Meaning
Having enough money for something
Cultural Background
Talking about not having 'råd' is not stigmatized. It is seen as being 'ekonomiskt medveten' (economically conscious). The TV show 'Lyxfällan' has made the phrase 'att inte ha råd' a national conversation topic regarding consumer debt. In business, 'ha råd med' is used pragmatically to discuss risk management, not just money. Usage is identical, but there is a slightly higher frequency of 'ha råd till' in some dialects.
The 'Med' Rule
Always check if the next word is a noun. If it is, 'med' is your best friend.
Don't say 'Kan råd'
English speakers always try to say 'Jag kan råd'. Remember: in Swedish, you HAVE (har) the means.
Meaning
Having enough money for something
The 'Med' Rule
Always check if the next word is a noun. If it is, 'med' is your best friend.
Don't say 'Kan råd'
English speakers always try to say 'Jag kan råd'. Remember: in Swedish, you HAVE (har) the means.
Modesty
Even if you are rich, use 'vi har nog råd' to sound more Swedish and less boastful.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
Jag har tyvärr inte råd ___ den här resan.
When 'ha råd' is followed by a noun (den här resan), you must use 'med'.
Choose the grammatically correct sentence.
Which sentence is correct?
When followed by a verb (köpa), 'med' is removed and 'att' is used.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Ska vi gå på bio? B: Nej, jag har faktiskt inte ______ ______ biljetten.
'Biljetten' is a noun, so 'råd med' is the correct choice.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'Vi har inte råd med fler förseningar' to the correct context.
This is a figurative use of 'ha råd med' meaning the consequences of more delays are too high.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJag har tyvärr inte råd ___ den här resan.
When 'ha råd' is followed by a noun (den här resan), you must use 'med'.
Which sentence is correct?
When followed by a verb (köpa), 'med' is removed and 'att' is used.
A: Ska vi gå på bio? B: Nej, jag har faktiskt inte ______ ______ biljetten.
'Biljetten' is a noun, so 'råd med' is the correct choice.
Match 'Vi har inte råd med fler förseningar' to the correct context.
This is a figurative use of 'ha råd med' meaning the consequences of more delays are too high.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt's better to say 'Jag har råd att resa'. Adding 'med' before 'att' is redundant and sounds slightly clunky, though you might hear it in some dialects.
90% of the time, yes. But it can also mean 'consequences' (e.g., 'We can't afford another mistake').
'Ha råd' is general ('I can afford it'). 'Ha råd med' is specific ('I can afford [this thing]').
You can say 'Jag är pank' (I'm broke) or 'Jag har inga pengar'.
Related Phrases
ha råd att
builds onTo afford to (do something)
kosta skjortan
similarTo cost a shirt (be very expensive)
ha det knapert
contrastTo be tight on money
ekonomiskt oberoende
contrastFinancially independent
