Signification
Sometimes it is better to be quiet.
Contexte culturel
Silence is not considered 'awkward' in Sweden. It is often a sign of comfort and respect between people. The value of silence is even stronger in Finland, where 'tiga är guld' is a way of life. Small talk is often seen as unnecessary. Similar to the Swedish proverb, Japanese culture values 'haragei' (stomach art), or communication through silence and gestures. The proverb has ancient roots in Arabic culture, where eloquence was highly prized but wisdom was found in silence.
Use it to end a gossip session
If you want to gracefully exit a conversation where people are gossiping, just smile and say 'Ja, tala är silver, tiga är guld' and walk away.
The Swedish Silence
Don't feel the need to fill every silence when talking to Swedes. They will appreciate your 'golden' silence.
Signification
Sometimes it is better to be quiet.
Use it to end a gossip session
If you want to gracefully exit a conversation where people are gossiping, just smile and say 'Ja, tala är silver, tiga är guld' and walk away.
The Swedish Silence
Don't feel the need to fill every silence when talking to Swedes. They will appreciate your 'golden' silence.
Don't use it for secrets only
It's a general rule for life, not just for keeping secrets. It's about overall wisdom.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Tala är ______, tiga är ______.
The proverb always places silver (lower value) with speaking and gold (higher value) with silence.
In which situation is it most appropriate to use this proverb?
You are at a dinner and someone starts gossiping about your boss.
The proverb is about the wisdom of choosing silence over unnecessary or harmful speech.
Which verb is the correct traditional form for 'to be silent' in this proverb?
Tala är silver, ______ är guld.
'Tiga' is the infinitive form used in the classic version of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural use of the proverb.
A: Varför sa du inget när han skällde på dig? B: ________________________.
This explains that the person chose silence as a wiser or more dignified response.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
The Value of Communication
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTala är ______, tiga är ______.
The proverb always places silver (lower value) with speaking and gold (higher value) with silence.
You are at a dinner and someone starts gossiping about your boss.
The proverb is about the wisdom of choosing silence over unnecessary or harmful speech.
Tala är silver, ______ är guld.
'Tiga' is the infinitive form used in the classic version of the proverb.
A: Varför sa du inget när han skällde på dig? B: ________________________.
This explains that the person chose silence as a wiser or more dignified response.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot in daily conversation. Most people say 'vara tyst'. However, everyone knows 'tiga' because of this proverb.
Yes, that is a very common and natural shortening of the phrase.
No, it's considered wise. However, telling someone else 'tiga är guld' can be a very polite way of telling them to shut up, so be careful!
They represent a hierarchy of value. Silver is good, but gold is the best.
Yes, it can mean that keeping a text short and concise is better than writing too much.
Yes, the omission of 'att' before the infinitives is a classic proverbial style.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'Säg vad du tycker' (Say what you think) represents the opposite value.
Absolutely. It's a very professional way to explain why you are being observant rather than talkative.
Yes, Danish and Norwegian have almost identical versions.
It's 'TEE-gah'. Make sure the 'i' is long and sharp.
Expressions liées
Tala ur skägget
contrastSpeak clearly / stop mumbling.
Tystnad tagning
similarSilence, recording!
Morgonstund har guld i mund
builds onThe early bird catches the worm.
Hålla tand för tunga
synonymTo keep a secret / hold one's tongue.
