way.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective oförskämd takes the suffix -a when describing plural nouns, such as oförskämda personer (rude people).
Did you know?
- The word fräck comes from the Old Norse frekr, which originally meant 'greedy' or 'assertive'.
- Depending on the context, calling someone fräck can be a playful flirtation rather than a criticism of their manners.
Examples in context
- Han är väldigt oförskämd.He's very rude.This sentence uses oförskämd to describe a person.Tatoeba #2158343 by herrsilen, translation #2156265 by CN
- Fransmännen äter grodor och är oförskämda!French people eat frogs and are rude!This sentence uses the plural form oförskämda to describe a group.Tatoeba #10687071 by Pineapple, translation #1201052 by frenchlearner97
- Var inte ohövlig.Don't be rude.This sentence uses ohövlig.Tatoeba #1998213 by herrsilen, translation #1860512 by CK
- Det var inte speciellt artigt.That wasn't particularly polite.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Karl are discussing a recent interaction at a cafe.
- EmmaVarför skrek han på servitrisen?Why did he yell at the waitress?
- KarlHan var otroligt ohövlig utan anledning.He was incredibly rude without reason.
- EmmaDet var verkligen pinsamt att se.It was really embarrassing to see.
- KarlJag håller helt med dig, Emma.I completely agree with you, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rude” translations and entries ohövlig, oförskämd, fräck, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fräck, oförskämd, ohövlig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
