It’s a German expression. Mostly used to comment on a negative situation in a slightly disparaging way while recognising the negativity and futility. The closest English word is “well”.
In Swedish, ”tja” is an informal greeting, and so is ”tjena”. A usual exchange at the checkout of my local grocery store would be:
”Tja!”
”Tjena!”
”Kvitto?” (Receipt?)
”Nej tack” (No thanks)
While trying not to make eye contact because we don’t do that here.
(Btw, the German and Swedish ”tja” are pronounced differently, so this joke works only in text.)
Tjena
I see this and another comment saying “tja” and both have upvotes. However, I don’t understand the … Joke? Is it a joke? Or a reference?
Any enlightenment would be very much appreciated.
edit: Just noticed the title of this post is also “tja.” Still don’t get it.
It’s a German expression. Mostly used to comment on a negative situation in a slightly disparaging way while recognising the negativity and futility. The closest English word is “well”.
I couldn’t think of a fitting title.
Thanks for the information!
Does this also apply to “tjena”?
In Swedish, ”tja” is an informal greeting, and so is ”tjena”. A usual exchange at the checkout of my local grocery store would be:
”Tja!”
”Tjena!”
”Kvitto?” (Receipt?)
”Nej tack” (No thanks)
While trying not to make eye contact because we don’t do that here.
(Btw, the German and Swedish ”tja” are pronounced differently, so this joke works only in text.)
I also sant to add that the Swedish “tja” can also be used in the same way as the German “tja”, mening “well…”
That was educational. Thank you for the response.
German here. Never heard of it
Seems like a mix between the word tja and the english city Jena just because
I think welp would fit even a bit better, but it’s basically the same as well