Signification
To glance at something.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the Swedish value of 'tillsyn' (supervision) which is common in communal living and shared responsibilities. In farming communities, the 'getöga' (or gätöga) was a vital skill for survival, ensuring livestock didn't wander into the forest. Using this phrase in a Swedish office shows you are asking for help without wanting to 'stör' (disturb) your colleague too much. Swedish parents often use this at playgrounds, reflecting a style of parenting that allows freedom but maintains a 'getöga' for safety.
Use it to sound more native
Instead of saying 'titta snabbt', use 'kasta ett getöga'. It immediately makes you sound more comfortable with the language.
Don't use for serious study
If you tell your boss you 'kastade ett getöga' on a big project, they might think you didn't work hard enough.
Signification
To glance at something.
Use it to sound more native
Instead of saying 'titta snabbt', use 'kasta ett getöga'. It immediately makes you sound more comfortable with the language.
Don't use for serious study
If you tell your boss you 'kastade ett getöga' on a big project, they might think you didn't work hard enough.
The 'På' Rule
Always remember the 'på'. Swedes will understand you without it, but it will sound 'broken'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Kan du kasta ett _______ på ugnen?
The full idiom is 'kasta ett getöga på'.
Which preposition is correct?
Jag kastade ett getöga ___ tidningen.
We always use 'på' with this idiom.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: Jag går och duschar nu. B: Okej, jag ska _______ på barnen så länge.
'Kasta ett getöga' is the perfect way to say you'll keep a quick watch.
In which situation is 'kasta ett getöga' MOST appropriate?
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom implies a quick, superficial look, not deep study.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Getöga'
Home
- • Oven
- • Kids
- • Laundry
Work
- • Emails
- • Drafts
- • Clock
Public
- • Bags
- • Traffic
- • Queues
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKan du kasta ett _______ på ugnen?
The full idiom is 'kasta ett getöga på'.
Jag kastade ett getöga ___ tidningen.
We always use 'på' with this idiom.
A: Jag går och duschar nu. B: Okej, jag ska _______ på barnen så länge.
'Kasta ett getöga' is the perfect way to say you'll keep a quick watch.
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom implies a quick, superficial look, not deep study.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is written as one word: 'getöga'.
Yes, you can 'kasta ett getöga' on someone to see what they are doing, but it's more common for objects or situations.
No, it's neutral. It's only 'rude' if you use it when you should be paying full attention.
Yes, the idiom is fixed. You can't say 'kasta ett hundöga' (dog eye).
They are almost identical. 'Getöga' is slightly more idiomatic and traditional.
Yes: 'Jag kastade ett getöga på klockan.'
Yes, it is a standard idiom used across all dialects.
Absolutely, it's very common in SMS and chat.
Not necessarily. It just implies looking quickly. 'Snegla' is better for secret looks.
Technically 'getögon' exists, but it's never used in this idiom. It's always singular 'ett getöga'.
Expressions liées
slänga ett öga på
synonymTo toss an eye on something.
hålla ett öga på
similarTo keep an eye on.
snegla på
similarTo leer or glance sideways.
ögna igenom
specialized formTo eye through (skim).
