Significado
To be absolutely sure about doing something.
Contexto cultural
The number 17 (sjutton) is used in many Swedish expressions to avoid swearing. It's part of a 'polite' vocabulary that allows for emotional emphasis without being truly offensive. In Finland-Swedish, the idiom is used similarly, but sometimes with even more 'sisu' (grit). It's a common way to express the famous Nordic resilience. In older rural dialects, you might hear 'sjutton gubbar' (seventeen old men) used as an exclamation of surprise or determination, showing how deeply the number 17 is embedded in the folk language. On Swedish Twitter/X, you'll often see the hashtag #gegersigaldrig (never gives up), which is a modern cousin to the 'ge sig sjutton på' sentiment.
The 'You Bet!' Shortcut
If someone asks you 'Are you sure?', just reply 'Det kan du ge dig sjutton på!' to sound instantly like a native.
Watch the Preposition
Using 'i' instead of 'på' changes the meaning to 'I don't give a damn.' Be careful!
Significado
To be absolutely sure about doing something.
The 'You Bet!' Shortcut
If someone asks you 'Are you sure?', just reply 'Det kan du ge dig sjutton på!' to sound instantly like a native.
Watch the Preposition
Using 'i' instead of 'på' changes the meaning to 'I don't give a damn.' Be careful!
Safe Swearing
This is a great phrase to use if you want to sound passionate without actually offending anyone.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun.
Vi har gett ____ sjutton på att vi ska vinna matchen.
The subject is 'Vi' (we), so the reflexive pronoun must be 'oss' (ourselves).
Which sentence means 'I am absolutely sure he is lying'?
Choose the correct option:
Option B uses the correct reflexive form and the correct preposition 'på'. Option A means 'I don't care that he is lying.'
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Tror du verkligen att du kan springa milen under 40 minuter? B: ____________________!
'Det kan du ge dig sjutton på!' is a common idiomatic way to say 'You bet!' or 'I'm certain!'
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
Which variation is most appropriate for a very angry argument with a close friend?
'Fan' is a strong swear word, making it appropriate for high-intensity, informal, or angry situations.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosVi har gett ____ sjutton på att vi ska vinna matchen.
The subject is 'Vi' (we), so the reflexive pronoun must be 'oss' (ourselves).
Choose the correct option:
Option B uses the correct reflexive form and the correct preposition 'på'. Option A means 'I don't care that he is lying.'
A: Tror du verkligen att du kan springa milen under 40 minuter? B: ____________________!
'Det kan du ge dig sjutton på!' is a common idiomatic way to say 'You bet!' or 'I'm certain!'
Which variation is most appropriate for a very angry argument with a close friend?
'Fan' is a strong swear word, making it appropriate for high-intensity, informal, or angry situations.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasNo, it's a 'minced oath.' It's like saying 'darn' or 'heck' in English. It's safe for general use.
No, only 'sjutton' and 'tusan' (thousand) work in this specific idiom.
Because you are 'giving' the determination to yourself. It's an internal commitment.
Yes, in casual meetings or with colleagues, it shows you are driven and committed.
Frases relacionadas
ge sjutton i
contrastTo not care about something; to ignore.
ge sig den på
synonymTo be determined to do something.
skam den som ger sig
similarShame on him who gives up.
vara envis som en synd
similarTo be as stubborn as a sin.
