Signification
To manage independently.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the high value placed on 'självständighet' (independence). Swedes often avoid asking for help to not 'stör' (disturb) others. Similar to Sweden, the Finnish 'Sisu' and respect for privacy make 'sköta sig själv' (or its Finnish equivalent) a core social rule. While Americans value independence, 'Mind your own business' is often seen as more confrontational than the Swedish 'Sköta sig själv' in neutral contexts. The concept of not being a 'meiwaku' (nuisance) to others aligns perfectly with 'sköta sig själv'.
The 'Sig' Rule
Always double-check your subject. If you say 'Vi sköter sig själva,' Swedes will understand, but it sounds very 'broken.' Practice: Jag-mig, Du-dig, Han-sig, Vi-oss, Ni-er, De-sig.
Tone Matters
Saying 'Sköt dig själv' with a smile can be a joke between friends. Saying it with a flat face is a serious social rejection.
Signification
To manage independently.
The 'Sig' Rule
Always double-check your subject. If you say 'Vi sköter sig själva,' Swedes will understand, but it sounds very 'broken.' Practice: Jag-mig, Du-dig, Han-sig, Vi-oss, Ni-er, De-sig.
Tone Matters
Saying 'Sköt dig själv' with a smile can be a joke between friends. Saying it with a flat face is a serious social rejection.
The Swedish Silence
If someone tells you they 'sköter sig själva,' they might be politely asking for space. Don't push for more social interaction immediately.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun and 'själv/själva'.
Vi är vuxna nu, vi kan sköta ______ ______.
The subject is 'Vi' (we), so the reflexive pronoun is 'oss' and the plural form 'själva' is required.
Which sentence means 'Mind your own business!' in a sharp way?
Välj rätt alternativ:
The imperative form 'Sköt dig själv!' is the standard way to tell someone to stop interfering.
Match the sentence to the context.
Context: A boss telling an employee they are doing a good job working independently.
This acknowledges the employee's autonomy in a positive way.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ska jag hjälpa dig med disken? B: Nej tack, ______.
B is declining help by saying they can manage on their own.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVi är vuxna nu, vi kan sköta ______ ______.
The subject is 'Vi' (we), so the reflexive pronoun is 'oss' and the plural form 'själva' is required.
Välj rätt alternativ:
The imperative form 'Sköt dig själv!' is the standard way to tell someone to stop interfering.
Context: A boss telling an employee they are doing a good job working independently.
This acknowledges the employee's autonomy in a positive way.
A: Ska jag hjälpa dig med disken? B: Nej tack, ______.
B is declining help by saying they can manage on their own.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt depends on the context. As a description of independence, it's positive. As a command ('Sköt dig själv!'), it is rude.
Yes! 'Katten sköter sig själv' is very common because cats are independent.
'Själv' is singular (I, you, he, she). 'Själva' is plural (we, you all, they).
You can say 'Jag föredrar att inte prata om det' or 'Det är privat.'
Expressions liées
klara sig själv
synonymTo manage/survive on one's own.
sköta om
similarTo take care of (someone/something).
lägga sig i
contrastTo interfere/meddle.
självständig
builds onIndependent (adjective).
