vänta
/²vɛnːta/
The English verb 'wait' can be translated into Swedish as vänta. Wiktionary also lists bida.
Meaning: delay until some event (verb)
Ways to say it
| Swedish | IPA |
|---|---|
| vänta | /²vɛnːta/ |
| bida |
Both vänta and bida are used to express the act of delaying until a certain event occurs. If you are waiting for a specific person or thing, you must use the preposition på after the verb, forming the phrase vänta på.
Which one should you use?
vänta is the standard Swedish term, whereas bida is a colloquial or dialectal alternative used in certain regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
bida is used in certain regions of Sweden as a dialectal alternative to the standard vänta.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form for 'a delay' is väntan.
How do you pronounce it?
/²vɛnːta/
Did you know?
- The Swedish verb vänta is a cognate of the English word 'expect' rather than 'wait', as it originates from the Old Norse vænta meaning 'to expect'.
- When someone tells you vänta nu lite in a conversation, it often doesn't mean to physically wait, but rather acts as a phrase of disbelief similar to 'hold on a second'.
- The verb bida shares a common Proto-Germanic ancestor with the English word 'abide', making them distant linguistic relatives.
Examples in context
- Vänta på din tur.Wait until your turn comes.This example shows how to use vänta to tell someone to wait for their turn.Tatoeba #1962102 by herrsilen, translation #266981 by CK
- Jag väntar på er.I'll wait up for you.This example demonstrates using vänta with the preposition på for the phrase 'wait up for'.Tatoeba #3838267 by herrsilen, translation #2547800 by CK
- Vänta en minut nu.Now, wait a minute.This example shows how to use vänta when asking someone to wait for a minute.Tatoeba #4445561 by richke, translation #3563812 by CK
- Kan du vänta en stund, snälla?Could you please wait for a moment?
- Vänta lite bara. Jag kommer genast!Just wait a moment. I'll be right there!
- Kan du vänta på mig vid ingången, snälla?Could you wait for me at the entrance, please?
- Vänta lite, jag måste hämta min jacka.Wait a moment, I need to grab my jacket.
- Vänta lite till, jag är snart klar.Just wait a bit longer, I'm almost finished.
- 114 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alice and Erik are standing by the bus stop.
- AliceVänta, kommer bussen nu?Wait, is the bus coming now?
- ErikJag tror inte det.I don't think so.
- AliceVi får vänta lite till.We have to wait a little longer.
- ErikJa, det verkar vara förseningar.Yes, there seem to be delays.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wait” translations and entries vänta, bida, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bida, vänta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
