Swedish Adverbs

What are adverbs?

Adverbs can describe how an action is performed or give information about a state. They can tell us things such as how, when, where, or to what degree something happens.

Hon springer snabbt.She runs fast.

They can also describe or give extra information about adjectives or other adverbs:

Det är väldigt kallt.It is very cold.

Han springer ganska snabbt.He runs quite fast.

Adverbs of manner

Adverbs of manner describe how something happens. Swedish often uses adjectives in their neuter form for this.

Kören sjunger vackert.The choir sings beautifully.

Kör försiktigt.Drive carefully.

Adverbs of time and frequency

Adverbs can tell us when something happens or how often it happens.

Jag åker imorgon.I am leaving tomorrow.

Hon kommer snart.She is coming soon.

Du gnäller för ofta.You complain too often.

Han är aldrig sen.He is never late.

Adverbs of place

Adverbs can tell us where something happens or where someone or something is going.

Jag är här.I am here., I'm here.

Hon bor där.She lives there.

Kom hit!Come here!

Han gick ut.He went out.

Adverbs of degree

Adverbs of degree tell us how strong or extensive something is.

Det är väldigt vackert väder.The weather is very beautiful.

Barnet är ganska trött.The child is quite tired.

Jag är nästan klar.I am almost done.

Sentence adverbs

Some adverbs affect the meaning of the whole sentence rather than simply describing an action.

Hon kommer inte idag.She is not coming today.

Det går kanske senare.It might be possible later.

Jag bor också i Sverige.I also live in Sweden.