du är vacker
The English phrase "you're beautiful" is translated into Swedish as du är vacker.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are physically or aesthetically attractive. You can use various adjectives to modify the sentiment, such as charmig (charming), attraktiv (attractive) or underbar (wonderful).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase follows standard Swedish subject-verb-adjective order: du means you, är means are and vacker means beautiful.
Which one should you use?
While du är vacker focuses on aesthetic or classical beauty, the colloquial du är snygg is a more common way to say someone looks good or is handsome/beautiful. You can also use the intensified form du är jättesnygg to say "you are really good looking", or du är så himla vacker to say "you are so incredibly beautiful".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase du är vacker, the adjective vacker is in its singular common gender form to match the singular subject du.
Did you know?
- The root of vacker comes from the Old Norse word vakr, which originally meant 'wakeful' or 'watchful'.
- The word himla in the phrase så himla vacker is derived from himlen, meaning 'the sky' or 'heaven'.
- In Swedish, the word snygg is a very versatile compliment. It can be used for someone's physical appearance, but it can also be used to describe a stylish outfit or even a clever solution to a problem.
Examples in context
- Du är verkligen vacker och förtrollande!You are truly beautiful and enchanting!
- Du är vacker i den här klänningen.You are beautiful in this dress.
- Jag vill bara säga att du är vacker.I just want to say that you are beautiful.
Example conversation
Karl and Maja are getting ready for a party.
- MajaTitta på mig, ser jag bra ut?Look at me, do I look okay?
- KarlJa, du är vacker, Maja.Yes, you're beautiful, Maja.
- MajaTack, det är snällt av dig!Thanks, that is kind of you!
- KarlDet är sant.It is true.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, vacker, är, CC BY-SA 4.0.
