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B2 adjective 9 min read

tjock

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips tjock in 30 Seconds

Explanation tjock in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn 'tjock' as a basic descriptive word for physical objects. You use it to talk about things you can see and touch. For example, 'en tjock bok' (a thick book) or 'en tjock jacka' (a thick jacket). You learn that it is the opposite of 'tunn' (thin). At this stage, you focus on the most common form 'tjock' and how it describes common items in your daily life, like food or clothing. You might also learn it in the context of describing people, but usually in very simple sentences like 'Han är tjock', though teachers will quickly advise caution with this usage.

At A2, you begin to use 'tjock' in more varied contexts, such as weather and cooking. You learn that fog is 'tjock dimma' and that a sauce can be 'tjock'. You also start to use the neuter form 'tjockt' correctly, such as 'ett tjockt täcke' (a thick duvet). You understand the comparative and superlative forms: 'tjockare' (thicker) and 'tjockast' (thickest). You can now say things like 'Den här tröjan är tjockare än den där', which is very useful for shopping or dressing for the Swedish weather. You are also introduced to the idea that 'tjock' can be used for hair ('tjockt hår'), which is generally seen as a positive attribute.

At the B1 level, you move beyond simple descriptions and start using 'tjock' in more idiomatic and abstract ways. You encounter the phrase 'tjocka släkten' (the extended family) and understand its cultural significance in Sweden. You also learn to use 'tjock' as an adverb ('tjockt') to describe how something is applied, like 'smöra tjockt' (spread butter thickly). You start to distinguish between 'tjock' and more specific words like 'kraftig' (sturdy) or 'tät' (dense). Your grammar becomes more reliable, and you rarely make mistakes with the common/neuter/plural agreements (tjock/tjockt/tjocka).

At B2, you are expected to understand the nuances of 'tjock' in different registers. You recognize that 'tjock' can be used as slang or an intensifier in informal speech ('tjockt med folk'). You are sensitive to the social implications of using 'tjock' to describe a person and know when to switch to 'överviktig' or 'kraftig' to maintain a professional or polite tone. You can use the word in complex sentences involving resultative constructions, like 'Koka såsen tills den blir tjock' (Cook the sauce until it becomes thick). You also understand the noun form 'tjocklek' (thickness) and can use it in technical or practical discussions, such as home renovation or crafts.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'tjock' and its synonyms. You can use 'tjock' in literary contexts to describe atmosphere, such as 'en tjock atmosfär' or 'tjockt mörker' (thick darkness). You understand the etymological roots and how it relates to words in other Germanic languages. You can use the word to describe abstract concepts, like a 'tjock röst' (a husky, thick voice). You are also aware of regional variations and how the word might be used differently in various Swedish dialects. You can fluently navigate between 'tjock', 'kompakt', 'massiv', and 'omfångsrik' depending on the exact nuance you wish to convey.

At the C2 level, your use of 'tjock' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You can appreciate and use the word in complex wordplay, puns, or highly specific technical contexts. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its role in Swedish proverbs or old sayings. You can analyze the use of 'tjock' in classical Swedish literature and explain how its connotations have shifted over the centuries. You use the word with perfect precision, knowing exactly when 'tjock' is the most evocative choice versus a more clinical or descriptive alternative. You are also fully aware of the socio-linguistic impact of the word in contemporary debates about body image and language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

tjock in 30 Seconds

Primarily means 'thick' for objects and 'fat' for people.
Describes density in fog, smoke, and liquids like soup.
Changes form based on noun gender: tjock (en), tjockt (ett), tjocka (plural).
Used informally in slang to mean 'very' or 'lots of'.

The Swedish word tjock is a versatile adjective primarily used to describe physical thickness, density, or volume. At its core, it refers to a significant distance between two opposite surfaces of an object. For English speakers, the most direct translation is 'thick' or 'fat', though the cultural nuances in Sweden regarding body size are distinct from those in the Anglosphere. Understanding tjock requires looking at it through several lenses: physical objects, atmospheric conditions, and human descriptions.

Physical Thickness: When describing inanimate objects like books, walls, or slices of bread, 'tjock' is the standard term. A 'tjock bok' is a thick book, often implying it is long or substantial.

Väggarna i det gamla slottet är extremt tjocka.

Translation: The walls in the old castle are extremely thick.

Beyond physical objects, 'tjock' describes density in fluids or gases. You will frequently hear it in weather reports describing 'tjock dimma' (thick fog) or in the kitchen describing a 'tjock sås' (thick sauce). In these contexts, it signifies a high concentration of particles or a viscous consistency. It is important to note that while English might use 'dense' for fog, Swedish almost exclusively uses 'tjock'.

Describing People: This is where learners must be careful. While 'tjock' is the literal word for 'fat', using it to describe a person can be perceived as blunt or insensitive, similar to English. Swedes often prefer 'kraftig' (strong/heavily built) or 'överviktig' (overweight) in polite or medical contexts.

Han bar en tjock vinterjacka för att hålla värmen.

Translation: He wore a thick winter jacket to keep warm.

The word also appears in various idiomatic expressions. 'Tjocka släkten' refers to the extended family, often with a humorous or slightly chaotic connotation. In terms of register, 'tjock' is a neutral, everyday word, but its impact varies wildly based on whether you are talking about a pancake or a person's appearance. In technical fields, like construction or textiles, 'tjocklek' (thickness) is the derived noun used to specify measurements. Understanding the breadth of 'tjock' allows you to navigate everything from ordering a milkshake to describing the Swedish winter landscape.

Integrating 'tjock' into your Swedish requires an understanding of adjective agreement. Like most Swedish adjectives, 'tjock' changes its ending based on the gender and number of the noun it modifies. For common gender nouns (en-words), it remains tjock. For neuter gender nouns (ett-words), it becomes tjockt. For plural nouns and definite forms, it becomes tjocka.

Grammatical Agreement: En tjock bok (A thick book), Ett tjockt täcke (A thick duvet), Tjocka skivor (Thick slices).

When using 'tjock' to describe consistency, it often functions predicatively (after a verb like 'är'). For example, 'Soppan är för tjock' (The soup is too thick). In this case, the adjective must still agree with the subject. If you are talking about 'vattnet' (the water - neuter), you would say 'Vattnet är tjockt av lera' (The water is thick with mud).

Isen på sjön är nu tillräckligt tjock för att gå på.

In comparative and superlative forms, 'tjock' follows the regular pattern: tjockare (thicker) and tjockast (thickest). This is useful when comparing textures or dimensions. 'Den här tröjan är tjockare än den andra' (This sweater is thicker than the other one). This is a common way to discuss clothing choices during the transition from autumn to winter in Sweden.

Another sentence pattern involves the construction 'tjockt med [noun]'. This is an informal way to say 'a lot of' or 'plenty of'. 'Det var tjockt med folk på stan' means the city was packed with people. This usage is very common in spoken Swedish and adds a level of natural fluency to your speech. However, avoid this in formal writing, where 'många' or 'rikligt' would be more appropriate.

Det ligger ett tjockt lager damm på hyllan.

Abstract Usage: While primarily physical, 'tjock' can describe abstract things like a 'tjock röst' (a thick/husky voice) or 'tjock luft' (stuffy/heavy air).

You will encounter 'tjock' in a variety of everyday Swedish environments. One of the most common is the kitchen. Swedish cuisine often involves sauces and stews where the consistency is paramount. A chef might ask, 'Är såsen för tjock?' or a recipe might instruct you to 'låta det koka tills det blir tjockt'. Here, the word is purely functional and descriptive.

In the Clothing Store: Shopping for winter gear is a national pastime in Sweden. You will hear customers asking for 'tjocka strumpor' (thick socks) or 'en tjockare jacka' (a thicker jacket) to survive the sub-zero temperatures.

Se upp! Det är tjock dimma på motorvägen idag.

Meteorological contexts are another frequent source. Swedish winters and autumns are characterized by 'tjock dimma' (thick fog) and 'tjocka moln' (heavy/thick clouds). Radio and TV weather presenters use these terms daily. Similarly, when checking the safety of ice for skating—a popular Swedish hobby—experts will report on the 'tjocklek' (thickness) of the 'is' (ice). If the ice isn't 'tjock nog' (thick enough), it's a matter of public safety.

In literature and storytelling, 'tjock' is used to build atmosphere. A 'tjock skog' (dense forest) is a staple of Swedish fairy tales and crime novels alike. It evokes a sense of being enclosed or hidden. You might also hear it in social settings when talking about family. 'Tjocka släkten' is a set phrase used when the whole extended family gathers for Christmas (Jul) or Midsummer (Midsommar). It implies a large, somewhat overwhelming group of relatives.

The 'Blunt' Swedish Nature: Swedes can sometimes be surprisingly direct. While 'tjock' can be an insult, in some dialects or older generations, it might be used almost descriptively without the same level of malice intended in English, though this is rapidly changing toward more sensitive terminology.

Boken var så tjock att jag aldrig hann läsa ut den.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using 'tjock' when they should use 'tät'. While both can mean 'thick' in English, 'tät' specifically refers to density where individual parts are close together, such as a 'tät skog' (dense forest) or 'tät befolkning' (dense population). Use 'tjock' for the physical dimension of a single object or for atmospheric density like fog.

Tjock vs. Fet: Another pitfall is the distinction between 'tjock' and 'fet'. 'Fet' means 'fat' in the sense of containing fat (like 'fet mat' - fatty food) or being clinically obese. While 'tjock' is the common word for a person who is 'thick' or 'fat', 'fet' is much more derogatory and harsh when applied to people. Never use 'fet' to describe someone unless you intend to be offensive.

Fel: Skogen är tjock. (Wrong: The forest is thick - dimensionally).
Rätt: Skogen är tät. (Right: The forest is dense).

Agreement errors are also rampant among learners. Because 'tjock' ends in a consonant, many forget to add the '-t' for neuter nouns. Remember: 'Ett tjockt papper' (neuter) vs 'En tjock penna' (common). Similarly, the plural 'tjocka' is often forgotten in phrases like 'tjocka väggar'.

Learners also struggle with the intensity of the word when describing people. In English, 'thick' can sometimes be slang for 'attractive/curvy', but in Swedish, 'tjock' does not carry that positive slang connotation. If you want to compliment someone's figure, 'tjock' is definitely the wrong word to use. Instead, use words like 'kurvig' (curvy) or 'välformad' (well-shaped).

Confusing with 'Grov': 'Grov' means 'coarse' or 'heavy-duty'. While a 'tjock tråd' is a thick thread, a 'grov tråd' is a coarse thread. Use 'tjock' for size and 'grov' for texture or ruggedness.

Hon skar tjocka skivor av brödet.

Note: Here 'tjocka' is plural to match 'skivor'.

To enrich your Swedish vocabulary, it is essential to know when to use 'tjock' and when to opt for a more specific synonym. Swedish has many words that cover the 'thickness' spectrum, each with its own register and nuance.

Kraftig vs. Tjock: 'Kraftig' literally means 'powerful' or 'strong'. When describing a person's build, 'kraftig' is much more polite than 'tjock'. It suggests a sturdy, robust frame rather than just body fat. It's the preferred term in formal descriptions.

For liquids and textures, 'trögflytande' (slow-flowing) is an excellent alternative to 'tjock'. If you are describing oil or lava, 'trögflytande' is more technical and precise. For fabrics and materials, 'kraftig' can also be used to mean 'heavy-duty' or 'thick', such as 'ett kraftigt tyg' (a heavy/thick fabric).

Dimman var så tät att vi inte såg handen framför oss.

Comparison: 'Tät' (dense) is often interchangeable with 'tjock' for fog, but emphasizes the lack of visibility.

When talking about something that is 'thick' because it is bloated or swollen, 'svullen' is the correct term. 'Mina fingrar är tjocka' could mean they are naturally thick, but 'mina fingrar är svullna' means they have increased in size due to injury or heat. For hair, 'tjockt hår' is a very common compliment, but you can also use 'fylligt' (full/voluminous) for a more sophisticated touch.

Bastant: This word means 'solid' or 'substantial'. A 'bastant frukost' is a hearty, thick breakfast. A 'bastant möbel' is a solid, thick piece of furniture. Use this when you want to emphasize the durability and weight of an object.

Finally, 'omfångsrik' (voluminous/extensive) is a high-level C1/C2 word that can replace 'tjock' when referring to a book or a collection of work. It sounds much more academic and impressive than simply saying the book is 'tjock'.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

It is cognate with the English word 'thick' and German 'dick'. They all share the same ancient root.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɕɔk/

US /ʃɔk/

Stressed on the only syllable.

Rhymes With

bock lock sock rock stock krock plock chock

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tj' as 'ch' (like 'chocolate').
Pronouncing 'o' as a long 'u'.
Pronouncing the 'k' at the end too softly.
Making the 'tj' sound like a 't' plus 'j'.
Confusing the vowel with the 'u' in 'tunn'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize as it resembles 'thick' and 'dick'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the -t and -a endings for agreement.

Speaking 4/5

The 'tj-' sound can be difficult for beginners to master.

Listening 3/5

Clear sound, but can be confused with 'chock' if not careful.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

en ett bok är inte

Learn Next

tunn smal kraftig dimma lager

Advanced

trögflytande omfångsrik kompakt viskositet

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement (Gender)

En tjock katt vs. Ett tjockt barn.

Adjective Agreement (Number)

Två tjocka katter.

Comparative and Superlative

Tjock, tjockare, tjockast.

Adverbial formation

Att smöra tjockt.

Definite form of adjectives

Den tjocka boken.

Examples by Level

Boken är tjock.

The book is thick.

Simple adjective use.

Jag har en tjock jacka.

I have a thick jacket.

Attributive use with 'en' word.

Är katten tjock?

Is the cat fat?

Question form.

En tjock skiva bröd.

A thick slice of bread.

Describing food.

Huset har tjocka väggar.

The house has thick walls.

Plural form 'tjocka'.

Pappret är inte tjockt.

The paper is not thick.

Neuter form 'tjockt' for 'pappret'.

Min pappa är tjock.

My dad is fat.

Direct description of a person.

En tjock penna.

A thick pen.

Common gender agreement.

Det är tjock dimma ute.

It is thick fog outside.

Weather context.

Den här boken är tjockare.

This book is thicker.

Comparative form.

Soppan är för tjock.

The soup is too thick.

Describing consistency.

Jag vill ha tjocka strumpor.

I want thick socks.

Plural agreement.

Ett tjockt lager snö.

A thick layer of snow.

Neuter agreement with 'lager'.

Hon har tjockt hår.

She has thick hair.

Neuter agreement with 'hår'.

Isen är tjock nu.

The ice is thick now.

Describing safety/dimension.

Det är den tjockaste boken jag har.

It is the thickest book I have.

Superlative form.

Hela tjocka släkten kommer på besök.

The whole extended family is coming to visit.

Idiomatic expression.

Bred smöret tjockt på mackan.

Spread the butter thickly on the sandwich.

Adverbial use.

Han har blivit tjockare under semestern.

He has become fatter during the vacation.

Comparative describing weight gain.

Röken var tjock och svart.

The smoke was thick and black.

Describing density.

Det är tjockt med folk på bussen.

The bus is packed with people.

Informal expression for 'plenty of'.

Måla ett tjockt lager färg.

Paint a thick layer of paint.

Instructional use.

Väggen är tio centimeter tjock.

The wall is ten centimeters thick.

Using 'tjock' with measurements.

De bar tjocka tröjor i kylan.

They wore thick sweaters in the cold.

Plural attributive.

Glaset är så tjockt att det inte går sönder.

The glass is so thick that it doesn't break.

Resultative clause.

Hon talade med en tjock röst.

She spoke with a thick/husky voice.

Abstract use for voice.

Det blev tjockt i halsen när han berättade.

He got a lump in his throat when he told the story.

Metaphorical use for emotion.

Koka ner vätskan tills den blir tjock.

Boil down the liquid until it becomes thick.

Process description.

Det var tjockt med poliser vid ingången.

There were lots of police at the entrance.

Informal intensifier.

Isens tjocklek varierade över sjön.

The thickness of the ice varied across the lake.

Noun derivation 'tjocklek'.

Han är ganska kraftig, inte direkt tjock.

He is quite heavily built, not exactly fat.

Nuanced description of body type.

Det ligger ett tjockt täcke av tystnad över skogen.

A thick blanket of silence lies over the forest.

Literary metaphor.

Atmosfären var tjock av spänning.

The atmosphere was thick with tension.

Abstract density.

Han har en tjock plånbok.

He has a thick wallet (implying he is rich).

Idiomatic/Metonymic use.

Oljan var trögflytande och tjock.

The oil was viscous and thick.

Technical synonym pairing.

Det var ett tjockt mörker i källaren.

There was a thick darkness in the basement.

Literary description of light.

Hon har en tjock accent.

She has a thick accent.

Describing speech patterns.

Tjocka lager av damm vittnade om att ingen varit där.

Thick layers of dust testified that no one had been there.

Evidence-based description.

De vadade genom den tjocka leran.

They waded through the thick mud.

Describing physical resistance.

Han skrev en omfångsrik och tjock biografi.

He wrote a voluminous and thick biography.

Formal synonym use.

Texten var tjock av facktermer.

The text was dense with technical terms.

Metaphorical density in information.

Han är tjockhudad och bryr sig inte om kritik.

He is thick-skinned and doesn't care about criticism.

Compound adjective 'tjockhudad'.

Det råder en tjock osämja mellan familjerna.

There is a deep/thick discord between the families.

Highly abstract use for social relations.

Blodet är tjockare än vatten.

Blood is thicker than water.

Proverbial usage.

Genom det tjocka glaset verkade världen förvrängd.

Through the thick glass, the world seemed distorted.

Optical description.

Hennes röst var tjock av gråt.

Her voice was thick with crying.

Describing emotional physical effect.

Det var tjockt med ironi i hans röst.

His voice was thick with irony.

Abstract intensifier.

Staden låg begravd under ett tjockt täcke av aska.

The city lay buried under a thick blanket of ash.

Catastrophic description.

Common Collocations

tjock dimma

tjock bok

tjock is

tjock sås

tjock jacka

tjocka väggar

tjockt hår

tjockt lager

tjock röst

tjock skiva

Common Phrases

tjocka släkten

— The extended family, often used humorously.

Hela tjocka släkten kommer på jul.

tjockt med folk

— Informal way to say 'packed with people'.

Det var tjockt med folk på konserten.

i vått och torrt

— Related to thickness of friendship (through thick and thin).

De har varit vänner i vått och torrt.

tjockt lager

— A heavy coating of something.

Bilen täcktes av ett tjockt lager snö.

tjock i halsen

— Having a lump in one's throat (emotional).

Jag blev tjock i halsen av filmen.

tjockt papper

— Cardstock or heavy paper.

Använd ett tjockt papper till kortet.

tjock dimma

— Heavy, opaque fog.

Tjock dimma ställde in flyget.

tjock sås

— A viscous or reduced sauce.

Gör såsen lite mer tjock.

tjocka kinder

— Chubby cheeks.

Barnet har så söta tjocka kinder.

tjock mage

— A big belly.

Tomten har en stor tjock mage.

Often Confused With

tjock vs tät

Tät means dense (parts close together), tjock means thick (dimension).

tjock vs fet

Fet means fatty or clinically obese; much harsher than tjock.

tjock vs grov

Grov means coarse or heavy-duty, focusing on texture.

Idioms & Expressions

"Tjocka släkten"

— The whole extended family group.

Vi bjöd hela tjocka släkten.

Informal

"Tjockt med..."

— Abundance or a large quantity of something.

Det är tjockt med bär i skogen.

Slang/Informal

"Vara tjock i huvudet"

— To be slow-witted or stubborn (rude).

Är du helt tjock i huvudet?

Slang/Offensive

"Tjockt fett"

— Extremely cool (dated youth slang).

Det var tjockt fett, mannen!

Slang

"Blodet är tjockare än vatten"

— Family ties are stronger than other relationships.

Han hjälper sin bror för blodet är tjockare än vatten.

Neutral

"Tjock rök utan eld"

— Similar to 'no smoke without fire'.

Det är mycket snack, men ingen tjock rök utan eld.

Literary

"Vara tjockhudad"

— To be insensitive or able to take criticism.

Som politiker måste man vara tjockhudad.

Neutral

"Tjockt som gröt"

— Very thick (usually about fog).

Dimman låg tjock som gröt.

Informal

"Göra sig tjock"

— To brag or puff oneself up (older usage).

Han försökte göra sig tjock inför chefen.

Archaic

"Tjockt pådrag"

— A massive police or emergency response.

Det var ett tjockt pådrag efter rånet.

Informal

Easily Confused

tjock vs tät

Both translate to 'thick' in some English contexts.

Tät is for density (forests, population), tjock is for physical thickness (walls, books).

En tät skog vs. en tjock vägg.

tjock vs fet

Direct translation of 'fat'.

Fet refers to fat content or is a strong insult; tjock is descriptive of size.

Fet mat vs. en tjock bok.

tjock vs grov

Both imply 'big' or 'heavy'.

Grov implies roughness or coarseness; tjock implies dimension.

Grovt bröd vs. en tjock skiva bröd.

tjock vs fyllig

Both describe volume.

Fyllig is positive and refers to fullness (hair, wine); tjock is more neutral/functional.

Fylligt hår vs. tjockt hår.

tjock vs svullen

Both describe increased size.

Svullen means swollen (medical/injury); tjock is the general size.

Foten är svullen.

Sentence Patterns

Subjekt + är + tjock.

Boken är tjock.

En/Ett + tjock/tjockt + substantiv.

En tjock tröja.

Det är tjockt med + substantiv.

Det är tjockt med bilar.

Adverb + tjockt.

Hon målade tjockt.

Subjekt + blir + tjockare.

Isen blir tjockare.

Tjock av + substantiv.

Luften var tjock av rök.

Sammansättning med tjock-.

Han är tjockskallig.

Idiomatiskt uttryck.

Hela tjocka släkten.

Word Family

Nouns

tjocklek

tjockis

tjockmörker

tjocktarm

Verbs

tjockna

Adjectives

tjockhudad

tjockbottnad

tjockväggig

fet

kraftig

fyllig

tunn

smal

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life, especially regarding weather, food, and objects.

Common Mistakes

En tjockt bok → En tjock bok
You used the neuter ending (-t) for a common gender noun (en-word).
Skogen är tjock → Skogen är tät
Use 'tät' for density of many objects, 'tjock' for the dimension of one object.
Du är fet → Du är kraftig
'Fet' is very offensive; 'kraftig' is a polite way to describe a large build.
Tjocka lager snö → Ett tjockt lager snö
'Lager' is singular neuter here, so it should be 'tjockt'.
Jag har tjock accent → Jag har en tjock accent
Don't forget the article when describing your speech.

Tips

Check the Gender

Always look at the noun. 'En tjock tröja' but 'Ett tjockt täcke'. This is a common test point in exams.

Politeness First

If you are unsure, use 'kraftig' instead of 'tjock' when talking about someone's appearance. It's much safer.

Weather Words

Learn 'tjock dimma' as a single unit. It's the most common way to describe heavy fog.

Casual Vibes

Try saying 'Det är tjockt med folk' next time you're in a crowded place in Sweden to sound like a local.

The Soft TJ

Spend time practicing the 'tj' sound. It's one of the signature sounds of Swedish.

Recipe Reading

In recipes, 'låt tjockna' means 'let thicken'. It's a related verb you'll see often.

Ice Safety

In winter, always ask 'Är isen tjock?' before stepping out on a lake.

Better Options

For materials, consider if 'grov' (coarse) or 'kraftig' (heavy-duty) fits better than 'tjock'.

Family Talk

Use 'tjocka släkten' when talking about big family reunions to add some flavor to your Swedish.

Book Descriptions

A 'tjock bok' is a classic example. Use it to practice your adjective endings.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'THICK' book. The 'tj' is like a 'sh' sound. So, 'SH-OCK' - it's a shock how thick this book is!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant, thick woolly sweater in the Swedish winter. Feel the 'tjock' fabric.

Word Web

tjock tät kraftig dimma bok vinter is lager

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that are 'tjock' and name them in Swedish.

Word Origin

From Old Swedish 'þykkur', derived from Proto-Germanic '*thukwuz'.

Original meaning: Originally referred to being dense or solid.

Indo-European, Germanic branch.

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'tjock' for people unless in a very close, informal, or medical context. Use 'kraftig' or 'överviktig' instead.

Similar to English, 'thick' can describe objects neutrally but 'fat' (tjock) is sensitive for people.

Tjocka släkten (common film/TV trope) Pippi Långstrump's strong (kraftig) but not 'tjock' build Swedish weather forecasts mentioning 'tjock dimma'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

tjock dimma
tjocka moln
tjock is
tjock snö

Cooking

tjock sås
tjock skiva
koka tjockt
tjock botten

Clothing

tjock jacka
tjocka strumpor
tjock tröja
tjockt tyg

Human Description

tjockt hår
tjocka kinder
bli tjock
tjock röst

Physical Objects

tjock bok
tjock vägg
tjockt papper
tjockt lager

Conversation Starters

"Vilken är den tjockaste boken du någonsin har läst?"

"Tycker du om när såsen är tjock eller rinnig?"

"Brukar det vara tjock dimma där du bor under hösten?"

"Behöver man en tjock jacka i Sverige i oktober?"

"Vad gör du om isen inte är tillräckligt tjock för att åka skridskor?"

Journal Prompts

Beskriv en gång när du gick vilse i en tjock dimma.

Vilka fördelar finns det med att ha en riktigt tjock vinterjacka?

Skriv om din 'tjocka släkt' och vad ni brukar göra tillsammans.

Reflektera över hur ordet 'tjock' används olika om saker och människor.

Beskriv känslan av att bläddra i en ny, tjock bok.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not always, but it is very blunt. In close families, it might be used neutrally, but generally, you should use 'kraftig' or 'överviktig' to be safe.

It's better to use 'tät'. 'Tjock skog' is sometimes heard but 'tät skog' is much more natural Swedish.

'Tjock' is for en-words (en bok), and 'tjockt' is for ett-words (ett lager) or used as an adverb.

The idiom is 'i vått och torrt' (in wet and dry).

It means the whole extended family, including aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Yes, in certain dialects like Stockholm slang, 'tjockt' can mean 'very' or 'really'.

Yes, a 'tjock röst' is a husky or thick voice, often due to emotion or illness.

The noun is 'tjocklek'.

Yes, like 'en tjock sås' (a thick sauce).

Yes, they share the same Germanic root.