Swedes can be quite expressive when it comes to showing affection, whether it’s through their actions or through the sweet nothings they may whisper in their loved one’s ear. With a rich vocabulary of terms of endearment, learning Swedish becomes a little bit cozier. Here are some of the most endearing Swedish terms that you could use to impress that special someone, or just to understand more about the language’s culture.

Älskling
Probably the most common Swedish term of endearment, translating to “darling” or “sweetheart”. It’s a warm, affectionate way of addressing someone close to your heart.
Du är min älskling, nu och för alltid.

Älskade
This word means “beloved” and carries a deeply affectionate and loving connotation. It’s slightly more formal than “älskling”.
Min älskade, du betyder allt för mig.

Gumman
Translating literally to “old lady”, this term is actually rather sweet and is often used for women, akin to saying “dear” or “honey”. It can sound a bit patronizing if used wrongly, so it’s important to understand the context.
Hej gumman, hoppas du har haft en bra dag!

Gubben
The male counterpart to “gumman”, “gubben” means “old man”, but similarly to “gumman”, it’s a term of affection used for men.
Var är min gubben? Jag har saknat honom hela dagen.

Raring
This sweet term means something along the lines of “cutie” or “darling”. It’s informal and is often used for someone who is endearing to you.
Kom hit raring, så ser vi en film tillsammans.

Vännen
Meaning simply “friend”, it might not seem particularly romantic, but it’s a term of endearment reflecting a deep bond and fondness when used in the right context.
Tack för idag, vännen. Jag hade det jätteroligt.

Sötis
One of the cutest terms on this list, “sötis” translates directly to “cutie”. It’s perfect for those sweet moments when you want to make someone smile.
Vilken sötis du är när du skrattar!

Sötnos
Likewise, “sötnos” is a bit like saying “sweetie pie”. It’s an adorable term to convey your affection.
Du är min lilla sötnos.

Hjärtat
Meaning “heart”, using “hjärtat” is like calling someone “my heart” or “sweetheart” in English. It’s a profound way of showing that someone is essential to your life.
Godnatt, hjärtat. Dröm sött.

Knodd
More colloquial, “knodd” is akin to calling someone “kiddo” or “little one”. It’s used affectionately for children or between partners as a playful term.
Hur går det för dig idag, min lilla knodd?

Each of these Swedish terms of endearment holds its own unique charm and warmth. As you navigate through the nuances of the Swedish language, remember that context and relationship are key in choosing the right term to use. Learning and using these sweet words will not only bring a smile to your loved one’s face but also enrich your grasp of Swedish culture and expression. So next time you want to show someone in Sweden or a Swedish-speaking friend just how much they mean to you, slip one of these lovely endearments into your conversation.