Signification
Cleaning a surface.
Contexte culturel
The 'Wettex' cloth is found in almost every Swedish home. It is a point of national pride that it was invented by a Swede (Curt Lindquist) in 1949. Swedes are very diligent about hygiene. Not wiping off a machine after use is considered very rude and may result in a reprimand from staff. After a communal fika at work, the last person to leave the table usually 'torkar av' to leave it ready for the next group. Children are taught from a very young age to 'torka av' their own place at the table to encourage independence and responsibility.
The Stress Rule
Always stress the second word 'av'. It's the secret to sounding like a native.
Don't forget the 'av'
If you just say 'torka', people might think you are waiting for something to dry naturally.
Signification
Cleaning a surface.
The Stress Rule
Always stress the second word 'av'. It's the secret to sounding like a native.
Don't forget the 'av'
If you just say 'torka', people might think you are waiting for something to dry naturally.
Reflexive use
Use 'torka av mig' if you are wiping sweat off yourself—it sounds very natural.
The Dishcloth
In Sweden, the 'trasa' is usually damp. If you use a dry one, it's not really 'torka av'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing particle to complete the phrase 'to wipe off'.
Kan du torka ___ bordet?
The particle 'av' is required to change 'torka' (dry) to 'torka av' (wipe off/clean).
Which sentence is correct for cleaning a gym machine?
Vad säger man på gymmet?
'Torka av' is the standard phrase for cleaning a surface like a gym machine.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Det är smutsigt på bänken. B: Jag vet, jag ska ______.
'Bänken' is a common noun (en-word), so we use 'den'.
Match the action to the phrase.
You spilled coffee on the table. What do you do?
You wipe the table to clean the spill.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Tools for Torka av
Tools
- • Trasa
- • Papper
- • Handduk
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKan du torka ___ bordet?
The particle 'av' is required to change 'torka' (dry) to 'torka av' (wipe off/clean).
Vad säger man på gymmet?
'Torka av' is the standard phrase for cleaning a surface like a gym machine.
A: Det är smutsigt på bänken. B: Jag vet, jag ska ______.
'Bänken' is a common noun (en-word), so we use 'den'.
You spilled coffee on the table. What do you do?
You wipe the table to clean the spill.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but usually you say 'torka händerna' (dry hands). Use 'torka av händerna' if they are specifically dirty or sticky.
Use 'av' for the surface (the table) and 'bort' for the mess (the stain).
Not necessarily, but in Sweden, a little 'diskmedel' (dish soap) is common.
Yes, but 'putsa fönster' is more common for windows.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Torkade av.
Yes, but 'torka golvet' is more common for mopping.
Yes, 'avtorkning'.
Partially, but with the focus on cleaning.
Yes, for the dashboard or windows.
Expressions liées
Torka bort
similarTo wipe away
Torka rent
similarTo wipe clean
Damma av
specialized formTo dust off
Svabba av
informalTo mop off
Gno
similarTo scrub/rub
