Overview
In contemporary Swedish, a 'kiosk' refers to a small, often standalone shop or stand, typically selling a limited range of goods. The most common items found in a Swedish kiosk include newspapers, magazines, tobacco products, candy, snacks, soft drinks, and sometimes lottery tickets or public transport passes. They are frequently located in public areas with high foot traffic, such as town squares, train stations, bus terminals, or along busy streets.
Historically, kiosks played a crucial role as easily accessible points for news and minor conveniences. While their traditional role persists, modern kiosks have adapted to changing consumer habits. Some have expanded their offerings to include simpler food items like hot dogs ('varmkorv') or pre-packaged sandwiches, especially those located near transport hubs. Others might specialize, becoming primarily a 'godiskiosk' (candy kiosk) or a 'pressbyrå' (press agency, which often functions similarly to a kiosk).
The term 'kiosk' also carries a cultural connotation in Sweden, often associated with quick stops and everyday errands. They are distinct from larger supermarkets ('mataffär' or 'stormarknad') or specialized stores ('butik') in their size, limited selection, and often longer opening hours, making them convenient for purchases outside regular shop hours. The design of kiosks can vary from small, simple structures to more modern, integrated units within larger buildings. Despite the rise of larger retail chains and online shopping, the Swedish kiosk continues to serve as a vital part of the urban landscape, offering convenience and a touch of local character.
Exemples
Jag köpte en tidning i kiosken.
Daily life, shoppingI bought a newspaper at the kiosk.
Det finns en liten kiosk vid stranden som säljer glass.
Leisure, summerThere's a small kiosk by the beach that sells ice cream.
Kiosken har öppet sent på kvällen.
Opening hoursThe kiosk is open late in the evening.
Kan du köpa lite godis i kiosken?
Request, daily errandCan you buy some candy at the kiosk?
Han driver en kiosk sedan många år tillbaka.
Work, businessHe has been running a kiosk for many years.
Collocations courantes
Souvent confondu avec
A 'kiosk' is typically smaller and may have a more limited range of goods than a 'butik'.
Similar to 'butik', 'affär' is a more general term for a shop, while 'kiosk' implies a smaller, often standalone structure.
Modèles grammaticaux
How to Use It
Notes d'usage
The word 'kiosk' is a direct loanword from French, ultimately from Turkish. It is a common noun and is used in a straightforward manner to refer to a small shop. It's a definite noun in Swedish: 'en kiosk' (a kiosk) and 'kiosken' (the kiosk). The plural forms are 'kiosker' (kiosks) and 'kioskerna' (the kiosks). While the term broadly means a small shop, context might specify its function, such as a 'tidningskiosk' (newspaper kiosk) or a 'korvkiosk' (hot dog stand). It is generally understood across all age groups and regions in Sweden, though younger generations might use it less frequently than older ones, given the changing retail landscape.
Erreurs courantes
A common mistake might be confusing 'kiosk' with a larger store. Remember, a kiosk is typically a very small, often temporary, structure. Also, make sure to pronounce the 'k' at the beginning, as sometimes in English loanwords starting with 'k' the 'k' can be silent (e.g., 'know'). In Swedish, the 'k' in 'kiosk' is pronounced.
Origine du mot
The word 'kiosk' in Swedish, much like in many other European languages, has its origins in Turkish 'köşk', meaning 'pavilion' or 'summerhouse'. This Turkish word, in turn, comes from Persian 'kūšk', which referred to a palace or portico. The concept evolved through Ottoman architecture, often describing open-sided pavilions or small, ornamental buildings in gardens or public spaces. It was then adopted into French as 'kiosque' and subsequently spread to other languages, including Swedish.
Contexte culturel
In Sweden, a 'kiosk' typically refers to a small, often standalone shop that sells a limited range of convenience items. Historically, these were ubiquitous and served as local hubs for newspapers, magazines, candy, and sometimes tobacco. They often had a distinct, sometimes charmingly old-fashioned, appearance. While still present, their role has evolved with the rise of larger convenience stores and supermarkets. They can still be found in urban areas, sometimes specializing in specific items like hot dogs ('gatukök') or international snacks. The term also carries a nostalgic connotation for many Swedes, recalling a simpler time.
Astuce mémo
Visualize a 'kiosk' as a 'small shop' where you 'kiss' your money goodbye for snacks. The 'k' sound in 'kiosk' is the same as the 'k' in 'kiss'.
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIn Sweden, a 'kiosk' refers to a small shop, often found in urban areas, train stations, or along busy streets. These establishments typically offer a limited range of convenience items, such as newspapers, magazines, sweets, tobacco products, cold drinks, and sometimes simple snacks or fast food like hot dogs. They are generally characterized by their compact size and quick service, catering to people looking for on-the-go purchases. They serve as a convenient stop for everyday necessities and impulse buys.
At a Swedish 'kiosk', you can usually find a variety of convenience goods. This often includes daily newspapers, popular magazines, a wide selection of confectionery (candy), various tobacco products, and chilled beverages like soda, juice, and water. Some kiosks also sell lottery tickets, postage stamps, and sometimes even simple prepared foods such as hot dogs or pre-packaged sandwiches. The exact assortment can vary depending on the kiosk's location and target clientele.
Swedish 'kiosks' differ significantly from larger grocery stores in several ways. Kiosks are much smaller in size, offering a highly curated and limited selection of convenience items, whereas grocery stores provide a comprehensive range of food, household goods, and often fresh produce. Kiosks typically have longer opening hours, sometimes even being open 24/7, making them accessible when larger stores are closed. They focus on quick transactions and immediate consumption, while grocery stores cater to larger shopping trips and weekly provisions. Prices at kiosks can also sometimes be slightly higher due to their convenience factor and smaller sales volume.
Yes, 'kiosks' remain a common and integral part of the urban landscape and travel hubs in Sweden today, though their number and specific offerings have evolved over time. While the rise of larger convenience stores and supermarkets has impacted some traditional kiosks, many continue to thrive by adapting their services. They are still frequently found near public transport stops, in shopping centers, and along pedestrian streets, providing quick access to everyday essentials and impulse purchases for commuters and passersby. They play a significant role in providing convenience outside of regular business hours.
Teste-toi
Jag köpte en tidning i ____.
Ska vi mötas vid ____ vid torget?
På sommaren öppnar ____ nere vid stranden.
Score : /3
Exemples
5 sur 5Jag köpte en tidning i kiosken.
I bought a newspaper at the kiosk.
Det finns en liten kiosk vid stranden som säljer glass.
There's a small kiosk by the beach that sells ice cream.
Kiosken har öppet sent på kvällen.
The kiosk is open late in the evening.
Kan du köpa lite godis i kiosken?
Can you buy some candy at the kiosk?
Han driver en kiosk sedan många år tillbaka.
He has been running a kiosk for many years.
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Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Plus de mots sur business
affär
A1store
angående
B1on the subject of
avdrag
B2deduction
avisera
A2to inform or notify someone about something
avkastning
C1return on investment or yield
avstämning
C1reconciliation, check, or alignment
avtal
A2A formal agreement
avveckla
B2to gradually reduce or end a business
avvägning
B2a trade-off or balance
bank
A2place for money
