upp

Definition & meaning

The word upp is a versatile adverb and particle in Swedish, primarily used to indicate movement or position towards a higher level or state.

1. Directional/Locational: Used to describe movement from a lower point to a higher point (e.g., climbing, lifting). It also describes a position that is located above or in a higher place.
2. Completion: Used as a particle with verbs to indicate that an action has been completed, finished, or exhausted (e.g., "äta upp" – to eat up/finish eating).
3. Opening/Revealing: Used to indicate that something is being opened, unlocked, or made visible (e.g., "öppna upp" – to open up).
4. Increase: Used to signify an increase in intensity, volume, or degree (e.g., "skruva upp" – to turn up the volume).

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: upp is an adverb, but it functions frequently as a separable particle in phrasal verbs. It is indeclinable.
• Word origin: It traces back to Old Norse upp, related to Old English up and German auf. It shares the same Germanic roots as the English word "up."

Synonyms & antonyms

• Synonyms:

  • ovanför↗ (above/over)
  • högre↗ (higher)
  • färdigt↗ (finished/done, specifically when used to denote completion)

• Antonyms:

  • ner↗ (down)
  • ned↗ (down - formal variant)