tålmodig

Tålmodig is a Swedish adjective meaning patient, capable of enduring difficulties or delays without becoming agitated. It describes a person who can wait calmly, handle slow progress, or persevere through challenging situations. The term can also refer to processes or situations characterized by a long duration that requires steadiness and composure.

The word is derived from tåla, to endure, and is related to the noun tålamod, which means patience. In Scandinavian languages, cognates with the same meaning exist, such as Danish tålmodig and Norwegian tålmodig, both usually spelled in a very similar form.

Usage and nuance: tålmodig connotes a positive quality of steady endurance and restraint rather than passivity. It is commonly used in everyday speech about people—parents, teachers, caregivers—or about tasks and timelines that demand a calm, persistent approach. It may be contrasted with phrases describing impatience or irritability, such as otålmodig (impatient).

Translations and related terms: English equivalents include patient and tolerant, with a sense of perseverance. The related noun is tålamod (patience), and related concepts include uthållighet (endurance or perseverance). Antonyms include otålmodig (impatient) and otålig (impatient or restless, depending on context).

In usage, tålmodig commonly appears in evaluations of character, descriptions of conduct in caregiving or education, and discussions of workflows or processes that require time and steady effort.