Tystlåten

Tystlåten is a Swedish adjective used to describe a person who speaks little or is reserved in conversation. The term connotes a tendency to be quiet in social settings rather than outspoken or flamboyant. It can refer to a personality trait that is steady, thoughtful, and measured in speech.

In usage, tystlåten describes how someone communicates rather than overall mood. It is often seen as a neutral to mildly positive characteristic, suggesting reliability and attentiveness rather than rudeness. However, in some contexts it may imply shyness or social reticence, depending on tone and surrounding description.

Common synonyms include tyst, reserverad, tillbakadragen, and lugn, while antonyms include pratsam, pratglad, and utåtriktad. The term is routinely used in everyday Swedish, as well as in literature and media, to convey a nuanced portrait of a character or real person without making a value judgment.

Example: Han är tystlåten, men när han väl talar kommer noga övervägda ord. The expression helps differentiate a person who is not talkative from one who is unfriendly or disinterested. Overall, tystlåten signals a preference for speaking sparingly and listening more.