selv

§ What "selv" Means

Norwegian Word

selv

Pronunciation (IPA)

/sɛlv/

Part of Speech

pronoun

English Definition

used to emphasize the subject

In Norwegian, "selv" is a useful word. Its main job is to put emphasis on the subject of a sentence. Think of it like adding "-self" or "even" in English. It makes it clear that the person or thing doing the action is doing it, rather than someone else, or that the action is surprising coming from that person or thing.

§ How to Use "selv"

"Selv" usually comes right after the noun or pronoun it's emphasizing. It can refer to people or things.

Translation hint

I do it myself. (I myself do it.)

Translation hint

He didn't even know it himself. (Even he didn't know it.)

Notice how in the second example, "selv" adds a sense of surprise or unexpectedness. It highlights that *even he*, who you might expect to know, did not.

§ "Selv" with Prepositions

When "selv" is used with a prepositional phrase, it usually comes after the pronoun that is part of that phrase.

Translation hint

He speaks with me myself. (He speaks with me personally.)

§ Common Phrases with "selv"

You'll often hear "selv" in a few common expressions:

• selvfølgelig: This means "of course." It literally translates to "self-evident" or "self-following."

  Ja, selvfølgelig!

  Translation hint

  Yes, of course!

• selvstendig: This means "independent."

  Hun er en selvstendig kvinne.

  Translation hint

  She is an independent woman.

• selvmord: This means "suicide." (literally "self-murder")

§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives

The word "selv" is distinct in its function of emphasizing the subject. You might confuse it with reflexive pronouns or the English word "alone." Let's clarify.

"Selv" vs. Reflexive Pronouns (meg selv, deg selv, seg selv, etc.):

While "selv" is part of reflexive pronouns (like "meg selv" - myself, "deg selv" - yourself), it's important to understand the difference. Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a verb are the same. "Selv" on its own is purely for emphasis.

• Reflexive:

  Jeg vasker meg selv.

  Translation hint

  I wash myself.

  Here, "meg selv" is the object, referring back to the subject "jeg."

• Emphatic "selv":

  Jeg selv vasker bilen.

  Translation hint

  I myself wash the car. (I, personally, wash the car.)

  Here, "selv" emphasizes "jeg." The action (washing the car) is not reflexive.

"Selv" vs. "Alene":

Sometimes English speakers might think "selv" means "alone." This is incorrect. "Alone" in Norwegian is "alene."

• "Alene" (alone):

  Jeg er alene hjemme.

  Translation hint

  I am alone at home.

• "Selv" (emphasis):

  Jeg baker kaken selv.

  Translation hint

  I bake the cake myself. (I am the one doing the baking, not someone else.)