verb

verka

seem

Att göra något så att det händer eller förändras, eller att ge intryck av att vara på ett visst sätt.

Swedish word: verka

Definition/Explanation:
The verb verka in Swedish means to appear, to seem, or to work/function. Its meaning depends on the context in which it's used.

Different meanings of verka:

  1. To seem or appear (expressing an impression)

    • Det verkar bra — "It seems good"
    • Han verkar trött — "He looks tired"
  2. To work or function (referring to how something operates)

    • Maskinen verkar inte — "The machine doesn't work"
    • Medicinen verkar snabbt — "The medicine acts quickly"
  3. To effect or cause (often in more formal or literary contexts)

    • Han verkar för fred — "He advocates for peace"

Similar words

Swedish wordMeaningDifference with verka
se utto look/appear (visual impression)More about outward appearance, less abstract
tyckasto seem (perception or opinion)More subjective, based on opinion or feeling
fungerato function or work (mechanical or practical)More concrete, about actual functionality

Summary

verka is a versatile verb broadly used to describe how something appears, seems, or functions, depending on the context. It can be both subjective (seem/appear) and objective (work/function).

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Examples

Han verkar vara glad idag.verb

He seems to be happy today.

Planen verkade fungera ganska bra.verb

The plan seemed to work quite well.

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