Language/Swedish/Grammar/Be-Polite

Being polite in Sweden

In Sweden we usually don't use many polite forms.

We don't say you (ni) we say you (du).

Sometimes, we say Herrn/Farbror (sir) or Fru/Tant (miss) but that is usually when we talk to elder people who were raised and born in older generations.

How to say please

Here are some ways to say please in Swedish:

• Räck mig min väska, tack. – Pass me my bag, please.

Tack can be used as both please and thank you in many cases.

• Räck mig min väska är du snäll. – Be a doll and pass me my bag.

• Räcker du mig min väska? – Would you mind passing me my bag?

• Räck mig min väska, så [letar jag efter den]. – If you pass me my bag, [then I will look for it].