Significado
To behave modestly and avoid trouble.
Contexto cultural
The phrase is deeply tied to the Jantelagen, a cultural code that discourages individual arrogance and promotes modesty. In business, it is a common way to suggest that an employee should follow the company line without causing unnecessary friction. Parents often use this phrase to teach children how to behave in public spaces or at relatives' homes. Politicians might use it to suggest that a party member should stop making controversial statements that could hurt the party's image.
Reflexive Pronouns
Remember that 'hålla' is reflexive here. Use 'mig', 'dig', 'sig', 'oss', 'er', 'sig' according to the subject.
Don't be literal
Never translate this as 'staying on a rug'. It will sound very strange to a Swede.
Significado
To behave modestly and avoid trouble.
Reflexive Pronouns
Remember that 'hålla' is reflexive here. Use 'mig', 'dig', 'sig', 'oss', 'er', 'sig' according to the subject.
Don't be literal
Never translate this as 'staying on a rug'. It will sound very strange to a Swede.
Context is key
Use it when you want to sound like you understand Swedish social norms—it's a very 'native' sounding phrase.
Social Harmony
This phrase is a great example of the Swedish value of avoiding unnecessary conflict.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Efter incidenten var han tvungen att _________ för att inte bli avskedad.
This is the correct idiomatic expression for behaving oneself.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
A) Han håller sig på mattan. B) Han håller mattan. C) Han håller sig i mattan. D) Han håller sig på golvet.
Only A uses the correct reflexive verb and preposition.
Match the situation to the best advice.
Your friend is about to argue with a rude customer. What do you say?
This is the most appropriate advice to avoid escalating the conflict.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Jag är så arg på chefen!' B: 'Jag förstår, men _________ så att du inte förlorar jobbet.'
This is the advice that fits the context of avoiding trouble.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosEfter incidenten var han tvungen att _________ för att inte bli avskedad.
This is the correct idiomatic expression for behaving oneself.
A) Han håller sig på mattan. B) Han håller mattan. C) Han håller sig i mattan. D) Han håller sig på golvet.
Only A uses the correct reflexive verb and preposition.
Your friend is about to argue with a rude customer. What do you say?
This is the most appropriate advice to avoid escalating the conflict.
A: 'Jag är så arg på chefen!' B: 'Jag förstår, men _________ så att du inte förlorar jobbet.'
This is the advice that fits the context of avoiding trouble.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasYes, but be careful. It's better to use it as advice for yourself or a peer. Telling your boss to 'hålla sig på mattan' might be seen as rude.
It's neutral. You can use it in most situations, but avoid it in very formal legal documents.
People will understand you are trying to say something, but they will know you are not a native speaker.
No, it's gender-neutral. Use 'sig' for everyone.
Yes, it's very common in casual texting.
Not necessarily quiet, but 'modest' and 'non-provocative'.
Similar concepts exist, but the exact phrase is Swedish.
Yes, it's a common way to tell a child to behave.
It can be, if used as a criticism. But it can also be friendly advice.
Hålla (infinitive), håller (present), höll (past), hållit (supine).
Yes, it's a very natural phrase in Swedish dialogue.
No, it's about behavior, not location.
Frases relacionadas
Hålla låg profil
synonymKeep a low profile
Hålla sig i skinnet
similarControl one's impulses
Sköta sig
similarBehave oneself
Inte göra en fluga förnär
builds onWouldn't hurt a fly
Ligga lågt
synonymLie low
