When to Use Nu, Redan, and Inte Än in Swedish

Understanding Temporal Adverbs in Swedish

Temporal adverbs are essential for crafting sentences that convey time-related context in Swedish. Among the most common are "nu," "redan," and "inte än." Mastering these will greatly improve your understanding and communication in Swedish.

Nu – Now

In Swedish, "nu" refers to the present moment, similar to "now" in English. It is a straightforward way to indicate that something is currently happening or applies.

Redan – Already

"Redan" is used to indicate that something has occurred earlier than expected or by a certain time. It aligns with the English word "already."

Inte Än – Not Yet

The phrase "inte än" means "not yet," used to express that something expected to happen has not occurred up to this moment.

Contextual Usage

These adverbs often appear in sentences associated with specific time expressions or conveying a sequence of events. Understanding their nuances can lead to more natural and fluent conversations in Swedish.

1. Use "nu" when focusing on current actions or states.
2. Use "redan" to impress with promptness or readiness.
3. Use "inte än" to set up anticipation or hold for what's to come.