Meaning
Not using time effectively.
Cultural Background
Punctuality is a core value. Being 5 minutes late is often seen as 'slösa' with the other person's time, which is considered disrespectful. The phrase is used to justify 'Lean' processes and 'Agile' methodologies, where 'slösa tid' (waste) is the enemy of productivity. Social media 'scrolling' is the most commonly cited modern way to 'slösa tid' among Swedish youth. Classic Swedish authors often use 'förspilla tid' to describe a life lived without purpose or meaning.
Use 'bort'
Add 'bort' to sound more like a native speaker when you're frustrated.
Don't be too rude
Telling a colleague they are 'slösar tid' is a very strong statement in Sweden. Use it carefully.
Meaning
Not using time effectively.
Use 'bort'
Add 'bort' to sound more like a native speaker when you're frustrated.
Don't be too rude
Telling a colleague they are 'slösar tid' is a very strong statement in Sweden. Use it carefully.
The 'på' rule
Always remember the 'på' + [activity] pattern. It's the mark of a B1+ speaker.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'slösa'.
Igår _______ jag tre timmar på att spela spel.
The sentence refers to 'igår' (yesterday), so we need the past tense.
Which preposition is correct?
Sluta slösa tid ____ det där!
In Swedish, you always 'slösa tid på' an activity.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ska vi gå nu? B: Ja, vi har ingen tid att ______.
The phrase 'ingen tid att slösa' means 'no time to waste'.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'Det här mötet är ett slöseri med tid.'
This is a common complaint about unproductive work meetings.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Slösa vs. Spendera
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIgår _______ jag tre timmar på att spela spel.
The sentence refers to 'igår' (yesterday), so we need the past tense.
Sluta slösa tid ____ det där!
In Swedish, you always 'slösa tid på' an activity.
A: Ska vi gå nu? B: Ja, vi har ingen tid att ______.
The phrase 'ingen tid att slösa' means 'no time to waste'.
Sentence: 'Det här mötet är ett slöseri med tid.'
This is a common complaint about unproductive work meetings.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it almost always implies that the time could have been used better.
Yes! 'Slösa' works perfectly with money, energy, and resources.
The opposite is 'att ta vara på tiden' (to make the most of the time) or 'att vara effektiv'.
Usually 'slösa tid'. Use 'tiden' only if you mean 'the specific time we had for this task'.
Yes, 'slösa tid på någon' means to waste time on a person who isn't worth it.
It's moderate. It's not a swear word, but it is a clear criticism.
Use the noun form: 'ett slöseri med tid'.
Rarely. It sounds very dramatic or old-fashioned.
Yes, it's very common to say 'Du slösar min tid!' when you are annoyed.
'Slösa' is wasting; 'missbruka' is abusing or using incorrectly.
Related Phrases
slösa bort
similarTo waste away
förspilla tid
synonymTo squander time
döda tid
similarTo kill time
spendera tid
contrastTo spend time
ta tid
builds onTo take time
