måla in 30 Seconds
- Måla means to paint or apply color.
- Used for art, home decor, and general coloring.
- Forms: målar (present), målade (past), målat (participle).
The Swedish verb måla is a fundamental word that translates directly to 'to paint' in English. It refers to the act of applying paint, color, or other substances to a surface to decorate it, protect it, or change its appearance. This verb is incredibly versatile and is used in a wide range of contexts, from artistic endeavors to everyday home improvement and even metaphorical descriptions.
- Artistic Painting
- When discussing art, måla is used to describe the creation of paintings. Artists målar on canvases, wood, or other materials using brushes, palettes, and various types of paint like oil, acrylic, or watercolor.
Konstnären målar en vacker tavla.
- Home Improvement
- In the context of DIY and home renovation, måla refers to painting walls, furniture, doors, or any other part of a house. It's a common activity for freshening up a living space or preparing a property for sale.
Vi ska måla om vardagsrummet i en ljusblå färg.
- Describing Appearance
- Sometimes, måla can be used metaphorically to describe how something is colored or appears. For instance, the sky might be described as being painted with sunset colors.
Himmelen målades i vackra höstfärger.
Understanding måla is crucial for discussing visual arts, home decoration, and even describing natural phenomena. It's a word that brings color and action into Swedish conversation.
Using måla correctly in sentences involves understanding its conjugation and its typical sentence structure. As a regular verb, its past tense and past participle forms are predictable, making it relatively easy to master.
- Present Tense
- In the present tense, måla becomes målar. This is used for ongoing actions or general statements about painting.
Jag målar min cykel röd.
Barnen målar teckningar på fritids.
- Past Tense (Preteritum)
- The simple past tense of måla is målade. This is used to describe actions that were completed in the past.
Hon målade sitt rum förra veckan.
De målade huset gult innan sommaren.
- Past Participle (Supinum)
- The past participle is målat. This form is used with the auxiliary verbs 'ha' (to have) to form the perfect tenses (like the present perfect).
Jag har målat klart hela huset.
Har du målat tavlan vi pratade om?
- Imperative
- The imperative form, used for commands, is simply måla.
Måla försiktigt så att du inte spiller!
Practice constructing sentences with different tenses of måla. Try describing your surroundings or past activities that involved painting.
The verb måla is incredibly common in everyday Swedish. You'll hear it in a variety of settings, reflecting its broad applicability.
- Home Improvement Stores and Conversations
- Walk into any hardware store in Sweden (like Bauhaus, Hornbach, or Byggmax), and you'll hear people discussing what they need to måla. Salespeople will offer advice on paints and techniques. Conversations at home often revolve around 'Ska vi måla om köket?' (Should we repaint the kitchen?).
Jag behöver köpa färg för att måla sovrummet.
- Art Galleries and Studios
- In the realm of art, måla is used constantly. Artists talk about their process, exhibitions, and techniques. You might hear discussions about different styles of painting or specific artists who målar in a particular way.
Har du sett den nya utställningen där konstnären målar med sina fötter?
- Children's Activities and Education
- At preschools, schools, and during playdates, children are often encouraged to måla. Teachers will say, 'Kom och måla en fin bild!' (Come and paint a nice picture!). It’s a fundamental activity for young learners.
Idag ska vi måla på stora papper.
- Describing Nature and Scenery
- When Swedes describe beautiful sunsets, sunrises, or landscapes, they might use måla metaphorically. 'Solen målade himlen orange och rosa' (The sun painted the sky orange and pink) is a common poetic expression.
Färgerna på höstlöven målar skogen i gyllene toner.
By paying attention to these contexts, you'll quickly get a feel for how naturally måla fits into Swedish conversation.
While måla is a straightforward verb, learners might occasionally make mistakes, especially concerning verb forms or prepositions used with it.
- Incorrect Verb Conjugation
- The most common error is using the wrong tense form. Forgetting to change 'måla' to 'målar' in the present, or 'målade' in the past, can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences. Similarly, using 'målat' when 'målade' is needed, or vice versa, is frequent.
Incorrect: Jag måla väggen igår.
- Confusing with Similar Verbs
- While less common for måla itself, learners might sometimes confuse it with verbs related to coloring or drawing, like 'färglägga' (to color) or 'rita' (to draw). 'Måla' specifically implies using paint or a similar coating substance.
Incorrect: Jag ritar huset blått med färg.
- Incorrect Use of Prepositions
- When specifying the color, Swedes often use the preposition 'i' or directly state the color. Mistakes might arise from using other prepositions or incorrect word order.
Incorrect: Jag målar väggen på röd.
- Overuse of the Infinitive
- Sometimes, learners might use the infinitive form 'måla' in contexts where a conjugated form is required, especially in simple present or past tense sentences.
Incorrect: Hon måla sitt rum.
By being mindful of these common pitfalls, you can ensure your use of måla is accurate and natural-sounding.
While måla is the primary verb for painting, Swedish has other words that relate to coloring or applying substances, each with its own nuance.
- Färglägga (verb)
- Meaning: To color, to add color to something. This is often used for simpler coloring activities, like coloring in a drawing with crayons or markers, or for adding color to a black and white image.
- Usage Comparison:
- You målar a wall with paint, but you färglägger a coloring book page. Måla implies a more substantial application of color, often for coverage or artistic effect, while färglägga is more about adding hue.
Barnen färglade sina teckningar med kritor.
- Bemåla (verb)
- Meaning: To paint something thoroughly or to paint a large area. It's a more intensive form of 'måla'.
- Usage Comparison:
- While you can say 'måla hela huset' (paint the whole house), 'bemåla hela huset' emphasizes the completeness and effort involved in painting the entire structure. It's less common in everyday speech than 'måla'.
Byggnaden var bemålad i starka färger.
- Spackla (verb)
- Meaning: To fill or plaster, typically to prepare a surface before painting.
- Usage Comparison:
- Spackla is a preparatory step. You spackla (fill/plaster) a wall to make it smooth, and then you måla (paint) it. They are sequential actions, not interchangeable.
Vi måste spackla hålen innan vi kan måla.
- Dekorera (verb)
- Meaning: To decorate.
- Usage Comparison:
- Måla is a specific way to dekorera (decorate). You can decorate a room by painting it, but you can also decorate it with pictures, furniture, or lights. Dekorera is a broader term.
Vi ska dekorera rummet med nya gardiner och en tavla.
Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the most precise word for your intended meaning.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The concept of painting as an art form is as old as human civilization, with evidence of cave paintings dating back tens of thousands of years. The verb 'måla' in Swedish carries this ancient lineage of applying color.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'o' as a short 'o' like in 'hot'.
- Not making the 'a' sound long enough.
- Confusing the stress pattern.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR A2 level. The verb is common and its basic meaning is straightforward. Understanding its conjugations and common collocations is key.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Present Tense of Regular Verbs
The present tense of 'måla' is 'målar'. Most regular Swedish verbs form the present tense by adding '-r' to the infinitive.
Past Tense (Preteritum) of Regular Verbs
The past tense of 'måla' is 'målade'. Regular verbs typically add '-de' or '-de' to the infinitive stem.
Past Participle (Supinum) of Regular Verbs
The past participle of 'måla' is 'målat'. This is used with 'ha' to form the perfect tenses.
Using Infinitive after Modal Verbs
After modal verbs like 'ska' (will), 'vill' (want to), 'kan' (can), the main verb is in its infinitive form. 'Jag vill måla.'
Passive Voice with 'bli'
To form the passive voice, 'bli' is often used with the past participle. 'Huset blir målat.' (The house is being painted.)
Examples by Level
Jag målar ett hus.
I paint a house.
Basic present tense conjugation.
Bilen är målad röd.
The car is painted red.
Past participle used passively.
Måla mig en sol.
Paint me a sun.
Imperative form.
Hon målade en blomma.
She painted a flower.
Simple past tense.
Vi målar bordet.
We paint the table.
Present tense, plural subject.
Vad målar du?
What are you painting?
Question in present tense.
Det är målat med blå färg.
It is painted with blue paint.
Passive voice with past participle.
Jag vill måla.
I want to paint.
Infinitive after modal verb.
Hon målade sitt rum i ljusgult förra sommaren.
She painted her room light yellow last summer.
Past tense, specifying color with 'i'.
Vi har målat staketet vitt.
We have painted the fence white.
Present perfect tense.
Kan du måla en bild av en katt?
Can you paint a picture of a cat?
Modal verb + infinitive.
Barnen målar på stora papper med vattenfärger.
The children paint on large papers with watercolors.
Present tense, specifying medium.
Jag har målat klart alla väggar i huset.
I have finished painting all the walls in the house.
Present perfect with 'klart'.
De målade om hela fasaden.
They repainted the entire facade.
Past tense with 'om' (again/re-).
Vad ska du måla härnäst?
What are you going to paint next?
Future intention with 'ska'.
Han målade en abstrakt tavla.
He painted an abstract painting.
Past tense, describing artwork type.
Konstnären använde oljefärger för att måla porträttet.
The artist used oil paints to paint the portrait.
Infinitive after 'för att'.
Efter att ha målat klart taket började vi med väggarna.
After having finished painting the ceiling, we started with the walls.
Participle clause ('att ha målat').
Hon har alltid drömt om att måla en egen utställning.
She has always dreamed of painting her own exhibition.
Infinitive after 'drömma om'.
Träet måste behandlas innan man kan måla det.
The wood must be treated before one can paint it.
Passive voice + infinitive after 'innan'.
Han målade av landskapet med akvarellfärger.
He painted the landscape with watercolors.
Past tense, using 'av' (copy/depict).
Det är viktigt att måla i ett välventilerat utrymme.
It is important to paint in a well-ventilated space.
Infinitive as subject of 'är viktigt'.
De hade målat huset i en ovanlig nyans av grönt.
They had painted the house in an unusual shade of green.
Past perfect tense.
Hon vill lära sig att måla olja på duk.
She wants to learn to paint oil on canvas.
Infinitive after 'lära sig'.
Målaren hade lovat att måla om hela lägenheten innan månadens slut.
The painter had promised to repaint the entire apartment before the end of the month.
Past perfect of 'lova' + infinitive.
Genom att måla med tunna lager kan man uppnå en mjukare övergång.
By painting with thin layers, one can achieve a softer transition.
Gerundial phrase ('Genom att måla').
Det krävs tålamod och precision för att måla detaljerade mönster.
It requires patience and precision to paint detailed patterns.
Infinitive after 'krävs'.
Hennes arbete med att måla stadsmiljöer har hyllats internationellt.
Her work painting urban environments has been praised internationally.
Gerundial phrase ('att måla') as part of a noun phrase.
Föreningen hade för avsikt att måla om alla sina fastigheter.
The association intended to repaint all of its properties.
'För avsikt att' + infinitive.
Den gamla tekniken att måla med äggoljetempera är fascinerande.
The old technique of painting with egg oil tempera is fascinating.
Gerundial phrase ('att måla') modifying 'tekniken'.
Han hade en unik förmåga att måla fram känslor hos betraktaren.
He had a unique ability to paint emotions in the viewer.
'Förmåga att' + infinitive.
Efter att ha diskuterat färgvalet bestämde de sig för att måla vardagsrummet i en varm beige.
After discussing the color choice, they decided to paint the living room in a warm beige.
Participle clause ('att ha diskuterat') + infinitive after 'bestämde sig för'.
Den ambitiösa renoveringen innebar att man var tvungen att måla om samtliga ytor från grunden.
The ambitious renovation meant that one had to repaint all surfaces from scratch.
'Var tvungen att' + infinitive, 'samtliga' (all).
Hans konstnärliga uttryck präglas av en vilja att måla bort det förflutna och omfamna framtiden.
His artistic expression is characterized by a desire to paint away the past and embrace the future.
'en vilja att' + infinitive, 'måla bort' (paint away).
Företaget drog sig inte för att måla upp en bild av en ljusare framtid för sina anställda.
The company did not shy away from painting a picture of a brighter future for its employees.
'Drog sig inte för att' + infinitive, idiomatic 'måla upp en bild'.
Det är beklagligt att se hur vissa monument har försummats och inte målats om på decennier.
It is regrettable to see how some monuments have been neglected and not repainted for decades.
Passive voice with 'inte målats om', temporal adverbial.
Hon hade en ovanlig talang för att måla fram livfulla karaktärer enbart genom sina penseldrag.
She had an unusual talent for painting vivid characters solely through her brushstrokes.
'Talang för att' + infinitive, 'måla fram' (bring forth/create).
Omständigheterna krävde att man var beredd att måla om hela strategin om det behövdes.
The circumstances required that one be prepared to repaint the entire strategy if necessary.
Subjunctive mood implied by 'krävde att' + infinitive, metaphorical 'måla om strategin'.
Det är en konst att kunna måla upp en känsla av hopp i en annars dyster situation.
It is an art to be able to paint a feeling of hope in an otherwise bleak situation.
'att kunna' + infinitive, idiomatic 'måla upp en känsla'.
Efter att ha erhållit tillstånd, påbörjades arbetet med att måla om den historiska byggnaden.
After obtaining permission, the work to repaint the historical building commenced.
Participle clause ('att ha erhållit') + infinitive after 'arbetet med'.
Hans ambition var inte bara att måla ett vackert landskap, utan att fånga essensen av den nordiska själen.
His ambition was not merely to paint a beautiful landscape, but to capture the essence of the Nordic soul.
Complex sentence structure, idiomatic 'fånga essensen'.
Att måla sig en bild av framtiden utan att ta hänsyn till nuvarande utmaningar vore naivt.
To paint oneself a picture of the future without taking current challenges into account would be naive.
Gerundial phrase as subject, idiomatic 'måla sig en bild', conditional mood.
Det är en svår konst att inte bara måla med färg, utan att med penseldragen förmedla en djupare sanning.
It is a difficult art not only to paint with color, but through brushstrokes to convey a deeper truth.
Complex parallel structure, 'inte bara... utan att... för att' structure.
Konsthistoriker diskuterar huruvida impressionisterna revolutionerade sättet att måla genom sitt fokus på ljus och färg.
Art historians discuss whether the Impressionists revolutionized the way of painting through their focus on light and color.
'Huruvida' (whether), 'sättet att måla' (the way of painting).
Han hade en enastående förmåga att inte bara måla av verkligheten, utan att ge den en ny, personlig dimension.
He had an outstanding ability not only to depict reality, but to give it a new, personal dimension.
'Inte bara... utan att...' structure, 'måla av' (depict).
Den pedagogiska metoden gick ut på att låta studenterna själva experimentera och måla fram sina egna tolkningar.
The pedagogical method involved letting the students themselves experiment and paint forth their own interpretations.
'Gick ut på att' + infinitive, 'måla fram' (bring forth/create).
Trots tekniska begränsningar lyckades konstnären måla en bild av hopp och motståndskraft.
Despite technical limitations, the artist succeeded in painting a picture of hope and resilience.
'Lyckades' + infinitive, idiomatic 'måla en bild'.
Hans verk verkar vara ett försök att måla bort de mörka skuggorna från en traumatisk barndom.
His work seems to be an attempt to paint away the dark shadows from a traumatic childhood.
'Ett försök att' + infinitive, idiomatic 'måla bort'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To repaint something. This is used when the original color is still there but you want to apply a new coat or change the color.
Vi måste måla om vardagsrummet, färgen är gammal.
— To repaint something. This is used when the original color is still there but you want to apply a new coat or change the color.
Huset ser lite slitet ut, det är dags att måla om.
— To repaint something. This is used when the original color is still there but you want to apply a new coat or change the color.
De bestämde sig för att måla om köket i en ljusare ton.
— To repaint something. This is used when the original color is still there but you want to apply a new coat or change the color.
Barnen hjälpte till att måla om sina leksaker.
— To repaint something. This is used when the original color is still there but you want to apply a new coat or change the color.
Det är billigare att måla om möblerna än att köpa nya.
— To repaint something. This is used when the original color is still there but you want to apply a new coat or change the color.
Efter flera år var det dags att måla om fasaden.
— To repaint something. This is used when the original color is still there but you want to apply a new coat or change the color.
Hon älskar att måla om gamla möbler och ge dem nytt liv.
— To repaint something. This is used when the original color is still there but you want to apply a new coat or change the color.
Innan flytten behövde de måla om lägenheten.
— To repaint something. This is used when the original color is still there but you want to apply a new coat or change the color.
Företaget valde att måla om sina kontorslokaler för att skapa en modernare känsla.
— To repaint something. This is used when the original color is still there but you want to apply a new coat or change the color.
Att måla om ett rum kan göra stor skillnad för atmosfären.
Often Confused With
'Färglägga' means 'to color' and is typically used for simpler coloring tasks with crayons or markers, or for adding color to black and white images. 'Måla' implies using paint or a more substantial coating.
'Rita' means 'to draw'. While both involve creating visual representations, 'rita' uses lines and shading, whereas 'måla' uses paint and color application.
'Pensla' means 'to brush'. While painting often involves a brush, 'pensla' can be used for applying other substances like oil or glaze, and 'måla' is the broader term for applying paint.
Idioms & Expressions
— To describe something vividly, to create a mental image for someone through words. It's like painting a picture with language.
Han kunde verkligen måla upp en bild av hur det var att leva i den tiden.
Neutral— To get oneself into a difficult or inescapable situation, often through one's own actions or words. It implies being cornered.
Genom sina aggressiva uttalanden hade politikern målat sig i ett hörn.
Neutral— To be overly pessimistic, to see only the negative aspects of a situation. It's about having a bleak outlook.
Försök att inte måla världen i svart, det finns alltid hopp.
Neutral— To imagine the worst possible outcome, to anticipate disaster unnecessarily. It's about catastrophizing.
Det är ingen idé att måla fan på väggen innan vi vet vad som händer.
Neutral— To describe or generalize broadly, without going into much detail. To give a general overview.
Han brukar måla med breda penseldrag när han pratar om historiska händelser.
Neutral— To change one's opinion or stance, often opportunistically or to fit a new situation. To change one's tune.
Efter valet verkade det som om partiet målade om sina färger för att passa den nya regeringen.
Slightly informal— To describe a hypothetical situation or a possible future event, often in detail.
Vi måste måla upp ett scenario för hur vi ska hantera krisen.
Neutral— To live a dull, uninspired, or monotonous life. Lacking color and excitement.
Han kände att han hade börjat måla livet i grått.
Neutral— To focus on one's own problems or responsibilities before interfering with others'. To sort out one's own affairs first.
Innan du kritiserar mig, borde du kanske måla om ditt eget hus.
Neutral— To create a representation or impression of something, often in a narrative or descriptive context.
Boken lyckas måla en bild av en svunnen tid.
NeutralEasily Confused
Both verbs involve adding color.
'Måla' specifically refers to the application of paint or a similar coating, often for coverage or artistic effect. 'Färglägga' is more about adding hue to something, like coloring in a drawing with crayons or markers, or coloring a photograph.
Barnen <strong>målar</strong> sina rum med färg, men de <strong>färglägger</strong> sina sagoböcker med kritor.
It's a variation of 'måla'.
'Bemåla' is a more intensive form of 'måla', suggesting painting something thoroughly or completely, often a large area. 'Måla' is the general term. You might 'måla' a chair, but you would 'bemåla' an entire building to emphasize the completeness of the task.
Vi ska <strong>måla</strong> garaget, men hela huset måste <strong>bemålas</strong>.
Often done in preparation for painting.
'Skrapa' means 'to scrape', which is an action performed to remove old paint or other materials from a surface. 'Måla' is the action of applying new paint. They are sequential steps, not synonyms.
Innan vi kan <strong>måla</strong> fönstren måste vi <strong>skrapa</strong> bort den gamla färgen.
Both are visual art activities.
'Rita' means 'to draw', typically using pencils, pens, or charcoal to create lines and shapes. 'Måla' means 'to paint', which involves applying color with brushes, rollers, or other tools. A drawing is made with lines, a painting with broad strokes of color.
Hon <strong>ritade</strong> en skiss och sedan <strong>målade</strong> hon den med akvarellfärger.
Often involves a brush, like 'måla'.
'Pensla' specifically refers to applying something with a brush. While 'måla' often uses a brush, it can also involve rollers or spray cans. 'Pensla' can also be used for applying liquids like oil or glaze. 'Måla' is the primary verb for applying paint to create a colored surface.
Han <strong>penslade</strong> på ett tunt lager lack, medan hon <strong>målade</strong> väggen med en roller.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + målar + Object.
Jag <strong>målar</strong> en bil.
Subject + målade + Object.
Hon <strong>målade</strong> ett träd.
Subject + har + målat + Object.
Vi <strong>har målat</strong> huset.
Subject + ska + måla + Object.
De <strong>ska måla</strong> rummet.
Subject + målar + Object + i + Color.
Han <strong>målar</strong> väggen <strong>i</strong> blått.
Subject + målade + Object + Color.
Jag <strong>målade</strong> stolen <strong>röd</strong>.
Genom att + måla + ...
<strong>Genom att måla</strong> med ljusa färger kan man få rummet att verka större.
Subject + var tvungen att + måla + Object.
Hyresgästen <strong>var tvungen att måla</strong> lägenheten vit innan utflyttning.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very high
-
Using the infinitive 'måla' in the present tense.
→
Jag <strong>målar</strong> väggen.
The present tense requires the '-r' ending for regular verbs like 'måla'. So, it becomes 'målar', not 'måla'.
-
Confusing past tense and past participle.
→
Hon <strong>har målat</strong> sitt rum. (Present perfect)
'Målade' is the simple past tense, used for completed actions in the past. 'Målat' is the past participle, used with 'ha' to form perfect tenses.
-
Incorrect preposition when stating color.
→
Jag målar bordet <strong>rött</strong>. or Jag målar bordet <strong>i rött</strong>.
While direct color adjectives are common, using 'i' followed by the noun form of the color is also correct and sometimes preferred for emphasis or clarity.
-
Using 'måla' when 'färglägga' is more appropriate.
→
Barnen <strong>färglägger</strong> sina teckningar.
'Färglägga' is for coloring in, typically with crayons or markers. 'Måla' is for applying paint.
-
Forgetting the 'om' in 'måla om' when repainting.
→
Vi ska <strong>måla om</strong> fasaden.
If you just say 'måla fasaden', it implies painting it for the first time or a general painting. 'Måla om' specifically means to repaint, to apply a new coat over an existing one.
Tips
Master the Forms
Focus on learning the three main forms: måla (infinitive), målar (present), målade (past), and målat (past participle). Practice using them in sentences to solidify your understanding.
Think Home Improvement
Many Swedes paint their homes. Associate 'måla' with concepts like 'måla om' (repaint), 'färg' (paint), and 'vägg' (wall) to make it more relatable.
Learn Idiomatic Uses
Swedish has colorful idioms using 'måla', like 'måla upp en bild' (to describe vividly) or 'måla fan på väggen' (to imagine the worst). Learning these will enrich your vocabulary and understanding.
Distinguish from 'Färglägga'
Remember that 'måla' is for painting with paint, while 'färglägga' is for coloring, usually in drawings or with crayons. This distinction is important for precise communication.
Describe Your Surroundings
Look around your environment and try to describe what could be painted or has been painted using the verb 'måla'. This active recall helps cement the word in your memory.
Practice the Pronunciation
Pay attention to the long 'o' sound in 'måla' (like 'moo-la'). Practice saying it clearly to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
Connect with Art Vocabulary
Link 'måla' with related art terms like 'tavla' (painting), 'konstnär' (artist), and 'pensel' (brush). This creates a semantic network for better retention.
Use 'Måla Om' Frequently
The phrase 'måla om' (to repaint) is extremely common. Actively try to incorporate it into your sentences when discussing renovations or updates.
Appreciate Metaphorical Use
Recognize that 'måla' can describe natural phenomena, like the sky being 'painted' by a sunset. This metaphorical usage adds richness to Swedish descriptions.
Avoid Tense Errors
Be mindful of using the correct tense. Mixing up 'målar' (present) with 'målade' (past) is a common mistake for learners.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a person named 'Molly' who loves to paint. She always says, 'I love to måla!' Say 'Molly målar' to remember the verb.
Visual Association
Picture a large, colorful canvas with the word 'MÅLA' written across it in bold, vibrant paint strokes.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe everything you see in your room using the verb 'måla' in different tenses. For example, 'The wall is painted blue' (Väggen är målad blå), 'I will paint the chair tomorrow' (Jag ska måla stolen imorgon).
Word Origin
The Swedish word 'måla' has ancient roots, tracing back to Proto-Germanic and even Proto-Indo-European. It is related to words in other Germanic languages that signify applying color or paint.
Original meaning: The original meaning was likely 'to smear' or 'to daub', referring to the act of applying a substance to a surface.
Indo-European > Germanic > North Germanic > Old Norse > SwedishCultural Context
The act of painting itself is generally not sensitive. However, the subject matter of a painting or the context in which 'måla' is used metaphorically could carry sensitive connotations (e.g., painting a dire picture of a social issue).
In English-speaking countries, 'to paint' is also a fundamental verb with similar applications in art and home improvement. The cultural significance varies, but the core meaning and usage are parallel.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Home Improvement
- Måla om väggen
- Vilken färg ska vi måla?
- Måla huset vitt
Art Creation
- Måla en tavla
- Måla med olja
- Måla ett porträtt
Children's Activities
- Måla en teckning
- Måla med vattenfärg
- Låt oss måla!
Describing Appearance
- Himmelen målas i solnedgångens färger
- Träden målas i höstfärger
DIY and Crafting
- Måla om gamla möbler
- Måla trädetaljer
- Måla keramik
Conversation Starters
"Har du målat något nyligen?"
"Vilken färg skulle du vilja måla ditt rum i?"
"Vad är det vackraste du någonsin sett någon måla?"
"Gillar du att måla?"
"Har du några tips för att måla om hemma?"
Journal Prompts
Beskriv ditt favoritrum och hur du skulle vilja måla om det.
Tänk på en konstnär du beundrar. Vad tycker du om hur de målar?
Skriv en kort berättelse där någon målar en magisk bild.
Reflektera över en tid då du målade något. Hur kändes det?
Hur kan man använda färger för att uttrycka känslor, precis som när man målar?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Måla' is the general verb for 'to paint', involving the application of paint or a similar coating to a surface for decoration or protection. 'Färglägga' means 'to color' and is typically used for simpler activities like coloring in a drawing with crayons or markers, or adding color to a black and white image. You 'måla' a wall, but you 'färglägga' a coloring book.
The most common way to say 'to repaint' is 'måla om'. For example, 'Vi ska måla om huset.' (We are going to repaint the house.). 'Om' indicates that the action is done again.
The main forms are: infinitive: måla, present tense: målar, past tense (preteritum): målade, and past participle (supinum): målat.
Yes, 'måla' is often used metaphorically. For example, 'Solen målade himlen orange' (The sun painted the sky orange) describes the visual appearance. Idioms like 'måla upp en bild' (to paint a picture with words) are also common.
The past participle 'målat' is used with the auxiliary verb 'ha' to form the perfect tenses, such as the present perfect. For example, 'Jag har målat klart.' (I have finished painting.). It can also be used in passive constructions.
No, 'måla' is a regular verb and is considered relatively easy to learn. Its meaning is straightforward, and its conjugations follow standard patterns. The main challenge is remembering the different tenses and using it in idiomatic expressions.
'Måla' means 'to paint', which involves applying color with substances like paint. 'Rita' means 'to draw', which typically involves using pencils, pens, or charcoal to create lines and shading. A painting is made with color, while a drawing is made with lines.
You would say 'Jag målar en tavla.' or 'Jag målar en bild.'
This idiom means to change one's opinion or stance, often opportunistically, similar to 'changing one's tune' in English. It implies adapting one's views to suit a new situation.
'Bemåla' is used to emphasize that something has been painted thoroughly or completely. It's often used for larger areas or projects where the effort of painting is significant. For example, 'Hela huset blev bemålat.' (The whole house was thoroughly painted.)
Test Yourself 60 questions
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Måla is the fundamental Swedish verb for 'to paint', essential for discussing art, home improvement, and visual descriptions. Master its conjugations (målar, målade, målat) for fluent communication.
- Måla means to paint or apply color.
- Used for art, home decor, and general coloring.
- Forms: målar (present), målade (past), målat (participle).
Master the Forms
Focus on learning the three main forms: måla (infinitive), målar (present), målade (past), and målat (past participle). Practice using them in sentences to solidify your understanding.
Think Home Improvement
Many Swedes paint their homes. Associate 'måla' with concepts like 'måla om' (repaint), 'färg' (paint), and 'vägg' (wall) to make it more relatable.
Learn Idiomatic Uses
Swedish has colorful idioms using 'måla', like 'måla upp en bild' (to describe vividly) or 'måla fan på väggen' (to imagine the worst). Learning these will enrich your vocabulary and understanding.
Distinguish from 'Färglägga'
Remember that 'måla' is for painting with paint, while 'färglägga' is for coloring, usually in drawings or with crayons. This distinction is important for precise communication.
