mycket bra
/ˈmʏˌkɛ(t) brɑː/word by word
mycket bra is the Swedish phrase for "very good".
mycket bra is used to describe something of high quality or a performance that is satisfactory.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mycket (much/very) and bra (good).
Which one should you use?
While mycket bra is the standard way to express this, jättebra is a common, more enthusiastic and informal way to say "very good" or "great" in spoken Swedish.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike English, where "good" can change to "well", bra remains the same when used as an adverb or adjective in this specific construction.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmʏˌkɛ(t) brɑː/
Did you know?
- The Swedish word bra has a surprising connection to the concept of courage. It was originally borrowed from the Italian word bravo, which meant 'brave' or 'skillful', rather than just 'good'.
- Swedish speakers often use the prefix jätte-, meaning 'giant', to create jättebra when mycket bra feels too formal or subdued.
- While mycket bra is positive, saying it with a specific flat intonation in a professional setting can sometimes be interpreted as a polite but lukewarm 'satisfactory'.
Examples in context
- Tom är en mycket bra ingenjör.Tom's a very good engineer.This sentence is useful for describing a person's profession using mycket bra.Tatoeba #4451005 by richke, translation #2543930 by CK
- Den här kameran är liten, men mycket bra.This camera is small, but very good.This sentence is useful for describing the quality of an object using mycket bra.Tatoeba #3436392 by Don3187, translation #61216 by CK
- Vårt samarbete har varit mycket bra.Our collaboration has been very good.
- Din presentation var utmärkt.Your presentation was excellent.
- Maten på den restaurangen var kanon!The food at that restaurant was awesome!
- Jag tycker verkligen att den här boken är grym!I really think this book is very good!
- Vi hade en suverän tid i Skåne!We had an excellent time in Skåne!
- Det var ett mycket bra arbete.That was a very good job.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Linnea and Lucas are talking about a meal they just ate.
- LinneaVad tyckte du om maten?What did you think of the food?
- LucasDen var faktiskt mycket bra.It was actually very good.
- LinneaJag håller med, den smakade fantastiskt.I agree, it tasted fantastic.
- LucasVi bör komma hit igen.We should come here again.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mycket, bra) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bra, mycket, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
