Meaning
Fair or kind.
Cultural Background
The word reflects the 'Law of Jante'—it's a way to praise someone without putting them on a pedestal. It's grounded and humble. Swedes value 'schyssta villkor' (fair conditions). This refers to collective agreements and a healthy work-life balance. Younger people use 'schysst' for anything high-quality, from a video game to a skateboard trick. Fair play is a core value. A 'schysst match' is one without cheating or unnecessary aggression.
The Spelling Secret
Don't worry about the spelling too much. Even Swedes argue about it. 'Schysst' is the most common, 'sjyst' is the most 'correct'.
Not for Health
Never say 'Jag mår schysst' to mean you feel healthy. Use 'Jag mår bra' or 'Jag mår toppen'.
Meaning
Fair or kind.
The Spelling Secret
Don't worry about the spelling too much. Even Swedes argue about it. 'Schysst' is the most common, 'sjyst' is the most 'correct'.
Not for Health
Never say 'Jag mår schysst' to mean you feel healthy. Use 'Jag mår bra' or 'Jag mår toppen'.
The 'Vad schysst' Trick
If you don't know how to thank someone in a casual way, just say 'Vad schysst!'. It works for almost everything.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'schysst'.
De är verkligen _________ människor.
Because 'människor' is plural, the adjective needs the -a ending.
Which sentence uses 'schysst' to mean 'cool'?
A: Han var schysst och hjälpte mig. B: Vilken schysst klocka du har!
In sentence B, it refers to an object (a watch) being impressive.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your friend pays for your coffee because you forgot your wallet.
This is the standard way to thank someone for a kind favor.
Complete the dialogue.
Erik: 'Kan jag få köpa din gamla mobil för 200 kr?' Sara: 'Nej, det är inte ett _________ pris. Den är värd minst 1000 kr.'
In a negotiation about price, 'schysst' means 'fair'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDe är verkligen _________ människor.
Because 'människor' is plural, the adjective needs the -a ending.
A: Han var schysst och hjälpte mig. B: Vilken schysst klocka du har!
In sentence B, it refers to an object (a watch) being impressive.
Situation: Your friend pays for your coffee because you forgot your wallet.
This is the standard way to thank someone for a kind favor.
Erik: 'Kan jag få köpa din gamla mobil för 200 kr?' Sara: 'Nej, det är inte ett _________ pris. Den är värd minst 1000 kr.'
In a negotiation about price, 'schysst' means 'fair'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, not at all! It is very positive. It's just informal slang.
Yes, if your workplace is casual (which most Swedish workplaces are). But don't use it in a formal contract.
Because it's a loanword from French. Swedish spelling rules struggled to adapt the 'sch' sound.
'Snäll' is 'sweet/kind' (personality). 'Schysst' is 'decent/fair/cool' (actions/vibe).
Yes, it is a universal Swedish word, though pronunciation might vary slightly by region.
Related Phrases
reko
synonymReliable, decent, honest.
bussig
similarKind, helpful.
rättvis
formal equivalentFair, just.
schyssta bananer
specialized formAll good / Everything is fine.
