Significado
Staying away from something.
Contexto cultural
Personal space is sacred. Standing too close to someone at a bus stop or in a shop is often seen as aggressive or socially unaware. Similar to Sweden, Finland has a very high regard for physical distance. The phrase 'pitää etäisyyttä' is used similarly. In the US, 'keeping your distance' can sometimes imply suspicion or hostility, whereas in Sweden, it is a sign of respect. The concept of 'Ma' (negative space/interval) is similar to 'avstånd'. It is about the beauty and necessity of the gap between things.
The 3-Second Rule
In Sweden, driving instructors teach the 'tresekundersregeln' to help you 'hålla avstånd' in traffic.
Preposition Trap
Never say 'hålla avstånd från'. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always use 'till'!
Significado
Staying away from something.
The 3-Second Rule
In Sweden, driving instructors teach the 'tresekundersregeln' to help you 'hålla avstånd' in traffic.
Preposition Trap
Never say 'hålla avstånd från'. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always use 'till'!
The 'Corona' Effect
This phrase is now deeply linked to the pandemic. Using it might remind people of 2020-2021.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing preposition.
Du måste hålla avstånd ___ bilen framför dig.
In Swedish, we always keep distance 'to' (till) something, not 'from' it.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option:
'Hålla avstånd till' is the standard idiomatic collocation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Det är så mycket folk på tåget! B: Ja, det är svårt att ___.
'Hålla avstånd' fits the context of being in a crowded place.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Håll avstånd!'?
It is a command to maintain physical space.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosDu måste hålla avstånd ___ bilen framför dig.
In Swedish, we always keep distance 'to' (till) something, not 'from' it.
Choose the best option:
'Hålla avstånd till' is the standard idiomatic collocation.
A: Det är så mycket folk på tåget! B: Ja, det är svårt att ___.
'Hålla avstånd' fits the context of being in a crowded place.
When would you say 'Håll avstånd!'?
It is a command to maintain physical space.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasYou can, but it sounds more like sports terminology or technical jargon. 'Hålla avstånd' is much more natural for everyday life.
If you say it politely ('Kan du vara snäll och hålla lite avstånd?'), it is perfectly acceptable in Sweden.
Swedish logic views distance as a measurement directed towards a target. You measure the distance *to* the object.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, at work, or in a legal document.
Just say 'Håll avstånd!' or 'Håll dig på avstånd!' for a stronger warning.
Frases relacionadas
hålla sig undan
similarTo stay out of the way / hide
ta avstånd från
contrastTo distance oneself from an opinion
hålla i
contrastTo hold onto something
hålla ut
similarTo endure / hold out
