kär
in love · dear
Att tycka mycket om någon på ett djupt och varmt sätt.
Definition & meaning
The word kär is an adjective used to describe the state of being in love or feeling deep affection for someone or something.
- Romantic love: The most common use is to describe being romantically attracted to or in love with a person. Example: Hon är kär i sin klasskompis (She is in love with her classmate).
- Deep affection/fondness: It can also describe a strong, warm fondness for someone (like a friend or family member) or a cherished object/activity. In this context, it is often used in fixed expressions like kär i (fond of).
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- kär (common gender singular)
- kärt (neuter singular)
- kära (plural and definite form)
It is a core Swedish adjective that behaves regularly according to Swedish inflectional rules.
Origin: The word originates from the Old Swedish kær, which comes from the Old Norse kærr. It shares the same Germanic roots as the English word "dear" and the German word "teuer".
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- förälskad (describes the state of being in love, specifically the onset of romantic feelings)
- betuttad (a more informal way to say smitten or infatuated)
- hänryckt (enraptured or carried away, though often used in broader contexts)
- tycka om (to like, usually a weaker form of affection)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Mamma är kär i pappa.adjective
Mom is in love with Dad.
Barnen gav sina kära mammor blommor.adjective
The children gave their dear mothers flowers.
Hon har många kära minnen från barndomen.adjective
She has many dear memories from her childhood.
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