köttbullar
The English phrase "swedish meatballs" is köttbullar in Swedish.
köttbullar refers to small balls made of minced meat, which are typically served with gravy and lingonberry jam.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of kött, meaning meat and bullar, meaning buns or balls.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is köttbulle. To refer to specific meatballs (the meatballs), use the definite plural form köttbullarna.
Did you know?
- The word bullar in köttbullar is the same word used for sweet cinnamon buns, kanelbullar.
- The word kött is a cognate of the English word 'cattle', though in modern Swedish it refers to any kind of meat regardless of the animal.
- Sweden has a specific tradition called husmanskost, which refers to traditional home-cooked comfort food, of which köttbullar is the primary ambassador.
Examples in context
- Min farmor lagar alltid de bästa skånska köttbullarna – de är fantastiska!My grandmother always makes the best Scanian meatballs – they're fantastic!
- Jag vill gärna äta köttbullar.I would really like to eat Swedish meatballs.
- Serveras köttbullar med potatismos?Are the Swedish meatballs served with mashed potatoes?
- Dessa köttbullar smakar fantastiskt.These Swedish meatballs taste fantastic.
Example conversation
Lucas and Linnea are having lunch at a cafe.
- LucasVad ska du beställa, Linnea?What are you going to order, Linnea?
- LinneaJag tar köttbullar med lingonsylt.I'll have the Swedish meatballs with lingonberry jam.
- LucasDet låter jättegott!That sounds delicious!
- LinneaSka du också beställa köttbullar?Are you going to order Swedish meatballs too?
