Meaning
To have the courage to take a risk.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often used to counter 'Jantelagen'. It's a linguistic tool for self-empowerment in a society that traditionally values modesty. In Finland-Swedish, 'töras' is used frequently and sometimes feels slightly less formal than in Sweden, but the collocation 'töras satsa' remains high-register. In many northern dialects, 'töras' (often pronounced 'töres' or 'törs') is the standard word for 'dare', making this phrase feel more 'homely' yet still strong. The phrase has been adopted as a translation for 'disruptive risk-taking' in Swedish business media.
Use the Past Tense
Using 'tordes' correctly in a story instantly marks you as a C1/C2 speaker. It's a 'shibboleth' for advanced Swedish.
Don't over-conjugate
Avoid the supine 'torts'. If you need to say 'have dared', most natives switch to 'har vågat satsa'.
Meaning
To have the courage to take a risk.
Use the Past Tense
Using 'tordes' correctly in a story instantly marks you as a C1/C2 speaker. It's a 'shibboleth' for advanced Swedish.
Don't over-conjugate
Avoid the supine 'torts'. If you need to say 'have dared', most natives switch to 'har vågat satsa'.
The 'Satsa' mindset
In Sweden, 'att satsa' is seen as very positive in sports and business, but can be seen as 'bragging' in personal life. Use with care.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'töras' and the correct preposition.
Hon ______ (past tense) äntligen satsa ____ sin dröm.
The past tense of 'töras' is 'tordes', and 'satsa' takes the preposition 'på'.
Which sentence is the most formal and appropriate for a business speech?
Choose the best option:
'Töras satsa' and 'vision' provide the necessary formal and sophisticated tone.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Varför slutade du på banken? B: Jag kände att jag var tvungen att ___________ innan det var för sent.
The infinitive 'töras satsa' is required after 'tvungen att'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesHon ______ (past tense) äntligen satsa ____ sin dröm.
The past tense of 'töras' is 'tordes', and 'satsa' takes the preposition 'på'.
Choose the best option:
'Töras satsa' and 'vision' provide the necessary formal and sophisticated tone.
A: Varför slutade du på banken? B: Jag kände att jag var tvungen att ___________ innan det var för sent.
The infinitive 'töras satsa' is required after 'tvungen att'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, 'våga' is much more common in daily speech. 'Töras' is more formal, literary, or regional.
Usually no. Use 'på'. 'Satsa på aktier', 'satsa på framtiden'.
'Töras' is the infinitive (to dare), 'törs' is the present tense (dares).
Related Phrases
våga språnget
similarTo take the leap
satsa allt på ett kort
specialized formBet everything on one card
ha is i magen
builds onTo have ice in one's stomach
fega ur
contrastTo chicken out
