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B2 verb 13분 분량

sträva

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 sträva 30초 만에

설명 sträva in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use the word 'sträva' yet. It is a bit too complex for a total beginner. Instead, you use the word 'vill' (want) or 'försöker' (try). For example, instead of saying 'I strive for health', an A1 learner would say 'Jag vill vara frisk' (I want to be healthy). You might see 'sträva' in very simple signs or slogans, but you wouldn't be expected to produce it. At this stage, your focus is on basic needs and simple actions. If you do encounter 'sträva', just think of it as a 'fancy' way of saying someone wants to achieve something difficult. It is important to know that Swedish verbs usually end in -ar, -er, or -r, and 'strävar' follows this pattern. Even at A1, recognizing the word helps you understand that the speaker is talking about a goal. But don't worry about using it in your own sentences until you are more comfortable with basic grammar. Just remember: sträva = want + effort.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to talk about your goals and future plans. You might begin to use 'sträva efter' in simple sentences. You know that it means to 'strive for' something. For example, 'Jag strävar efter att prata bättre svenska' (I strive to speak better Swedish). At this level, you are learning that some verbs need specific prepositions. You are learning that 'sträva' likes the word 'efter'. You might also see it in short texts about work or health. It is a good word to use when you want to show your teacher or boss that you are serious about your progress. You are moving beyond simple desires ('jag vill') and showing that you have a plan. You should practice the present tense 'strävar' and the past tense 'strävade'. For example: 'Förra året strävade jag efter att springa en mil' (Last year I strove to run ten kilometers). This shows a higher level of expression than just saying 'I tried'.

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At the B1 level, 'sträva' becomes a very useful word for describing your ambitions and values. You can now use it to talk about abstract things, not just physical goals. You might say 'Vi strävar efter ett bättre samhälle' (We strive for a better society). You are also becoming aware of the noun form, 'en strävan'. You can understand more complex texts where 'sträva' is used to describe the mission of a company or an organization. You are starting to see the difference between 'sträva efter' (striving for a thing) and 'sträva mot' (striving toward a direction). This nuance helps you sound more natural. You might also encounter the word in news articles or longer stories. At B1, you should be able to answer questions about what you are striving for in your career or personal life using this verb. It helps you connect your actions to your motivations. You are also learning to use it with adverbs like 'hårt' (hard) or 'alltid' (always).

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At the B2 level, which is where 'sträva' is officially categorized, you should have a full grasp of its usage, nuances, and common collocations. You understand that 'sträva' implies a long-term, purposeful effort. You can use it fluently in professional settings, such as during interviews or presentations. You know that 'sträva efter' is the most common construction, but you also understand 'sträva mot' and 'sträva emot'. You can distinguish 'sträva' from similar verbs like 'kämpa', 'försöka', and 'satsa'. You are comfortable using the noun 'strävan' in formal writing. You can also recognize the word in more literary or philosophical contexts. At this level, you should be able to discuss complex topics like 'hållbar utveckling' (sustainable development) and use 'sträva' to describe the necessary efforts. You are also aware of the potential confusion with the adjective 'sträv' and you avoid that mistake. Your use of the word shows that you can express subtle intentions and commitment.

At the C1 level, you use 'sträva' and its related forms with precision and stylistic flair. You might use the noun 'strävan' to create sophisticated sentence structures: 'Hans ständiga strävan efter perfektion blev till slut hans fall' (His constant striving for perfection eventually became his downfall). You understand the historical and cultural weight of the word in Swedish discourse. You can use it to describe subtle movements, like 'sträva emot en trend' (striving against a trend). You are also familiar with less common synonyms like 'bemöda sig' or 'aspirera' and you know exactly when 'sträva' is the superior choice. In your writing, you use 'sträva' to add a sense of gravity and intentionality. You can analyze texts where 'sträva' is used metaphorically. You understand how it functions in legal or official documents, where 'strävansmål' defines the spirit of a law rather than just the letter. Your vocabulary is rich enough to surround 'sträva' with appropriate adverbs and adjectives that refine its meaning.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, you have a near-native intuition for the word 'sträva'. You can use it in all its shades of meaning, from the physical struggle of a boat against a storm to the most abstract philosophical quest for truth. You understand the etymological roots and how they influence the word's current 'feel'. You can use 'sträva' in poetic or highly rhetorical contexts to evoke strong emotions or a sense of national purpose. You are aware of how the word has been used by famous Swedish authors and thinkers. You can play with the word, perhaps using it ironically or in complex wordplay. Your mastery is such that you don't even have to think about the prepositions or the conjugation; the word flows naturally as part of your high-level discourse. You can lead a discussion on the ethics of 'striving' in a modern, 'lagom' society, using the word to explore the tension between ambition and contentment. For you, 'sträva' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile tool for deep expression.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

sträva 30초 만에

Sträva is a Swedish verb meaning to strive or endeavor toward a long-term goal.
It is a Group 1 verb, conjugated as strävar, strävade, strävat.
It is almost always used with the prepositions 'efter' (for) or 'mot' (toward).
It is common in professional, political, and personal development contexts.

The Swedish verb sträva is a powerful and evocative word that translates primarily to 'to strive' or 'to endeavor' in English. It describes a sustained, purposeful effort toward a specific goal, ideal, or state of being. Unlike the more common verb försöka (to try), which can imply a one-off attempt or a casual effort, sträva suggests a long-term commitment and a certain level of ambition or moral duty. It is a word often found in professional development, personal growth, political discourse, and philosophical reflections. When you use this word, you are communicating that the action is not merely a task but a direction in life or work.

Purposeful Direction: The word implies that there is a clear target in mind. It is almost always paired with the prepositions efter (after/for) or mot (towards). For example, a company might strive for higher profits, or an individual might strive towards inner peace.

Vi måste alltid sträva efter att bli bättre versioner av oss själva varje dag.

In Swedish culture, the concept of sträva is often linked to the idea of 'flit' (diligence) and 'uthållighet' (perseverance). Historically, the Swedish work ethic has valued the steady, quiet striving toward communal and personal improvement. While the concept of Lagom (just enough) suggests balance, sträva provides the engine that moves society forward. It is not about frantic energy but about consistent, meaningful progress. You will hear this word in speeches by leaders, in self-help books, and in performance reviews where future goals are discussed.

The Preposition 'Efter': When you strive for a noun (a thing, a result), you almost always use sträva efter. Example: sträva efter framgång (strive for success).

Många unga människor strävar efter bekräftelse på sociala medier.

Furthermore, sträva can be used in a more physical sense, though this is less common today. Historically, it could mean to struggle physically against something, like wind or a current. This physical heritage gives the modern, abstract usage a sense of weight and resistance. When you strive, you are often pushing against obstacles. This makes it a more 'serious' word than längta (to long for) or önska (to wish). Striving requires action; wishing only requires thought.

The Preposition 'Mot': Use sträva mot when the goal is a destination or a specific point in the future. Example: Vi strävar mot ett koldioxidneutralt samhälle (We are striving toward a carbon-neutral society).

Skeppet strävade mot hamnen i den hårda stormen.

In summary, sträva is the verb of the intentional life. It bridges the gap between where one is and where one wants to be. It is a B2 level word because it requires an understanding of abstract goals and the nuance of persistent effort. Whether you are discussing environmental policy, personal fitness, or corporate strategy, sträva is the essential verb for expressing the drive to improve and achieve.

Using sträva correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns and the specific prepositions that follow it. Because it is a regular Group 1 verb (ending in -ar), its conjugation is straightforward, but its application requires care. The most important thing to remember is that sträva is almost never used alone; it needs a target or a direction to make sense. This section will explore the various ways to construct sentences with this verb to sound like a native speaker.

The Infinitive Construction: You can use sträva efter att followed by a verb in the infinitive. This is used when the goal is an action. Example: Hon strävar efter att lära sig fem språk (She strives to learn five languages).

Företaget strävar efter att minska sitt klimatavtryck.

When discussing societal or collective goals, sträva often appears in the present tense to describe an ongoing mission. In political manifestos, you might see sentences like 'Vi strävar efter jämlikhet' (We strive for equality). Here, the verb gives a sense of perpetual motion. It suggests that equality is not just a destination but a process that requires constant work. Using the past tense, strävade, often implies a period of effort that has either concluded or is being reflected upon in a narrative context.

Expressing Resistance: Sometimes sträva is used with emot (against). Sträva emot means to resist or to struggle against a force. Example: Han strävade emot när de försökte leda bort honom (He resisted as they tried to lead him away).

Det är naturligt att sträva emot förändringar som känns skrämmande.

In formal Swedish, the noun strävan is frequently used as the subject of a sentence. For instance, 'Vår strävan efter fred är orubblig' (Our striving for peace is unwavering). This nominalization is common in academic and journalistic writing. If you want to elevate your Swedish from B2 to C1, practicing the use of the noun form alongside the verb is essential. It allows for more complex sentence structures where the 'striving' itself becomes the focus of the discussion.

Combining with Adverbs: Common adverbs used with sträva include ständigt (constantly), medvetet (deliberately), and envist (stubbornly). These modify the nature of the effort.

Hon har strävat envist mot sitt mål trots alla motgångar.

Finally, consider the difference between sträva efter and leta efter. While both can be translated as 'looking for' or 'seeking' in some contexts, leta efter is for physical objects (keys, a book), whereas sträva efter is for abstract concepts and achievements. You don't 'sträva' for your car keys; you 'sträva' for a better career. This distinction is vital for maintaining the correct register in your Swedish communication.

You might wonder where a word like sträva fits into daily life. Is it too formal for a coffee break? Perhaps, but it is ubiquitous in many other spheres of Swedish life. Understanding the context helps you recognize when it is appropriate to use it yourself. From the evening news to the walls of a gymnasium, sträva is the word that defines the Swedish ambition for progress.

The Workplace and Corporate Culture: In Swedish offices, you will hear this word during 'utvecklingssamtal' (performance reviews). Managers will ask, 'Vad strävar du efter under det kommande året?' (What are you striving for in the coming year?). It is also a staple of mission statements: 'Vi strävar efter att vara marknadsledande' (We strive to be market leaders).

Vår vision är att sträva efter hållbarhet i alla led.

Swedish news broadcasts (like SVT's Rapport or SR's Ekot) frequently use sträva when reporting on international relations or government policy. Journalists might describe how nations strävar efter fred (strive for peace) or how the central bank strävar efter att hålla inflationen låg (strives to keep inflation low). In these contexts, the word conveys a sense of official responsibility and high-level planning. It sounds professional and objective.

Education and Pedagogy: The Swedish school curriculum (Läroplanen) is filled with the word sträva. It is used to define the 'strävansmål'—goals that students should aim for, even if they aren't strictly required for a passing grade. It emphasizes the journey of learning over just the final result.

Skolan ska sträva efter att varje elev utvecklar ett kritiskt tänkande.

In everyday conversation, while people might use 'försöka' for small things like trying a new recipe, they will switch to sträva when talking about their life's direction. A friend might say, 'Jag strävar efter en bättre balans mellan jobb och fritid' (I am striving for a better work-life balance). Here, it signals that they are taking the issue seriously and making a concerted effort to change their lifestyle. It adds a layer of sincerity to the conversation.

Personal Development: The Swedish 'självhjälp' (self-help) industry uses this word constantly. Podcasts and blogs about 'mindfulness' or 'produktivitet' will encourage listeners to sträva mot sina drömmar (strive toward their dreams). It is a motivating, forward-looking verb.

Sluta bara drömma och börja sträva!

Lastly, you will see it in historical contexts, often describing the 'folkhemsbygget'—the striving to build the Swedish welfare state. It evokes a sense of collective purpose and the hard work of previous generations. Whether in a museum or a history book, sträva connects the modern Swede to the industriousness of their ancestors.

Even at the B2 level, learners can stumble over the nuances of sträva. Because it has a similar-sounding adjective and specific prepositional requirements, it is a common source of 'Svenska som andraspråk' (Swedish as a second language) errors. Identifying these early will help you communicate with greater precision and avoid confusing your listeners.

Confusing Verb and Adjective: The most common mistake is confusing the verb sträva with the adjective sträv. While they look similar, sträv means 'rough', 'harsh', or 'astringent' (like the taste of a dry wine or the feel of sandpaper). Saying 'vinet är sträva' is grammatically incorrect (it should be 'vinet är strävt'), and saying 'jag sträv efter framgång' is missing the verb ending.

Fel: Tyget känns sträva. (Correct: Tyget känns strävt.)

Another frequent error involves the choice of preposition. Many English speakers instinctively want to use för (for) because they think of 'striving for'. However, in Swedish, you must use efter or mot. Saying 'jag strävar för framgång' sounds unnatural to a native ear. While 'för' can occasionally be used in very specific constructions (like 'sträva för sin överlevnad'), efter is the standard choice for goals.

Overusing the Word: Because sträva is such a 'big' word, using it for trivial matters can sound melodramatic. If you say, 'Jag strävar efter att köpa mjölk' (I strive to buy milk), it sounds like buying milk is a lifelong ambition or a moral struggle. For everyday tasks, stick to ska, tänker, or försöker.

Bättre: Jag försöker hinna till affären innan de stänger.

Misusing the noun strävan is also common. Remember that strävan is an 'en-word' (utrum), but it is often used in the definite form strävan (the striving) or strävandena (the strivings - though this is rare). Some learners try to pluralize it as 'strävor', which is incorrect. The plural is strävanden. Using the noun correctly is a hallmark of advanced proficiency.

Confusion with 'Satsa': Learners often confuse sträva with satsa (to bet/invest/go for). Satsa is more about putting resources or energy into a specific project. Sträva is more about the internal drive and the continuous direction of travel. You satsar on a project, but you strävar toward excellence.

Vi satsar 10 miljoner kronor på det här, men vi strävar efter att nå 100 miljoner i vinst.

Finally, be careful with the word order in subordinate clauses. Since sträva is often followed by att, remember the 'BIFF-rule' (In a subordinate clause, the adverb comes before the finite verb). Example: '...eftersom jag inte strävar efter rikedom' (...because I do not strive for wealth). Placing 'inte' after 'strävar' in this context is a classic beginner mistake.

To truly master Swedish, you need to know when to use sträva and when one of its synonyms might be more appropriate. Swedish has several words for 'trying' or 'working toward something', each with its own flavor and register. Expanding your vocabulary in this area will allow you to express the intensity and nature of your efforts more accurately.

Sträva vs. Kämpa: Kämpa means 'to fight' or 'to struggle'. While sträva is about direction and goal-setting, kämpa is about the difficulty and the energy expended. You sträva toward a promotion, but you kämpa against a deadline.

Hon strävar efter att bli läkare och hon kämpar hårt med studierna.

Another sophisticated alternative is bemöda sig (to take the trouble to / to endeavor). This is more formal than sträva and often implies a polite or meticulous effort. If someone bemödar sig om att do something, they are making a conscious, perhaps even slightly burdensome, effort to be correct or helpful. It is often used in the negative to criticize someone's lack of effort: 'Han bemödade sig inte ens om att hälsa' (He didn't even bother to say hello).

Sträva vs. Åtrå: While sträva is about action, åtrå is about intense desire or lust. You might sträva after a goal, but you åtrår a person or a luxury object. Sträva is much more common in professional and constructive contexts.

Han strävade efter makt, men han åtrådde bara lugn och ro.

For a more casual or colloquial feel, you might use satsa på (go for / bet on). This is very common in modern Swedish when talking about career moves or hobbies. 'Jag satsar på att vinna' (I'm going for the win) feels more energetic and immediate than 'Jag strävar efter att vinna', which feels more like a long-term philosophy. Choosing between them depends on whether you want to sound like a visionary leader or a motivated doer.

The Verb 'Aspirera': Aspirera is a direct cognate of 'aspire'. It is very formal and often used regarding high-ranking positions. 'Att aspirera på tronen' (To aspire to the throne). Sträva is much more versatile and used in a wider variety of situations.

Många politiker aspirerar på ministerposter, men få strävar verkligen efter att tjäna folket.

By understanding these alternatives, you can tailor your Swedish to the specific situation. Use sträva for your core values and long-term ambitions, kämpa for the daily grind, and satsa for your exciting new projects. This variety is what makes a speaker sound fluent and nuanced.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

"Regeringen strävar efter att uppnå full sysselsättning."

중립

"Vi strävar efter att ge våra kunder bästa möjliga service."

비격식체

"Jag strävar efter att komma i säng lite tidigare på kvällarna."

Child friendly

"Vi ska alltid sträva efter att vara snälla mot varandra."

속어

"Han bara strävar efter likes på Insta."

재미있는 사실

The word 'sträva' is also a noun in Swedish, meaning a 'prop' or a 'diagonal support beam' in construction. This makes sense because a support beam 'strives' or pushes against a load to keep a building upright!

발음 가이드

UK /ˈstrɛːva/

US /ˈstrɛːvə/

The stress is on the first syllable: STRÄ-va.

라임이 맞는 단어

kväva sväva väva häva kräva stäva gäva näva

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'ä' as 'ay' (like 'stray-va'). It should be more like 'stair' without the 'r'.
Confusing the pronunciation with the adjective 'sträv' (which has a short vowel).
Not making the 'v' sound clear enough.
Adding an 'r' sound at the end of the 'ä'.
Stress on the second syllable.

난이도

독해 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though it can be confused with the adjective 'sträv'.

쓰기 4/5

Requires knowledge of prepositions (efter/mot) and abstract noun usage.

말하기 4/5

The 'str' and 'ä' sounds can be tricky for some learners to pronounce naturally.

듣기 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear in formal speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

försöka mål efter mot vill

다음에 배울 것

eftersträva bemöda sig uppnå ambition uthållighet

고급

aspirera vidmakthålla förverkliga konsekvent

알아야 할 문법

Group 1 Verbs

Sträva ends in -a and is conjugated with -ar, -ade, -at.

Prepositional Verbs

Sträva requires 'efter' or 'mot' to connect to an object.

Subordinate Clause Word Order (BIFF)

Jag vet att han *inte* strävar efter det.

Infinitive with 'att'

Hon strävar efter *att* vinna.

Nominalization

Turning the verb 'sträva' into the noun 'strävan'.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

Jag vill sträva efter att vara glad.

I want to strive to be happy.

A1 learners use 'vill' (want) to support the main verb.

Vi strävar efter bra mat.

We strive for good food.

Simple present tense: strävar.

Han strävar efter ett mål.

He strives for a goal.

Note the preposition 'efter'.

De strävar efter fred.

They strive for peace.

Abstract nouns like 'fred' work well with 'sträva'.

Hon strävar efter att läsa mer.

She strives to read more.

Using 'att' + infinitive.

Vi strävar alla efter lycka.

We all strive for happiness.

'Alla' (all) comes after the verb.

Sträva alltid efter ditt bästa!

Always strive for your best!

Imperative form: sträva!

Jag strävar efter att sova bra.

I strive to sleep well.

Using 'att' + infinitive.

Min vän strävar efter att få ett nytt jobb.

My friend strives to get a new job.

Talking about career goals.

Företaget strävar efter nöjda kunder.

The company strives for satisfied customers.

Professional context at a basic level.

Vi strävar mot ett gemensamt mål.

We are striving toward a common goal.

Using 'mot' for direction.

Han strävade efter att gå ner i vikt.

He strove to lose weight.

Past tense: strävade.

Barnen strävar efter att lära sig simma.

The children strive to learn how to swim.

Group 1 verb conjugation.

Hon strävar efter att spara pengar.

She strives to save money.

Financial goals.

De har alltid strävat efter rättvisa.

They have always striven for justice.

Present perfect: har strävat.

Varför strävar du efter det?

Why are you striving for that?

Question structure.

Många länder strävar efter ekonomisk tillväxt.

Many countries strive for economic growth.

Political/Economic context.

Vi bör sträva efter att minska vår stress.

We should strive to reduce our stress.

Using modal verb 'bör' (should).

Han strävar envist mot sin dröm.

He strives stubbornly toward his dream.

Using the adverb 'envist'.

Hela staden strävar efter att bli grönare.

The whole city strives to become greener.

Environmental context.

Hon har strävat efter perfektion hela sitt liv.

She has striven for perfection her whole life.

Present perfect tense.

Vi måste sträva efter en bättre dialog.

We must strive for a better dialogue.

Using 'måste' (must).

De strävar efter att förstå varandra bättre.

They strive to understand each other better.

Reflexive pronoun 'varandra'.

Man bör sträva efter balans i livet.

One should strive for balance in life.

Using the generic pronoun 'man'.

Forskare strävar efter att hitta ett botemedel.

Scientists strive to find a cure.

Academic/Scientific context.

Organisationen strävar efter ökad transparens.

The organization strives for increased transparency.

Corporate/Official vocabulary.

Det är viktigt att sträva efter jämställdhet.

It is important to strive for equality.

Abstract social concept.

Konstnären strävar efter att fånga ljuset.

The artist strives to capture the light.

Artistic context.

Vi strävar mot en framtid utan fattigdom.

We are striving toward a future without poverty.

Long-term directional goal.

Han strävar efter att uppnå sin fulla potential.

He strives to reach his full potential.

Personal development focus.

Företaget strävar efter att vara koldioxidneutralt.

The company strives to be carbon neutral.

Sustainability context.

Att sträva efter makt kan vara farligt.

Striving for power can be dangerous.

Infinitive as a subject.

Hennes strävan efter sanningen var obeveklig.

Her striving for the truth was relentless.

Using the noun 'strävan'.

Vi strävar efter att harmonisera våra lagar.

We strive to harmonize our laws.

Formal/Legal context.

Man kan se en strävan mot ökad minimalism.

One can see a striving toward increased minimalism.

Noun form in a descriptive context.

De strävade emot det oundvikliga slutet.

They strove against the inevitable end.

Using 'emot' for resistance.

Författaren strävar efter en unik ton i boken.

The author strives for a unique tone in the book.

Nuanced artistic goal.

Det finns en inbyggd strävan hos människan.

There is an inherent striving in humans.

Philosophical usage.

Vi strävar efter att dekonstruera gamla normer.

We strive to deconstruct old norms.

Academic/Sociological vocabulary.

Hela hans väsen strävade mot friheten.

His whole being strove toward freedom.

Literary/Poetic register.

Filosofin strävar efter att belysa tillvarons kärna.

Philosophy strives to illuminate the core of existence.

Highly abstract and formal.

En outsinlig strävan efter kunskap driver honom.

An inexhaustible striving for knowledge drives him.

Using the adjective 'outsinlig'.

Samhället bör sträva efter en sublim balans.

Society should strive for a sublime balance.

Advanced vocabulary choice.

De strävade förgäves mot tidens obevekliga gång.

They strove in vain against the relentless passage of time.

Using 'förgäves' (in vain).

Denna strävan är djupt rotad i vår kultur.

This striving is deeply rooted in our culture.

Cultural analysis.

Man strävar efter att överbrygga klyftorna.

One strives to bridge the gaps.

Metaphorical usage.

Konsten strävar efter att utmana betraktaren.

Art strives to challenge the viewer.

Aesthetic theory.

Varje andetag strävar mot livets fortsättning.

Every breath strives toward the continuation of life.

Highly poetic.

자주 쓰는 조합

sträva efter perfektion

sträva efter lycka

sträva efter framgång

sträva mot ett mål

sträva efter balans

sträva efter rättvisa

sträva efter kunskap

sträva efter förbättring

sträva efter fred

sträva efter oberoende

자주 쓰는 구문

sträva efter att bli bättre

— The continuous effort to improve oneself or one's performance.

Som idrottare måste man alltid sträva efter att bli bättre.

en ständig strävan

— A constant, never-ending effort or ambition.

Livet är en ständig strävan efter mening.

sträva mot toppen

— To aim for the highest position or level of success.

Han har alltid strävat mot toppen i sin karriär.

sträva efter konsensus

— A typical Swedish phrase meaning to try and reach an agreement everyone can accept.

I svensk politik strävar man ofta efter konsensus.

sträva efter kvalitet

— Focusing on doing high-quality work rather than just quantity.

Vi strävar efter kvalitet i allt vi gör.

sträva efter frihet

— The goal of achieving personal or political independence.

Människan har alltid strävat efter frihet.

sträva efter harmoni

— Trying to reach a state of peace and balance.

Vi strävar efter harmoni i våra relationer.

sträva efter sanningen

— The intellectual or moral pursuit of what is true.

Vetenskapen strävar efter sanningen.

sträva efter bekräftelse

— Seeking validation or approval from others.

Det är mänskligt att sträva efter bekräftelse.

sträva efter enkelhet

— Trying to make things less complex or cluttered.

I vår design strävar vi efter enkelhet.

자주 혼동되는 단어

sträva vs sträv

An adjective meaning rough or harsh. Do not confuse with the verb sträva.

sträva vs stäva

A rare verb meaning to head in a certain direction (usually for ships). Similar sound.

sträva vs träva

Not a Swedish word, but learners sometimes misspell sträva this way.

관용어 및 표현

"sträva efter vinden"

— To strive for something unattainable or pointless; chasing the wind.

Att försöka behaga alla är som att sträva efter vinden.

literary/biblical

"sträva mot strömmen"

— To struggle against the current; to go against the prevailing opinion or trend.

Han har alltid strävat mot strömmen i sina åsikter.

neutral

"sträva efter stjärnorna"

— To have very high ambitions; to reach for the stars.

Du bör alltid sträva efter stjärnorna.

poetic

"en strävan i motvind"

— An effort made despite great difficulty or opposition.

Projektet kändes som en strävan i motvind.

neutral

"sträva efter det omöjliga"

— To aim for something that cannot be achieved.

Ibland måste man sträva efter det omöjliga för att nå det möjliga.

philosophical

"sträva efter guld och gröna skogar"

— To strive for unrealistic wealth or a perfect life (often used skeptically).

Han lovade dem guld och gröna skogar, men de strävade förgäves.

informal

"sträva efter maktens korridorer"

— To aim for political influence or high office.

Många unga strävar efter maktens korridorer.

political

"sträva efter en plats i solen"

— To strive for success, recognition, or a good position in life.

Alla strävar vi efter en plats i solen.

literary

"sträva efter den gyllene medelvägen"

— To strive for the 'golden mean' or perfect balance (very Swedish/Lagom).

Vi bör sträva efter den gyllene medelvägen i den här frågan.

formal

"sträva efter att hålla huvudet ovanför vattenytan"

— To strive just to survive or manage a difficult situation.

Just nu strävar jag bara efter att hålla huvudet ovanför vattenytan.

informal

혼동하기 쉬운

sträva vs försöka

Both mean making an effort.

Försöka is for general attempts; sträva is for long-term, purposeful goals.

Jag försöker öppna dörren, men jag strävar efter frihet.

sträva vs kämpa

Both involve hard work.

Kämpa emphasizes the struggle and pain; sträva emphasizes the direction and goal.

Han kämpar med sjukdomen, men strävar efter att bli frisk.

sträva vs längta

Both involve wanting something in the future.

Längta is a feeling of missing or wanting; sträva is the action taken to get there.

Jag längtar efter semester, men jag strävar efter befordran.

sträva vs leta

Both involve 'looking for' something.

Leta is for physical objects; sträva is for abstract goals.

Jag letar efter nycklarna, men jag strävar efter lycka.

sträva vs satsa

Both involve committing to a goal.

Satsa is about investing resources; sträva is about the internal drive.

Vi satsar pengar på projektet, och vi strävar efter resultat.

문장 패턴

Jag strävar efter [noun].

Jag strävar efter framgång.

Vi strävar efter att [verb].

Vi strävar efter att äta nyttigt.

Företaget strävar mot [direction/goal].

Företaget strävar mot en hållbar framtid.

Det är viktigt att sträva efter [abstract noun].

Det är viktigt att sträva efter rättvisa.

Hennes strävan efter [noun] var [adjective].

Hennes strävan efter kunskap var beundransvärd.

Man bör sträva emot [negative force].

Man bör sträva emot förtryck.

[Noun] kännetecknas av en strävan mot [concept].

Modernismen kännetecknas av en strävan mot förnyelse.

Att sträva förgäves efter [noun].

Att sträva förgäves efter evig ungdom.

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Common in written and formal spoken Swedish; moderately common in daily speech.

자주 하는 실수

Jag strävar för framgång. → Jag strävar efter framgång.
English speakers translate 'for' literally, but Swedish uses 'efter' with 'sträva'.
Vinet smakar sträva. → Vinet smakar strävt.
Confusing the verb 'sträva' with the adjective 'sträv' (rough/dry).
Jag strävar att lära mig. → Jag strävar efter att lära mig.
Forgetting the preposition 'efter' before the 'att' clause.
Vi har många strävor. → Vi har många strävanden.
Incorrect pluralization of the noun 'strävan'.
Jag sträva efter lycka. → Jag strävar efter lycka.
Forgetting the present tense -r ending.

팁

Remember the Preposition

Always pair 'sträva' with 'efter' for goals. It's the most common mistake for English speakers to use 'för'.

Elevate your Swedish

Replace 'försöka' with 'sträva efter' when talking about your long-term career or life goals to sound more professional.

Long 'Ä' sound

Ensure the 'ä' is long and open. Practice saying 'här' and then 'sträva' to get the vowel right.

Noun vs Verb

In formal writing, use 'en strävan' to describe a collective effort. It adds weight to your text.

The Swedish Way

Use 'sträva efter konsensus' to describe a group decision process. It's a very Swedish concept!

Job Interviews

Prepare an answer for 'Vad strävar du efter?' using 'sträva efter att utvecklas' (strive to develop).

The Strava App

If you use the fitness app Strava, remember its name comes from this word. It's about striving for fitness!

Don't Overuse

Don't use 'sträva' for trivial tasks. It's a 'big' word for 'big' goals.

Sträva vs Kämpa

Use 'kämpa' for the hard work and 'sträva' for the vision of where you want to be.

Eftersträva

In very formal reports, the verb 'eftersträva' is often used instead of 'sträva efter'.

암기하기

기억법

Think of the word 'STRETCH'. When you STRÄVA, you STRETCH yourself to reach a goal. The 'str' is the same in both words.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person leaning forward against a strong wind, pushing toward a lighthouse. The leaning body looks like a diagonal support beam (also called a 'sträva' in Swedish).

Word Web

Mål (Goal) Efter (After) Mot (Towards) Ambition Flit (Diligence) Framgång (Success) Kämpa (Fight) Uthållighet (Perseverance)

챌린지

Try to write three sentences about your life goals using 'sträva efter'. Then, try to use the noun form 'strävan' in a formal sentence about society.

어원

The word 'sträva' comes from Middle Low German 'streven', which also gave rise to the English word 'strive' and the German 'streben'. It entered the Swedish language during the period of heavy Hanseatic influence. The root is related to the idea of being stiff or tight, implying tension and effort.

원래 의미: To pull tight, to struggle, or to move with difficulty.

Germanic

문화적 맥락

No major sensitivities, but be aware that 'sträva efter makt' (striving for power) can be seen as a negative trait in Swedish culture, which often values humility.

In English, 'strive' can sometimes sound a bit old-fashioned or overly dramatic. In Swedish, 'sträva' is very common in modern, professional contexts and doesn't sound out of place in a business meeting.

The Swedish school system's 'strävansmål' (goals to strive for). Swedish labor movement songs often mention the 'strävan' of the working class. The fitness brand 'Strava' actually takes its name from this Swedish word!

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Job Interviews

Vad strävar du efter i din karriär?
Jag strävar efter att ständigt utvecklas.
Vi strävar efter ett bra samarbete.
Jag strävar efter att nå mina mål.

Environmental Discussion

Vi måste sträva efter hållbarhet.
Företaget strävar efter nollutsläpp.
Vi strävar mot en grönare framtid.
Strävan efter att rädda klimatet.

Personal Growth

Jag strävar efter inre frid.
Att sträva efter balans i livet.
Man ska sträva efter att vara sann mot sig själv.
Min strävan är att lära mig mer.

Politics

Vi strävar efter ett rättvist samhälle.
Partiet strävar efter sänkta skatter.
Strävan efter fred i regionen.
Att sträva mot ökad demokrati.

Sports and Fitness

Han strävar efter att slå världsrekordet.
Vi strävar mot finalen.
Att sträva efter bättre kondition.
Laget strävar efter guld.

대화 시작하기

"Vad strävar du efter att uppnå under det här året?"

"Tycker du att det är viktigt att alltid sträva efter att bli bättre?"

"Vad strävar ditt företag efter när det gäller hållbarhet?"

"Finns det något du strävar efter som känns nästan omöjligt?"

"Hur strävar man bäst efter en bra balans mellan jobb och fritid?"

일기 주제

Skriv om en personlig dröm som du strävar efter just nu. Vilka är dina största utmaningar?

Reflektera över din strävan efter att lära dig svenska. Hur har din inställning förändrats över tid?

Vad innebär det för dig att sträva efter ett 'lyckligt liv'? Är lycka ett mål eller en process?

Beskriv en situation där du strävade hårt efter något men inte nådde ända fram. Vad lärde du dig?

Hur kan samhället sträva efter mer jämställdhet i praktiken, enligt din åsikt?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, it is quite common, especially when people talk about their goals, work, or values. It is not overly formal, but it is more 'serious' than simply saying 'try'.

'Sträva efter' is used for a specific outcome or thing (e.g., success). 'Sträva mot' is used for a direction or a future point (e.g., the future, the top).

No, that would sound strange. Use 'testa' or 'prova' for food. Use 'sträva' for meaningful, long-term endeavors.

It is a Group 1 verb: sträva (infinitive), strävar (present), strävade (past), strävat (supine).

It is the noun form of the verb, meaning 'an endeavor', 'an effort', or 'a striving'.

Yes, they share the same Germanic root and mean almost exactly the same thing.

It is a goal that the school should strive to help students reach, but it is not a requirement for a specific grade.

It is rare because it's an intransitive verb. You might see 'eftersträvas' (is striven for) in very formal documents.

There isn't one perfect word, but 'ge upp' (give up) or 'nöja sig' (be content/settle) are good antonyms in context.

Yes, it can mean to struggle physically against something, like 'sträva mot vinden', but the abstract meaning is much more common today.

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