뜻
Everyone has different tastes
문화적 배경
The phrase reflects the Swedish value of 'consensus democracy'. Even in small talk, Swedes prefer to find a way to end a disagreement peacefully rather than 'winning' the argument. The phrase is also common among Swedish-speaking Finns, though they might sometimes use more direct expressions. The 'butt' humor is universally understood in the Nordics. In the age of social media, this phrase has seen a resurgence in Swedish comment sections as a way to handle 'trolls' or heated debates about trivial things like celebrities. While informal, younger tech startups in Stockholm might use this phrase internally to encourage diverse thinking and 'out of the box' ideas.
The 'Ju' Factor
Add the word 'ju' (Smaken är ju som baken) to sound much more like a native speaker. It adds a tone of 'as we all know'.
Watch the Setting
Don't use this with your Swedish grandmother unless she has a good sense of humor. Some older people find it a bit 'rough'.
뜻
Everyone has different tastes
The 'Ju' Factor
Add the word 'ju' (Smaken är ju som baken) to sound much more like a native speaker. It adds a tone of 'as we all know'.
Watch the Setting
Don't use this with your Swedish grandmother unless she has a good sense of humor. Some older people find it a bit 'rough'.
The Silent Punchline
You don't need to say 'delad'. Just saying 'Smaken är som baken' and pausing is enough for people to get the joke.
Conflict Avoidance
Use this phrase to end an argument before it gets heated. It's a very effective social tool in Sweden.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Smaken är som ______, den är delad.
'Baken' (the backside) is the correct word that rhymes with 'smaken' and completes the pun.
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to say 'Smaken är som baken'?
Choose the best scenario:
The phrase is used for subjective preferences like movies, not for facts, professional negotiations, or legal matters.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Anna: 'Jag tycker att den här tapeten är jättefin!' Erik: 'Verkligen? Jag tycker den är för färgstark. Men...'
This is the standard way to agree to disagree about home decor.
Which word describes the 'butt' in the full version of the proverb?
Smaken är som baken — den är ______.
'Delad' means 'divided', which refers to both the anatomy and the difference in opinions.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Formal vs Informal
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Smaken är som ______, den är delad.
'Baken' (the backside) is the correct word that rhymes with 'smaken' and completes the pun.
Choose the best scenario:
The phrase is used for subjective preferences like movies, not for facts, professional negotiations, or legal matters.
Anna: 'Jag tycker att den här tapeten är jättefin!' Erik: 'Verkligen? Jag tycker den är för färgstark. Men...'
This is the standard way to agree to disagree about home decor.
Smaken är som baken — den är ______.
'Delad' means 'divided', which refers to both the anatomy and the difference in opinions.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
12 질문It's a bit like 'backside' or 'rear end'. It's not a swear word, but it's anatomical. It's safer than 'rumpa' (butt) in this context.
Only with close colleagues during lunch. Avoid it in formal meetings or with clients.
Because it's a pun! A butt is physically divided, and opinions (tastes) are also divided.
Yes, 'Smak och behag' is the polite, non-anatomical version.
Absolutely. It's one of the most common proverbs in Sweden across all ages.
No, it must be 'baken' (the backside). Fixed idioms usually require the definite form.
That's okay! As the proverb says: smaken är som baken!
Yes, Danish and Norwegian have very similar versions (e.g., 'Smag og behag er forskellig').
It's a bit risky. It might sound like you are trivializing a serious issue. Stick to art, food, and fashion.
Usually, yes. It refers to aesthetic or sensory preferences.
Forgetting the rhyme or using it in a formal letter.
It rhymes with 'taken' if you pronounce the 'a' like in 'father'.
관련 표현
Smak och behag
similarTaste and pleasure (to each their own).
Det är en smaksak
similarIt's a matter of taste.
Var och en blir salig på sin fason
similarEveryone finds happiness in their own way.
Blanda inte ihop äpplen och päron
contrastDon't mix up apples and pears.
Kärt barn har många namn
builds onA dear child has many names.
