When learning a new language, one of the essential aspects to master is expressing equality and comparisons. In Swedish, the word “lika” plays a crucial role in this context. This article will delve into the various uses of “lika” to help you understand and use it accurately in your Swedish conversations.
Understanding the Basics of “lika”
The word “lika” in Swedish translates to “equal,” “same,” or “like” in English. It is used to express equality or similarity between two or more entities. For example, if you want to say that two objects are of the same size, you would use “lika.”
Expressing Equality in Adjectives
One of the most common uses of “lika” is in comparisons involving adjectives. To express that two things are equally something, you follow a particular structure:
**Structure:**
Subjekt + är + lika + adjektiv + som + jämförelseobjekt
Let’s break this down with an example:
“Hon är lika smart som sin syster.”
(Translation: She is as smart as her sister.)
In this sentence:
– “Hon” (She) is the subject.
– “är” (is) is the verb.
– “lika” (as) is used to indicate equality.
– “smart” (smart) is the adjective.
– “som” (as) introduces the comparison object.
– “sin syster” (her sister) is the comparison object.
This structure is quite versatile and can be used with various adjectives. Here are a few more examples:
– “Bilen är lika snabb som motorcykeln.”
(The car is as fast as the motorcycle.)
– “Huset är lika stort som skolan.”
(The house is as big as the school.)
– “Hon är lika vänlig som sin mamma.”
(She is as friendly as her mother.)
Using “lika” with Adverbs
Similarly, “lika” can be used with adverbs to compare actions or states of being. The structure remains almost identical:
**Structure:**
Subjekt + verb + lika + adverb + som + jämförelseobjekt
Example:
“Han springer lika snabbt som sin bror.”
(Translation: He runs as quickly as his brother.)
In this sentence:
– “Han” (He) is the subject.
– “springer” (runs) is the verb.
– “lika” (as) is used to indicate equality.
– “snabbt” (quickly) is the adverb.
– “som” (as) introduces the comparison object.
– “sin bror” (his brother) is the comparison object.
More examples:
– “De sjunger lika högt som kören.”
(They sing as loudly as the choir.)
– “Hon jobbar lika hårt som sin chef.”
(She works as hard as her boss.)
– “Barnen leker lika glatt som alltid.”
(The children play as happily as always.)
Expressing Equality with Nouns
While “lika” is predominantly used with adjectives and adverbs, it can also be used to express equality with nouns. In these cases, the structure slightly changes:
**Structure:**
Subjekt + verb + lika + substantiv + som + jämförelseobjekt
Example:
“Han har lika många böcker som sin vän.”
(Translation: He has as many books as his friend.)
In this sentence:
– “Han” (He) is the subject.
– “har” (has) is the verb.
– “lika” (as) is used to indicate equality.
– “många böcker” (many books) is the noun phrase.
– “som” (as) introduces the comparison object.
– “sin vän” (his friend) is the comparison object.
More examples:
– “De äger lika mycket mark som grannarna.”
(They own as much land as the neighbors.)
– “Hon har lika många uppgifter som sina kollegor.”
(She has as many tasks as her colleagues.)
– “Vi har lika mycket tid som de.”
(We have as much time as they do.)
Using “lika” in Negative Sentences
Expressing inequality or using “lika” in negative sentences is straightforward. Simply add “inte” (not) to the sentence structure:
**Structure:**
Subjekt + verb + inte + lika + adjektiv/adverb/substantiv + som + jämförelseobjekt
Example:
“Han är inte lika stark som sin bror.”
(Translation: He is not as strong as his brother.)
In this sentence:
– “Han” (He) is the subject.
– “är” (is) is the verb.
– “inte” (not) negates the equality.
– “lika” (as) indicates the comparison.
– “stark” (strong) is the adjective.
– “som” (as) introduces the comparison object.
– “sin bror” (his brother) is the comparison object.
More examples:
– “Hon springer inte lika snabbt som sin syster.”
(She does not run as quickly as her sister.)
– “Vi har inte lika många böcker som dem.”
(We do not have as many books as them.)
– “De sjunger inte lika högt som kören.”
(They do not sing as loudly as the choir.)
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
Even though the structure for using “lika” is relatively straightforward, learners often make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
Forgetting “som”
One of the most frequent errors is omitting the word “som” when making comparisons. Remember, “som” is essential to complete the comparison:
Incorrect: “Hon är lika smart sin syster.”
Correct: “Hon är lika smart som sin syster.”
Misplacing “inte”
When making negative comparisons, “inte” should come before “lika”:
Incorrect: “Han är lika inte stark som sin bror.”
Correct: “Han är inte lika stark som sin bror.”
Using Incorrect Adjective Forms
Ensure that the adjective agrees in gender and number with the subject:
Incorrect: “Bilarna är lika snabb som motorcyklarna.”
Correct: “Bilarna är lika snabba som motorcyklarna.”
Practical Exercises
To reinforce your understanding, let’s go through a few practical exercises. Translate the following English sentences into Swedish using “lika.”
1. She is as tall as her brother.
2. They work as hard as their colleagues.
3. We have as many questions as you.
4. He does not sing as loudly as the choir.
5. The house is not as big as the school.
**Answers:**
1. Hon är lika lång som sin bror.
2. De arbetar lika hårt som sina kollegor.
3. Vi har lika många frågor som du.
4. Han sjunger inte lika högt som kören.
5. Huset är inte lika stort som skolan.
Advanced Usage of “lika”
As you become more comfortable with the basic uses of “lika,” you can explore more advanced structures and idiomatic expressions. Here are a few to consider:
Using “lika” in Idiomatic Expressions
The word “lika” appears in several idiomatic expressions in Swedish. For example:
– “Lika barn leka bäst.”
(Translation: Similar children play best together. Meaning: People with similar interests or characteristics get along better.)
Combining “lika” with Other Comparative Structures
“Lika” can be combined with other comparative structures for more nuanced expressions:
– “Hon är lika smart som hon är snäll.”
(Translation: She is as smart as she is kind.)
– “Boken är lika intressant som filmen.”
(Translation: The book is as interesting as the movie.)
Using “likadan” and “samma”
While “lika” is used for expressing equality, “likadan” (similar) and “samma” (same) are related words that can sometimes be used interchangeably but have distinct meanings:
– “De har likadana kläder.”
(Translation: They have similar clothes.)
– “De har samma kläder.”
(Translation: They have the same clothes.)
Understanding these nuances will give you a more rounded grasp of Swedish comparisons and help you speak more naturally.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “lika” in Swedish is essential for expressing equality and making comparisons. By understanding its structure and practicing its use with adjectives, adverbs, and nouns, you can add a significant tool to your Swedish language skills. Remember to watch out for common mistakes, practice regularly, and explore advanced usages to deepen your understanding. With time and effort, you’ll find that using “lika” becomes second nature in your Swedish conversations.
