tomte
/ˈtɔmˌte/
A tomte in Swedish is a mythical gnome-like creature from Scandinavian folklore, often associated with Christmas.
The word refers to a legendary gnome or sprite from folklore. In modern contexts, especially during the holiday season, it is frequently used to describe the figure of Santa Claus.
Which one should you use?
While tomte can refer to a generic folklore gnome, in the context of modern Christmas, it is often used to refer to the figure of Santa Claus, which is specifically called jultomten.
How does it change in a sentence?
The definite form of tomte is tomten (the tomte), and the plural form is tomtar (tomtes).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtɔmˌte/
When do people say it?
The specific term jultomten is used to refer to the Christmas gnome or Santa Claus figure.
Did you know?
- In traditional folklore, a tomte could become malevolent or leave the farm if he felt the inhabitants were lazy or disrespectful. Some believed they had to be bribed with a bowl of porridge and a pat of butter.
- The word tomte is derived from tomt, meaning 'site' or 'garden lot'. This reflects the creature's original role as a protective spirit of the home and land rather than a gift-bringer.
- Swedish folklore distinguishes the home-dwelling tomte from the vätte, another type of subterranean sprite. While both are small, the tomte is specifically tied to the domestic property.
Examples in context
- Månen vandrar sin tysta ban' [bana – not a common shortening otherwise], snön lyser vit på fur och gran. Snön lyser vit på taken. Endast tomten är vaken.The moon wanders its silent course, the snow shines white on pine and spruce. The snow shines white on the roofs. Only the tomte is awake. [from the poem Tomten by Viktor Rydberg]This sentence is useful for seeing tomte used in a poetic context.
- Varje jul kommer tomten och lämnar presenter till barnen.Every Christmas, Santa Claus comes and delivers presents to the children.
- I skogen kan man höra tomtenissar skratta och busa.In the forest, you can hear the gnomes laughing and playing tricks.
- Min mormor berättade en gång att hon hade sett en liten tomte hemma hos henne.My grandmother once told me that she had seen a little gnome at her house.
- Barnen ritar en liten tomte.The children are drawing a little gnome.
- En tomte bor i skogen.A gnome lives in the forest.
Example conversation
Linnea and Erik are decorating their home for Christmas.
- LinneaTitta på den här söta tomte!Look at this cute gnome!
- ErikDen är jättefin, Linnea.It is very nice, Linnea.
- LinneaSka vi ställa den på bordet?Should we put it on the table?
- ErikJa, ställ tomte där.Yes, put the gnome there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tomte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tomte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
