Meaning
Washing in a bathtub.
Cultural Background
Bathing is often linked to 'Fredagsmys' (Friday coziness). After a long week, taking a bath is a way to transition into the weekend. While Swedes 'ta sig ett bad', Finns are more likely to 'ta en bastu' (take a sauna). The bath is seen as a secondary option to the sauna. In Japan, you wash *before* you 'ta sig ett bad' (enter the ofuro). In Sweden, the washing often happens *in* the bath. Similar to Sweden, the 'bad' is a place of refuge from the mountain cold. The terminology is almost identical ('ta seg et bad').
The 'Sig' Secret
Adding 'sig' makes you sound like a native speaker who values their comfort. Without it, you sound like a textbook.
Don't 'Make' a Bath
Never say 'göra ett bad'. Swedes only 'take' them.
Meaning
Washing in a bathtub.
The 'Sig' Secret
Adding 'sig' makes you sound like a native speaker who values their comfort. Without it, you sound like a textbook.
Don't 'Make' a Bath
Never say 'göra ett bad'. Swedes only 'take' them.
Bath vs. Shower
If you say you are going to 'ta ett bad', people will assume you will be busy for at least 30 minutes. If you are in a rush, say 'duscha'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun.
Jag är så trött, jag ska gå och ta ___ ett bad.
Since the subject is 'Jag' (I), the reflexive pronoun must be 'mig' (myself).
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'He took a bath'?
Välj det bästa alternativet:
'Ta sig ett bad' is the standard idiomatic collocation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Fryser du fortfarande? B: Ja, jag ska ___.
Taking a warm bath is the logical response to being cold.
Match the phrase to the situation.
När säger man 'ta sig ett bad'?
The phrase specifically refers to using a bathtub.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJag är så trött, jag ska gå och ta ___ ett bad.
Since the subject is 'Jag' (I), the reflexive pronoun must be 'mig' (myself).
Välj det bästa alternativet:
'Ta sig ett bad' is the standard idiomatic collocation.
A: Fryser du fortfarande? B: Ja, jag ska ___.
Taking a warm bath is the logical response to being cold.
När säger man 'ta sig ett bad'?
The phrase specifically refers to using a bathtub.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's less specific. It could mean you are swimming in a lake. 'Ta sig ett bad' is specifically about the tub.
No, it's neutral to informal. It's perfect for everyday conversation.
No, you use 'mig' if you are talking about yourself. 'Sig' is only for 'he/she/it/they'.
Usually, you would say 'bada hunden'. 'Ta sig ett bad' is for people who choose to do it themselves.
It is always 'ett bad'.
Jag håller på att ta mig ett bad.
Yes, usually, but the focus is on the water and the tub.
Yes! Adding adjectives like 'varmt' (warm) or 'skönt' (nice) is very common.
'Bad' is the act/event, 'badkar' is the physical object (the tub).
Only if you are talking about your morning routine or stress management with close colleagues.
Related Phrases
duscha
similarto shower
ta ett dopp
similarto take a dip
lägga sig i blöt
specialized formto soak oneself
bada
similarto bathe/swim
tvätta sig
builds onto wash oneself
