verb

behandla

treat · handle

Att ta hand om något eller någon på ett visst sätt, eller att ge vård när någon är sjuk.

Definition & meaning

The verb behandla is a versatile word in Swedish that generally refers to how one manages, processes, or interacts with something or someone. It has several distinct meanings:

To treat a person or animal: This refers to how you behave toward someone (e.g., treating someone with respect) or the medical care provided to a patient (e.g., a doctor treating a disease).
To deal with or process: This refers to handling a specific matter, topic, or task. For example, a committee might "behandla" a proposal (process it/discuss it), or a person might "behandla" a specific subject in a book or speech.
To apply a substance: This refers to treating a material (like wood or metal) with a specific product, such as oil, paint, or chemicals, to protect or alter its surface.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

Behandla is a weak verb (first conjugation).
Present tense: behandlar
Past tense: behandlade
Past participle: behandlad (singular masculine/feminine), behandlat (neuter), behandlade (plural)

Origin: The word is derived from the particle be- (meaning "concerning" or "thoroughly") and the verb handla (to act, deal, or trade). It literally means "to act upon" or "to deal with."