tålamod

Tålamod is a Swedish noun meaning patience—the ability to endure delays, difficulties, or suffering without becoming agitated and to wait calmly for a desired outcome.

Etymology: The word is a compound of tåla (to endure or tolerate) and mod (courage or spirit). Its form and meaning derive from Old Norse and medieval Swedish, reflecting a long-standing concept of bearing and perseverance.

Usage: In everyday life, tålamod covers waiting for others, resisting impulses, and sustaining effort toward long-term goals. It is valued in education, parenting, work, and healthcare as a practical skill that reduces reactive behavior and helps navigate delays.

Psychology: Patience is related to self-control and emotional regulation. Studies describe tålamod as a trait that can be cultivated through strategies such as goal setting, cognitive reappraisal, and mindfulness, which help maintain composure during delays and setbacks.

Cultural context: In Swedish-speaking contexts, tålamod is often linked to collaborative problem solving, egalitarian teamwork, and a willingness to invest time in processes that require time and trust.

See also: patience; self-control.