nu

Definition & meaning

The word "nu" primarily translates to "now" in English. It refers to the present moment or the time currently passing. It is a versatile word used in several contexts:

1. Point in time: It indicates that an action is happening at this very moment. For example, "Jag går nu" (I am leaving now).
2. Current era: It can refer to the present period of time or "nowadays."
3. Conjunction: It is often used to introduce a new circumstance or state, similar to "now that" in English. For example, "Nu när regnet har slutat..." (Now that the rain has stopped...).
4. Emphasis: It is frequently used to add emphasis to a command or a statement of fact, such as "Nu får du sluta!" (Now you must stop!).
5. Noun: While primarily an adverb, it can function as a noun referring to the present instant, often seen in the phrase "i detta nu" (at this very moment).

Grammar & Word origin

"Nu" is classified as an adverb of time. In terms of etymology, it comes from the Old Swedish "nu," which is derived from the Proto-Germanic "*nu". It is closely related to the English "now," German "nun," and Dutch "nu." Its roots can be traced further back to the Proto-Indo-European "*nū," which also gave rise to the Greek "nyn" and Latin "nunc."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms: just nu[?](vocabuo://word/just nu) för närvarande[?](vocabuo://word/för närvarande) för tillfället[?](vocabuo://word/för tillfället) nuförtiden↗ för stunden[?](vocabuo://word/för stunden)

Antonyms: då↗ förr↗ senare↗ förut↗ dåförtiden↗