underbar
/ˈɵndɛrˌbɑːr/
The Swedish word for wonderful is underbar.
underbar is used to describe something as excellent or extremely impressive. Depending on the context, you might also use fantastiskt to emphasize that something is truly exceptional or extraordinary or jättebra to express that something is wonderful or fantastic. In a more informal setting, the slang term grymt is a popular way to convey that something is awesome or amazing.
Meaning: excellent, extremely impressive (adj)
Which one should you use?
While underbar is the base form, you will encounter different versions such as underbart or underbara depending on what is being described.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the noun it describes. Use the neuter form underbart when describing a neuter noun or when used as a predicate for a neuter subject like det (it). Use underbara when describing plural nouns or when the noun is in its definite form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɵndɛrˌbɑːr/
Did you know?
- While 'underbar' sounds quite poetic and soft, using the slang term grymt to mean 'wonderful' literally translates to 'gruesome' or 'cruel' in other contexts.
- The term jättebra is a very common way to say something is wonderful, but it uses the prefix 'jätte', which literally means 'giant'.
- The word underbar is a literal translation of the German word 'wunderbar', essentially transplanting the concept of 'wonder' into Swedish via its prefix 'under'.
Examples in context
- Ha en underbar kväll.Have a wonderful evening.This sentence demonstrates how to wish someone a wonderful evening using underbar.Tatoeba #4451360 by richke, translation #3733828 by CK
- Det är underbart att vara hemma.It's wonderful to be home.This sentence shows the use of the neuter form underbart to describe a state of being home.Tatoeba #11526235 by ull, translation #11516367 by totpreussen
- Det var underbart att träffa er båda.It was wonderful to meet you both.This sentence shows the use of the neuter form underbart to describe the experience of meeting people.Tatoeba #11057902 by SilasNordgren, translation #9818567 by CK
- Helt underbartCompletely wonderful
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maja and Karl are walking through a beautiful park.
- MajaVilken underbar dag det är!What a wonderful day it is!
- KarlJa, solen skiner verkligen.Yes, the sun is really shining.
- MajaDet är en underbar plats.It is a wonderful place.
- KarlJag håller helt med dig.I completely agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wonderful” translations and entries underbar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries underbar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
