Irregular Swedish Verbs (Epäsäännölliset verbit)
Grammatical Framework of Swedish Irregular Verbs
Swedish irregular verbs (epäsäännölliset verbit) do not follow standard regular conjugation rules across their principal forms. Mastering these verbs requires learning four core forms for each entry: Infinitive (infinitiv / perusmuoto), Present tense (presens / preensens), Past tense (preteritum / imperfekti), and Supine (supinum / supiini). The supine form is combined with the auxiliary verb ha to form compound tenses such as the present perfect and past perfect.
Irregular verbs in Swedish span essential daily vocabulary, and memorizing each principal form along with its Finnish equivalent ensures accurate translation and grammatical usage in both spoken and written contexts.
Principal Forms and Meanings: Verbs Beginning with H through L
The verb ha conjugating as har, hade, haft translates to the Finnish terms olla or omistaa. It functions both as an independent verb indicating ownership or state and as an auxiliary verb constructing past compound tenses.
The verb heta conjugating as heter, hette, hetat translates to the Finnish expression olla nimeltään. It specifies the name assigned to a person, place, or object.
The verb hinna conjugating as hinner, hann, hunnit translates to the Finnish verb ehtiä. It indicates having enough time or reaching a destination/event in time.
The verb hålla conjugating as håller, höll, hållit translates to the Finnish verb pitää. It encompasses physical holding, organizing events, or maintaining a specific condition or position.
The verb komma conjugating as kommer, kom, kommit translates to the Finnish verb tulla. It denotes motion toward a place or arrival at a particular outcome.
The verb kunna conjugating as kan, kunde, kunnat translates to the Finnish verbs voida, osata, or pystyä. It serves as a modal verb expressing capability, possibility, permission, or skill.
The verb le conjugating as ler, log, lit translates to the Finnish verb hymyillä. It refers to the physical act or facial expression of smiling.
The verb ligga conjugating as ligger, låg, legat translates to the Finnish verbs sijaita or maata. It defines lying down in a horizontal position or being geographically situated.
The verb ljuga conjugating as ljuger, ljög, ljugit translates to the Finnish verb valehdella. It signifies expressing statements known to be untrue.
The verb låta conjugating as låter, lät, låtit translates to the Finnish verbs antaa, sallia, or kuulostaa. It expresses permitting an action as well as sounding or producing an audible impression.
The verb lägga conjugating as lägger, lade, lagt translates to the Finnish verbs asettaa, panna, or laittaa. It describes placing, putting, or laying an item down in a designated position.
Principal Forms and Meanings: Verbs Beginning with N through S
The verb njuta conjugating as njuter, njöt, njutit translates to the Finnish verb nauttia. It expresses receiving pleasure, satisfaction, or enjoyment from an experience.
The verb rida conjugating as rider, red, ridit translates to the Finnish verb ratsastaa. It specifically denotes riding an animal, most commonly a horse.
The verb se conjugating as ser, såg, sett translates to the Finnish verb nähdä. It covers visual perception, observing, or watching.
The verb sitta conjugating as sitter, satt, suttit translates to the Finnish verb istua. It describes maintaining or placing oneself in a seated posture.
The verb sjunga conjugating as sjunger, sjöng, sjungit translates to the Finnish verb laulaa. It refers to vocal musical performance or singing.
The verb sjunka conjugating as sjunker, sjönk, sjunkit translates to the Finnish verbs upota or vajota. It specifies sinking, dropping below a surface, or decreasing in level.
The verb skina conjugating as skiner, sken, skinit translates to the Finnish verbs paistaa or loistaa. It refers to emitting light, shining bright, or glowing.
The verb skjuta conjugating as skjuter, sköt, skjutit translates to the Finnish verb ampua. It indicates discharging a weapon, firearm, or missile.
The verb skriva conjugating as skriver, skrev, skrivit translates to the Finnish verb kirjoittaa. It denotes composing or creating written text.