handlar
shop
Definition & meaning
The Swedish word handlar has several distinct meanings depending on the context in which it is used:
- To shop: It is most commonly used to describe the act of buying goods, especially groceries or everyday necessities.
- To be about / To concern: When used with the preposition om, "handlar om" means that a story, book, movie, or situation deals with a specific subject.
- To act: It refers to taking action, behaving in a certain way, or performing a deed.
- To trade: It can refer to the professional or commercial activity of buying and selling products, stocks, or commodities.
Grammar & Word origin
Handlar is the present tense form of the verb handla. It is a regular verb belonging to the first conjugation (ar-verbs).
The word originates from the Swedish noun hand. This mirrors the English word "handle." Historically, the meaning evolved from physically touching or manipulating something with the hands to "treating" a subject, conducting business (trading), and eventually the modern everyday usage of shopping or taking action.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- For shopping: shoppar, inhandlar, köper.
- For acting: agerar, gör, utför.
- For being about: berör, behandlar, avser.
Antonyms
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Examples
Vem handlar på lördagar?word
Who shops on Saturdays?
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