adverbconjunction

än

than · yet

Det används för att jämföra två saker och visa skillnad mellan dem.

Swedish Word: än

Definition / Explanation in English:

The word "än" in Swedish is primarily used as an adverb meaning "still", "yet", or "than". Its use depends on the context in a sentence.


Uses of "än":

  1. Comparative Conjunction (than):
    Used to compare two things.

    • Ex: "Hon är större än jag." – "She is taller than I (am)."
  2. Adverb (still / yet):
    Indicates that something continues to happen or is true up to a point in time, usually in negative or interrogative sentences.

    • Ex: "Jag har inte ätit än." – "I haven't eaten yet."
    • Ex: "Är du här än?" – "Are you here still?"

Similar Words and Differences:

  • ännu:
    Also means "yet" or "still," but is more formal or stronger. Often interchangeable with "än" but "än" is more common in everyday speech.

    • Ex: "Jag har inte ätit ännu." (more formal) vs. "Jag har inte ätit än." (common speech)
  • fortfarande:
    Means "still," but used when emphasizing continuation over a period of time. Often replaced by "än" in casual use but has a slightly different nuance.

    • Ex: "Hon är fortfarande här." – "She is still here."

Summary:

UseMeaningExample SentenceEnglish Translation
ComparativethanHan är snabbare än jagHe is faster than me
Time adverb (neg.)yet / not yetJag har inte gjort det änI haven't done it yet
Time adverb (pos./Q)still (continuing)Är du här än?Are you here still?

Note: The context is essential for proper translation and understanding of "än" since its meaning shifts between comparisons and time-related adverbials.

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Examples

Hon är längre än sin bror.conjunction

She is taller than her brother.

Solen har inte gått upp än.adverb

The sun has not risen yet.

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