hälsningar

Hälsningar is a Swedish word that refers to expressions of greeting or goodwill. The plural form hälsningar is used for multiple greetings, while the singular hälsning denotes a single greeting or gesture. The term is closely linked to health and well-wishing, reflecting the historical idea that a greeting conveyed a wish for the other person’s well-being. Etymologically, it stems from the verb hälsa, meaning to health or to greet.

In spoken Swedish, greetings vary by formality and context. The most common everyday greeting is hej. Other simple forms include hallå and hej hej, with variations such as tjena in more informal registers. Time-of-day greetings like god morgon (good morning) and god kväll (good evening) are used in appropriate situations. Regional dialects and social settings influence choice of greeting, but hej remains overwhelmingly prevalent in casual interaction.

In written Swedish, hälsningar is widely used as a closing or sign-off in letters and emails. Common phrases include Med vänliga hälsningar, Vänliga hälsningar, and Med vänlig hälsning (singular). The standalone word Hälsningar can also appear as a brief closing, followed by a name. The choice of closing reflects formality: Med vänliga hälsningar is standard in formal or semi-formal correspondence, while enkel Hälsningar or Hälsningar may suit informal messages. Overall, hälsningar encompasses both everyday greetings and courteous closings in Swedish communication.