Signification
To be very surprised by something.
Contexte culturel
In Sweden, 'tappa hakan' is a staple of tabloid journalism. Headlines like 'Publiken tappade hakan' are used to drive clicks, even for minor surprises. While Swedes are generally reserved, using this idiom is a safe way to show enthusiasm without being 'too much' (inte för mycket). Swedes might actually perform a small 'gasp' (the famous inhaled 'ja') along with a slight jaw drop when they are surprised. In Swedish reality TV (like 'Bäst i Test'), contestants frequently use this phrase when faced with absurd tasks.
Use the Past Tense
You will use 'tappade hakan' much more often than the present tense, as we usually describe surprises after they happen.
Avoid 'Min'
Never say 'min hakan'. The definite ending '-an' already implies it's yours.
Signification
To be very surprised by something.
Use the Past Tense
You will use 'tappade hakan' much more often than the present tense, as we usually describe surprises after they happen.
Avoid 'Min'
Never say 'min hakan'. The definite ending '-an' already implies it's yours.
Tabloid Talk
If you see 'Haktapp' in a newspaper, it's just a shorter, punchier noun version of this idiom.
Teste-toi
Fyll i rätt form av verbet 'tappa'.
Jag ______ hakan när jag såg hur stor hunden hade blivit.
Since the sentence describes a completed action in the past ('when I saw'), the past tense 'tappade' is correct.
Vilket uttryck passar bäst i situationen?
Din vän berättar att hen har vunnit 10 miljoner kronor. Vad säger du?
'Tappa hakan' is used for surprise. 'Tappa ansiktet' means to be embarrassed.
Matcha händelsen med rätt reaktion.
Händelse: Du ser norrsken för första gången.
The phrase is used for positive or neutral amazement, like seeing the Northern Lights.
Slutför dialogen.
A: 'Visste du att Zlatan ska börja spela i korpen?' B: 'Va?! ______!'
This is a classic reaction to shocking news.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Tappa hakan vs Tappa ansiktet
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJag ______ hakan när jag såg hur stor hunden hade blivit.
Since the sentence describes a completed action in the past ('when I saw'), the past tense 'tappade' is correct.
Din vän berättar att hen har vunnit 10 miljoner kronor. Vad säger du?
'Tappa hakan' is used for surprise. 'Tappa ansiktet' means to be embarrassed.
Händelse: Du ser norrsken för första gången.
The phrase is used for positive or neutral amazement, like seeing the Northern Lights.
A: 'Visste du att Zlatan ska börja spela i korpen?' B: 'Va?! ______!'
This is a classic reaction to shocking news.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is always 'tappa hakan' (definite form). 'Tappa haka' sounds like you are dropping a random chin, not your own.
Yes, it works for any shock, whether it's a wonderful surprise or a terrible scandal.
Not at all. It's informal and expressive, but perfectly polite in social settings.
'Bli förvånad' is 'to be surprised'. 'Tappa hakan' is 'to be STUNNED'. It's much stronger.
No, that sounds like a literal translation from English. Use 'Jag tappade hakan'.
Yes, you can use 'att bli mållös' or 'att förbluffas'.
Sometimes! But the idiom is used even if your mouth stays closed.
Probably not. It's a bit too casual. Say 'Jag blev mycket imponerad' instead.
Yes, it's a noun made from the idiom, often used in news headlines.
Usually, yes. A person (or an animal) drops their jaw.
Expressions liées
bli mållös
synonymTo be speechless.
få hicka
similarTo get the hiccups (figuratively: to be startled).
haka på
builds onTo tag along / join in.
tappa ansiktet
contrastTo lose face / be humiliated.
stå som ett fån
similarTo stand like a fool (stunned).
