Meaning
Describing cold weather making cheeks red
Cultural Background
The phrase is part of the 'Vintermys' culture. It's not a complaint, but an observation that makes the subsequent warmth of a cafe or home feel more earned. In the north, where there are eight seasons and dozens of words for snow, 'nypa i kinderna' is considered a very mild description of cold. Used frequently in 'hiss-prat' (elevator talk) as a safe, neutral topic to acknowledge the shared struggle of the commute. Authors like Astrid Lindgren use this to create a sense of 'nostalgic winter,' evoking images of children with red cheeks and wool scarves.
The 'Det' Subject
Always start with 'Det' if you aren't specifying what is doing the pinching. It makes you sound much more native.
Don't use 'på'
Remember: 'i kinderna'. Using 'på' is the most common giveaway that you are translating from English.
Meaning
Describing cold weather making cheeks red
The 'Det' Subject
Always start with 'Det' if you aren't specifying what is doing the pinching. It makes you sound much more native.
Don't use 'på'
Remember: 'i kinderna'. Using 'på' is the most common giveaway that you are translating from English.
Use the past tense 'nöp'
While 'nypte' is correct, 'nöp' has a more traditional, storytelling feel that Swedes love.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition and verb form.
Igår var det så kallt att det ______ (nypa, past tense) ______ kinderna.
The past tense of 'nypa' is 'nöp' (or 'nypte'), and the correct preposition is always 'i'.
Which sentence is a natural way to describe a brisk winter morning?
Välj det mest naturliga alternativet:
'Det nyper i kinderna' is the standard idiomatic expression for this sensation.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: Ska vi gå in nu? B: Ja, det börjar verkligen ________.
In a winter context, 'nypa i kinderna' is the logical reason to want to go inside.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
När säger man 'Det nyper i kinderna'?
The phrase is specifically used for cold weather sensations.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIgår var det så kallt att det ______ (nypa, past tense) ______ kinderna.
The past tense of 'nypa' is 'nöp' (or 'nypte'), and the correct preposition is always 'i'.
Välj det mest naturliga alternativet:
'Det nyper i kinderna' is the standard idiomatic expression for this sensation.
A: Ska vi gå in nu? B: Ja, det börjar verkligen ________.
In a winter context, 'nypa i kinderna' is the logical reason to want to go inside.
När säger man 'Det nyper i kinderna'?
The phrase is specifically used for cold weather sensations.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can say 'det nyper i näsan,' but 'kinderna' is much more common as a set phrase.
Almost always. Unless you are standing sideways in a very specific wind, the cold affects both cheeks!
Not necessarily. It often implies a 'fresh' and 'healthy' cold, like after a good walk.
Yes, that is perfectly correct and common.
Usually around or below freezing (0°C), especially if there is wind.
As small talk at the beginning? Yes. As part of the professional discussion? No.
It's both! 'Nöp' is strong, 'nypte' is weak. Both are accepted, but 'nöp' is more idiomatic here.
No, 'nypa i kinderna' is much milder. Frostbite is 'förfrysning'.
No, it's strictly for air/wind and weather.
Swedish logic often views sensations as happening 'inside' the skin or body part.
Related Phrases
bita i kinderna
similarThe cold 'bites' the cheeks.
frostnupen
builds onFrost-nipped.
röd om kinderna
similarRed around the cheeks.
svida i ansiktet
similarTo sting in the face.
