mästerliga

mästerliga is a Swedish adjective derived from the noun mästare, meaning "master" or "champion". The suffix -liga turns the noun into an adjective meaning "relating to a master" or "characteristic of a master". The word is used to describe something performed with expert skill, artistry, or proficiency. It is commonly found in literary descriptions, reviews, and informal speech. For example, a concert might be described as "mästerliga" to emphasize the performer’s refined technique, or a craftsman’s work might be termed "mästerliga" to highlight the quality and artistry of the construction.

The adjective is related to the older Swedish word mästerleksam, which combined mästare and leksam (dexterous). Contemporary usage is informal; formal writing often prefers the adverbial form mästerlikt or the noun word måsterlikhet. Variants in English include masterful, skillful, or expert.

In modern Swedish, mästerliga can also appear in idiomatic expressions, such as "med mästerliga fingrar" ("with masterful fingers") to imply a graceful or precise action. The term is generally neutral and respectful, without carrying any pejorative connotation. Its usage is widespread across Swedish media, from music criticism to descriptions of everyday skills.