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B1 adjective 14 min read

motsatt

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips motsatt in 30 Seconds

Explanation motsatt in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'motsatt' very often, but you will encounter it when learning basic directions and simple descriptions. Think of it as a way to say 'the other side'. For example, if you are learning about a street, 'den motsatta sidan' is the side across the road. At this stage, you should focus on recognizing the word in simple sentences. You might hear a teacher say 'Titta på den motsatta sidan av pappret' (Look at the opposite side of the paper). The most important thing to remember is that it means 'opposite'. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet; just see it as a label for something that is across from or different from what you are looking at. It is often paired with 'sida' (side) or 'håll' (direction). If someone says 'Gå åt motsatt håll', they mean 'Go the other way'. This is very useful for basic navigation. Try to visualize it as a mirror image or a cross-street relationship. Even at this early stage, knowing 'motsatt' helps you understand that there is always another perspective or another direction available.

At the A2 level, you start using 'motsatt' to describe more than just physical locations. You might use it to describe simple differences in people or things. For instance, 'Vi har motsatta intressen' (We have opposite interests). You are beginning to understand that 'motsatt' can be used for abstract ideas, not just streets and sides of paper. You should also start noticing the difference between 'motsatt' (the adjective) and 'mittemot' (the preposition). A common task at this level might be describing your family or friends, where you could say 'Jag är lugn, men min syster är motsatt' (I am calm, but my sister is the opposite). You are also learning the basic definite form 'den motsatta'. Remember that Swedish adjectives change based on the noun, but 'motsatt' is a bit special because it already ends in 't'. In the definite form, you just add an 'a' to get 'motsatta'. Practice phrases like 'den motsatta riktningen' (the opposite direction) to get used to the rhythm of the word in a sentence. This level is about building confidence in using the word to show contrast in simple, everyday conversations.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'motsatt' with more precision in both speaking and writing. This is the level where 'motsatt' truly becomes a key part of your vocabulary. You will use it to engage in discussions and debates, expressing that you have 'en motsatt åsikt' (an opposite opinion). You should be comfortable using it in various contexts, such as describing the 'motsatta effekten' of a decision or a medicine. At B1, you also start to see 'motsatt' in more formal texts, like news articles or instructions. You should understand that 'motsatt' is often used to structure a comparison: 'Å ena sidan... men å andra sidan, från ett motsatt perspektiv...' (On one hand... but on the other hand, from an opposite perspective...). This helps you organize your thoughts more logically. You should also be aware of common collocations like 'i motsatt ordning' (in opposite/reverse order) and 'det motsatta könet' (the opposite sex). Your grammar should be more accurate now, consistently using 'motsatta' for plural and definite nouns. You are moving beyond simple descriptions and using the word to analyze situations and express nuanced differences.

At the B2 level, you use 'motsatt' to handle complex and abstract topics. You can discuss 'motsatta krafter' (opposite forces) in physics, 'motsatta intressen' in a business negotiation, or 'motsatta ideologier' in politics. You are able to use the word to synthesize information from different sources, noting where they have 'motsatta slutsatser' (opposite conclusions). At this level, your use of the word is no longer just about 'different', but about 'diametrically opposed'. You might start using intensifiers like 'helt motsatt' (completely opposite) or 'direkt motsatt' (directly opposite). You should also be able to distinguish 'motsatt' from more technical synonyms like 'konträr' or 'motstridig'. In writing, you use 'motsatt' to create a sophisticated flow, introducing counter-arguments or alternative scenarios. For example, 'Man skulle kunna argumentera för det motsatta förhållandet...' (One could argue for the opposite relationship...). You are also comfortable with the word in professional settings, such as discussing 'motsatt bevisning' (contrary evidence) in a legal or investigative context. Your understanding of the word is now deep enough to appreciate its role in creating structural balance in Swedish prose.

At the C1 level, your use of 'motsatt' is fluid and nuanced. You recognize its rhetorical power in persuasive speech and high-level academic writing. You can use it to describe subtle shifts in thought or theory, such as 'den motsatta tendensen' (the opposite tendency) in a market or society. You are sensitive to the stylistic difference between using the adjective 'motsatt' and the noun 'motsats'. At this level, you might use the word to explore philosophical dualities or complex scientific phenomena. You are also proficient in using the word in its most formal declensions and collocations, such as 'motsatt part' (opposing party) in legal documents. Your vocabulary is broad enough that you choose 'motsatt' specifically when you want to emphasize a structural or positional opposition, rather than just a conflict. You can follow fast-paced debates where 'motsatt' is used rapidly to pivot between ideas. You also understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which helps you appreciate its connection to other 'mot-' words. Your mastery of 'motsatt' allows you to express yourself with the precision and elegance expected at a near-native level.

At the C2 level, you have a complete, native-like command of 'motsatt'. You use it effortlessly in any context, from a casual joke about 'motsatta personligheter' to a dense academic treatise on 'motsatta ontologiska ståndpunkter' (opposite ontological positions). You are aware of the word's most subtle connotations and can use it to create irony, emphasis, or clarity. You understand how 'motsatt' interacts with Swedish prosody and rhythm, placing it perfectly within a sentence for maximum impact. You can also play with the word's history, perhaps using it in a way that alludes to its verbal origin in 'motsätta'. In professional or literary translation, you can decide whether 'motsatt' is the best fit or if a more specific term like 'diametral' or 'antitetisk' would be better. You are a master of the 'motsatta förhållandet'—the ability to see and describe the world from its flip side. Your use of 'motsatt' is not just grammatically perfect; it is stylistically sophisticated, reflecting a deep immersion in the Swedish language and its logical structures. You use the word to navigate the most complex intellectual landscapes with ease and authority.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

motsatt in 30 Seconds

Motsatt is the primary Swedish adjective for 'opposite', covering both physical locations (across the street) and abstract concepts (contrary opinions or effects).
It is derived from the verb 'motsätta' (to oppose) and functions as a past participle adjective, changing to 'motsatta' for plural and definite nouns.
Commonly used in navigation (opposite direction), science (opposite effect), and debates (opposite views), it is a versatile tool for expressing contrast.
It should not be confused with 'tvärtom' (an adverb for 'on the contrary') or 'mittemot' (a preposition for 'directly across from').

The Swedish word motsatt is a versatile adjective that essentially translates to 'opposite', 'contrary', or 'reverse' in English. At its core, it describes something that is situated in front of, or across from, something else, or something that is completely different in nature or direction. It is technically the past participle of the verb motsätta (to oppose), but in modern Swedish, it functions almost exclusively as an adjective. Understanding motsatt requires a grasp of both physical space and abstract concepts. Physically, it refers to things placed 'against' each other in space. Conceptually, it refers to ideas, directions, or effects that negate or stand in stark contrast to one another.

Spatial Orientation: When used in a physical context, motsatt describes position. For example, if you are standing on one side of a street, the 'motsatt sida' is the side directly across from you. It is the standard term for 'the other side' when that side is facing the current one. This is crucial for navigation and describing layouts of rooms or buildings.
Abstract Contrast: In abstract discussions, motsatt is used to describe conflicting viewpoints, diametrically opposed theories, or unexpected results. If a medicine was intended to cure a headache but instead caused one, you would say it had the 'motsatta effekten' (the opposite effect). It is the go-to word for expressing logical negation or reversal of expectations.
Grammatical Flexibility: As an adjective derived from a participle, it follows standard Swedish declension patterns. The common singular form is motsatt, while the plural and definite forms are motsatta. Unlike many other adjectives, it does not typically have a neuter form ending in '-t' distinct from the common form, as it already ends in '-t'.

De två politikerna har helt motsatta åsikter om skatterna.

Translation: The two politicians have completely opposite opinions about taxes.

In everyday conversation, Swedes use motsatt to clarify directions or to emphasize a point of disagreement. It is considered a B1 level word because while its basic meaning is simple, its application in formal debates, scientific reporting, and complex social interactions requires a nuanced understanding of context. It differs from tvärtom (the adverb 'on the contrary') in that motsatt modifies a noun, whereas tvärtom functions as a standalone interjection or adverbial phrase.

Bilen körde i motsatt riktning på motorvägen.

Translation: The car drove in the opposite direction on the highway.

Furthermore, motsatt is often paired with the definite article 'den/det/de'. For example, 'den motsatta sidan' (the opposite side). This specific construction is used to point out a specific entity that stands in contrast to the one previously mentioned. It is also found in legal and formal contexts, such as 'motsatt bevisning' (contrary evidence), where it implies a formal rebuttal or a different set of facts presented in a case.

Vi måste överväga det motsatta perspektivet innan vi fattar ett beslut.

Translation: We must consider the opposite perspective before we make a decision.

Mathematical Use: In geometry or logic, motsatt defines relationships like 'motsatta vinklar' (opposite angles). This precise usage highlights the word's utility in technical fields where exactness is required.

I en rektangel är de motsatta sidorna lika långa.

Translation: In a rectangle, the opposite sides are of equal length.

De rörde sig i motsatt ordning jämfört med förra gången.

Translation: They moved in the opposite order compared to last time.

In summary, whether you are talking about the house across the street, a reversal in a trend, or a conflicting opinion in a debate, motsatt is the essential adjective for describing 'the other side of the coin'. It bridges the gap between physical location and intellectual contrast, making it a cornerstone of intermediate Swedish vocabulary.

Using motsatt correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective and its specific inflectional patterns. Because it is derived from a past participle, it behaves slightly differently than standard adjectives like stor or glad. It is most commonly used in its basic form motsatt and its definite/plural form motsatta. Below, we explore the various sentence structures where this word appears, from simple descriptions to complex analytical statements.

Attributive Usage (Before the Noun): This is the most frequent use. You place motsatt before a noun to define its relationship to something else. Note that even with neuter nouns (ett-words), the form remains motsatt. For example: 'Ett motsatt resultat' (An opposite result). When the noun is definite, you must use the 'a' ending: 'Det motsatta resultatet'.

Hon valde den motsatta vägen för att undvika trafiken.

Translation: She chose the opposite way to avoid the traffic.

One of the most common sentence patterns involves describing movements or directions. Swedish uses the preposition i for directions. Phrases like 'i motsatt riktning' (in the opposite direction) or 'åt motsatt håll' (towards the opposite direction) are idiomatic and should be learned as chunks. These are essential for giving directions or describing physics experiments.

Vinden blåser i motsatt riktning mot vad vi förväntade oss.

Translation: The wind is blowing in the opposite direction to what we expected.

Predicative Usage (After the Verb): While less common than attributive use, motsatt can follow a linking verb like vara (to be). In these cases, it often describes a relationship. For example: 'Deras intressen är motsatta' (Their interests are opposite/conflicting). Note the plural ending '-a' because 'intressen' is plural.

Effekten av medicinen var den motsatta.

Translation: The effect of the medicine was the opposite (one).

In more advanced academic or professional Swedish, motsatt is used to introduce counter-arguments. It often appears in structures like 'Å andra sidan, från ett motsatt perspektiv...' (On the other hand, from an opposite perspective...). This helps in structuring logical flow in writing. It is also used to describe logical relationships in mathematics and logic, such as 'motsatta påståenden' (opposite assertions).

Vi har kommit till den motsatta slutsatsen efter vår undersökning.

Translation: We have come to the opposite conclusion after our investigation.

The 'Motsatta Förhållandet' Pattern: A very formal way to say 'the reverse' or 'the opposite situation'. This is common in sociology and economics to describe inverse correlations between two variables.

Det motsatta förhållandet råder i de norra delarna av landet.

Translation: The opposite situation prevails in the northern parts of the country.

When describing people, motsatt can be used to describe gender or personality types. 'Det motsatta könet' is the standard way to say 'the opposite sex'. While 'gender' (genus) is increasingly used in modern Swedish, 'kön' remains the standard term in this specific phrase. Similarly, 'motsatta personligheter' describes people who are very different from each other.

De är motsatta personligheter, men de fungerar bra ihop.

Translation: They are opposite personalities, but they work well together.

Finally, remember that motsatt often requires a reference point. Something is only 'opposite' in relation to something else. Therefore, sentences often include a 'mot' (against/to) or 'till' (to) to establish this link. For example: 'Motsatt till vad många tror...' (Opposite to what many believe...). Mastering these prepositions will make your use of motsatt sound much more natural and fluent.

The word motsatt is a staple of Swedish public life, media, and academic discourse. While it might sound a bit formal for a casual chat about the weather, it is indispensable in any context where contrast, debate, or spatial description is required. From the news to the classroom, and from the courtroom to the laboratory, you will encounter motsatt frequently. Understanding its 'natural habitats' will help you recognize its nuances in real-world Swedish.

In the News and Political Debates: Swedish news programs like Rapport or Aktuellt use motsatt to frame conflicting views. Journalists often say, 'Oppositionen har en helt motsatt uppfattning' (The opposition has a completely opposite view). It is a neutral way to describe political polarization without necessarily taking a side. It highlights the distance between two ideological poles.

Regeringen och facket har motsatta åsikter om de nya lagarna.

Translation: The government and the union have opposite opinions about the new laws.

In scientific and medical reporting, motsatt is used to describe findings that contradict hypotheses. If a study on caffeine shows it makes people sleepier, the reporter might say, 'Studien visade på en motsatt effekt än väntat' (The study showed an opposite effect than expected). This usage is very common in popular science magazines like Illustrerad Vetenskap.

Forskarna upptäckte att cellerna reagerade på ett motsatt sätt i rymden.

Translation: The researchers discovered that the cells reacted in an opposite way in space.

In Daily Navigation and Traffic: If you listen to Swedish traffic radio (P4 Trafik), you will hear motsatt riktning constantly. 'Det är stopp i trafiken i motsatt riktning på E4:an' (There is a traffic jam in the opposite direction on the E4). It is the standard way to inform drivers about issues on the other side of the median.

Varning för ett fordon som kör i motsatt körriktning.

Translation: Warning for a vehicle driving in the opposite traffic direction.

In business and economics, motsatt describes market trends or consumer behavior. 'Vi ser en motsatt trend inom modeindustrin just nu' (We see an opposite trend in the fashion industry right now). It's also used in contract law to describe 'motsatt part' (the opposing party or counterparty). This makes it a vital word for anyone working in a professional Swedish environment.

Aktiekursen rörde sig i motsatt riktning mot indexet.

Translation: The stock price moved in the opposite direction to the index.

In Literature and Philosophy: Swedish authors often use motsatt to explore duality and conflict. Whether it is August Strindberg describing the 'motsatta krafter' (opposite forces) in a marriage or a modern crime novelist describing the 'motsatta sidorna' of a city (the rich vs. the poor), the word carries a weight of structural contrast.

Boken utforskar de motsatta sidorna av den mänskliga naturen.

Translation: The book explores the opposite sides of human nature.

In summary, you will hear motsatt whenever there is a need to define a relationship of contrast. It is a word that provides structure to descriptions, whether they are physical, logical, or ideological. Paying attention to its use in news and professional settings will significantly enhance your ability to follow complex Swedish discussions.

Learning motsatt presents a few pitfalls for English speakers, primarily because Swedish has several words that translate to 'opposite' or 'contrary' depending on the grammatical context. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you sound more like a native speaker and ensure your meaning is always clear. The most frequent errors involve confusing motsatt with tvärtom, emot, or mittemot.

Confusing 'motsatt' with 'tvärtom': This is the number one mistake. Motsatt is an adjective (it describes a noun). Tvärtom is an adverb or an interjection (it describes an action or a whole statement). You cannot say 'Det är en tvärtom effekt'. You must say 'Det är en motsatt effekt'. Conversely, if someone asks 'Är du arg?' and you want to say 'On the contrary!', you say 'Tvärtom!', not 'Motsatt!'.

Fel: Jag tycker motsatt.
Rätt: Jag tycker tvärtom.

Explanation: When expressing a contrary opinion as an adverbial phrase, use 'tvärtom'.

Another common error is the misuse of mittemot. While motsatt describes the quality of being opposite, mittemot is a preposition meaning 'directly across from'. If you want to say 'The house is opposite the park', you use mittemot: 'Huset ligger mittemot parken'. If you use motsatt, you would have to say 'Huset ligger på den motsatta sidan av gatan' (The house is on the opposite side of the street).

Fel: Han bor motsatt skolan.
Rätt: Han bor mittemot skolan.

Explanation: Use 'mittemot' for spatial 'across from' relationships.

Incorrect Declension: Learners often forget to add the '-a' for plural or definite forms. Since motsatt already ends in '-t', many think it doesn't change. However, you must say 'de motsatta riktningarna' (the opposite directions). Forgetting this '-a' is a sign of an A2/B1 level plateau.

Fel: De motsatt sidorna.
Rätt: De motsatta sidorna.

Explanation: Plural nouns require the 'a' ending on the adjective.

A subtle mistake is using motsatt when omvänd (reverse) is more appropriate. While they are often interchangeable, omvänd is better for processes or orders that have been flipped. For example, 'i omvänd ordning' (in reverse order) is slightly more common than 'i motsatt ordning', though both are technically correct. Motsatt is more about the position or nature, while omvänd is about the act of turning something around.

Vi gjorde det i omvänd ordning (better than 'motsatt').

Explanation: 'Omvänd' is often preferred for 'reverse order'.

Lastly, be careful with the word motstridig (conflicting). If two pieces of information don't match, they are motstridiga. If they are completely opposite (like black and white), they are motsatta. Using motsatt for simple disagreements might be too strong; motstridig or annorlunda might be more accurate depending on the degree of difference.

To truly master motsatt, you need to know how it stacks up against its synonyms and related terms. Swedish is rich in words that describe difference and opposition. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about physical space, logical contradictions, or simple variety. Here is a breakdown of the most important alternatives.

Motsatt vs. Omvänd: Motsatt means 'opposite' in terms of nature or position. Omvänd means 'reversed' or 'inverted'. If you flip a pancake, it is in an omvänd position. If you have a view that is the total negation of someone else's, it is motsatt. However, in the phrase 'the reverse is true', Swedes often say 'det omvända gäller'.
Motsatt vs. Konträr: Konträr is a more formal, academic word used in logic and philosophy. It is a direct loan from 'contrary'. While motsatt is used in everyday speech, konträr is reserved for formal debates or scientific papers describing mutually exclusive propositions.
Motsatt vs. Motstridig: Motstridig means 'conflicting' or 'contradictory'. Use this when two things are 'fighting' each other or don't align. 'Motstridiga uppgifter' (conflicting information) is a common news phrase. Motsatt is more about the static state of being opposite, while motstridig implies an active clash.

Vi fick motstridiga instruktioner från chefen.

Translation: We received conflicting instructions from the boss.

In a spatial context, you should consider mittemot (directly across) and gentemot (towards/in relation to). While motsatt describes the side, mittemot describes the location. 'Huset på den motsatta sidan' (the house on the opposite side) vs. 'Huset ligger mittemot parken' (The house lies across from the park). Gentemot is more abstract, often used to describe attitudes: 'vår inställning gentemot kunden' (our attitude towards the customer).

De satt mittemot varandra vid bordet.

Translation: They sat opposite (across from) each other at the table.

For more informal situations, you might use helt annorlunda (completely different). While not a direct synonym for 'opposite', it often serves the same purpose in conversation. 'Min bror är helt annorlunda än jag' is more natural than 'Min bror är min motsats' unless you are emphasizing the extreme nature of the difference.

Verkligheten var helt annorlunda än vi trodde.

Translation: Reality was completely different than we thought.

Finally, consider the noun motsats (the opposite). You can say 'Svart är motsatsen till vitt' (Black is the opposite of white). This is often a safer bet if you are unsure about adjective declensions. Using the noun form motsatsen + till is a very common and clear way to express opposition in Swedish.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Parterna företräder diametralt motsatta intressen i denna juridiska tvist."

Neutral

"Vi valde att köra i motsatt riktning för att se mer av landskapet."

Informal

"Han är helt motsatt mot vad jag trodde!"

Child friendly

"Kan du hitta det motsatta ordet till 'glad'? Det är 'ledsen'."

Slang

"Det är ju helt motsatt, mannen!"

Fun Fact

The word 'motsatt' is technically a past participle, but it has become so common as an adjective that most Swedes don't even think of the verb 'motsätta' when using it.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈmuːtˌsat/

US /ˈmuːtˌsæt/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'mot-', with a secondary stress on '-sat'.

Rhymes With

fortsatt utsatt nedsatt tillsatt insatt påsatt avsatt ersatt

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'o' like the 'o' in 'hot' (it should be like 'oo').
Making the 'a' too long (it should be a short, staccato sound).
Forgetting the double 't' sound at the end, which should be crisp.
Confusing the pitch accent; it follows the typical Swedish 'Accent 1' pattern for participles.
Merging the 't' and 's' into a 'ts' sound like in 'pizza'; keep them distinct: mot-satt.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, but requires context to distinguish from synonyms.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct declension (motsatt/motsatta) and pairing with the right prepositions.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but must be distinguished from 'tvärtom'.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and traffic reports; usually clear in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

mot sida håll riktning åsikt

Learn Next

tvärtom mittemot omvänd motstridig konträr

Advanced

diametral antitetisk dikotomi paradoxal

Grammar to Know

Adjective Declension of Participles

En motsatt riktning (indefinite), den motsatta riktningen (definite).

Adverb vs Adjective usage

Use 'motsatt' for nouns, 'tvärtom' for actions/statements.

Prepositional phrases with 'mot' and 'till'

Motsatt till/mot något.

Neuter noun agreement

Ett motsatt resultat (remains 'motsatt').

Plural agreement

Motsatta sidor (adds -a).

Examples by Level

Huset ligger på motsatt sida.

The house is on the opposite side.

Simple attributive use with 'sida'.

Gå åt motsatt håll.

Go the opposite way.

'Håll' is a common noun paired with 'motsatt'.

Titta på den motsatta väggen.

Look at the opposite wall.

Definite form 'den motsatta'.

De bor på motsatt sida gatan.

They live on the opposite side of the street.

Common spatial usage.

Skriv på den motsatta sidan.

Write on the opposite side.

Refers to the back of a paper.

Bilen körde i motsatt riktning.

The car drove in the opposite direction.

'I ... riktning' is a standard phrase.

De har motsatta färger.

They have opposite colors.

Plural form 'motsatta'.

Dörren är på motsatt sida.

The door is on the opposite side.

Basic descriptive sentence.

Vi har motsatta åsikter om maten.

We have opposite opinions about the food.

Abstract usage for opinions.

Han valde den motsatta vägen i livet.

He chose the opposite path in life.

Metaphorical use of 'väg'.

De är motsatta personligheter.

They are opposite personalities.

Plural adjective describing people.

Resultatet blev det motsatta.

The result was the opposite.

Neuter definite 'det motsatta'.

Solen går upp på motsatt sida i morgon.

The sun rises on the opposite side tomorrow.

Spatial/temporal context.

Jag bor på den motsatta sidan av staden.

I live on the opposite side of the city.

Definite noun phrase.

De sprang i motsatt riktning från varandra.

They ran in the opposite direction from each other.

Describes relative movement.

Det är en motsatt effekt av medicinen.

It is an opposite effect of the medicine.

Indefinite common form.

De två länderna har helt motsatta intressen.

The two countries have completely opposite interests.

Use of 'helt' as an intensifier.

Vi måste se saken från ett motsatt perspektiv.

We must see the matter from an opposite perspective.

Indefinite neuter 'ett motsatt'.

Hon gjorde tvärtom och gick i motsatt riktning.

She did the opposite and went in the opposite direction.

Contrast between 'tvärtom' and 'motsatt'.

Det motsatta könet har ofta andra behov.

The opposite sex often has other needs.

Standard phrase 'det motsatta könet'.

Jag fick den motsatta reaktionen på mitt förslag.

I got the opposite reaction to my proposal.

Definite common form.

De arbetar för motsatta mål.

They work for opposite goals.

Plural without article.

Läs instruktionerna i motsatt ordning.

Read the instructions in opposite order.

Describes a sequence.

Det är motsatta sidor av samma mynt.

They are opposite sides of the same coin.

Idiomatic expression.

Hennes argument var direkt motsatta mina.

Her arguments were directly opposite to mine.

Predicative use with 'vara'.

Vi observerade en motsatt trend i statistiken.

We observed an opposite trend in the statistics.

Formal/Academic context.

Det råder ett motsatt förhållande mellan pris och efterfrågan.

There is an opposite relationship between price and demand.

Formal phrase 'motsatt förhållande'.

Studien visar på motsatta resultat jämfört med tidigare forskning.

The study shows opposite results compared to previous research.

Scientific comparison.

De två teorierna är diametralt motsatta.

The two theories are diametrically opposite.

High-level collocation 'diametralt motsatta'.

Vi befinner oss i en motsatt situation nu.

We find ourselves in an opposite situation now.

Contextual reversal.

Det finns motsatta krafter som verkar på objektet.

There are opposite forces acting on the object.

Technical usage in physics.

Han hävdade det motsatta under rättegången.

He claimed the opposite during the trial.

Substantive use 'det motsatta'.

Artikeln belyser de motsatta intressena i konflikten.

The article highlights the opposite interests in the conflict.

Nuanced analysis.

Detta kan leda till en motsatt utveckling i regionen.

This could lead to an opposite development in the region.

Speculative formal Swedish.

Trots de motsatta förutsättningarna lyckades de samarbeta.

Despite the opposite conditions, they managed to cooperate.

Concessive clause with 'trots'.

Vi måste beakta den motsatta sidans bevisföring.

We must consider the opposite side's evidence.

Legal terminology.

Det finns en motsatt tendens att privatisera skolan.

There is an opposite tendency to privatize the school.

Sociological observation.

Hennes slutsats står i motsatt relation till premisserna.

Her conclusion stands in opposite relation to the premises.

Logical critique.

De motsatta polerna attraherar varandra.

The opposite poles attract each other.

Scientific fact.

Han agerade i motsatt syfte för att dölja sina spår.

He acted with an opposite purpose to hide his tracks.

Psychological motivation.

Diskursen präglas av diametralt motsatta ontologiska antaganden.

The discourse is characterized by diametrically opposite ontological assumptions.

Highly academic register.

Det motsatta förhållandet torde gälla under dessa specifika omständigheter.

The opposite situation should likely apply under these specific circumstances.

Use of 'torde' for formal probability.

Författaren laborerar med motsatta arketyper i sitt verk.

The author experiments with opposite archetypes in their work.

Literary analysis.

Denna policy har gett upphov till en motsatt effekt på marknaden än den avsedda.

This policy has given rise to an opposite effect on the market than the intended one.

Complex causal structure.

Givet de motsatta parametrarna är ekvationen olösbar.

Given the opposite parameters, the equation is unsolvable.

Mathematical logic.

Vi ser en motsatt korrelation mellan dessa två variabler.

We see an opposite correlation between these two variables.

Statistical terminology.

Det rör sig om en motsatt rättslig tolkning av paragrafen.

It concerns an opposite legal interpretation of the paragraph.

Jurisprudential nuance.

Hela hans väsen utstrålar den motsatta energin mot vad som krävs.

His whole being radiates the opposite energy to what is required.

Metaphysical description.

Common Collocations

motsatt riktning

motsatt effekt

motsatt åsikt

den motsatta sidan

det motsatta könet

motsatta intressen

motsatta poler

i motsatt ordning

diametralt motsatt

motsatt bevisning

Common Phrases

Gå i motsatt riktning

— To go in the opposite direction, either physically or metaphorically.

Han valde att gå i motsatt riktning mot sina föräldrar.

På motsatt sida

— On the other side of something (a street, a coin, a room).

Toaletten finns på motsatt sida av korridoren.

Helt motsatt

— Completely opposite; used for strong emphasis.

Vädret var helt motsatt vad prognosen sa.

Det motsatta gäller

— The opposite applies; used to state a reverse situation.

Vissa gillar kyla, men för mig gäller det motsatta.

Motsatta sidor av ett mynt

— Two different aspects of the same situation.

Frihet och ansvar är två motsatta sidor av samma mynt.

Från ett motsatt håll

— From an opposite direction or perspective.

Vinden kom plötsligt från ett motsatt håll.

Dra i motsatt riktning

— To pull in opposite directions; to work against each other.

Olika avdelningar inom företaget drar i motsatt riktning.

Motsatta känslor

— Conflicting or opposite emotions (e.g., love and hate).

Jag har motsatta känslor inför att flytta.

Motsatt verkan

— An opposite effect or impact.

Kritiken hade en motsatt verkan och gjorde honom mer motiverad.

Stå i motsatt förhållande

— To be in an inverse relationship to something.

Kvalitet och pris står ofta i motsatt förhållande.

Often Confused With

motsatt vs tvärtom

Tvärtom is an adverb ('on the contrary'). Motsatt is an adjective ('opposite'). You can't say 'en tvärtom sida'.

motsatt vs mittemot

Mittemot is a preposition ('across from'). Motsatt describes the side itself. 'Huset mittemot' vs 'den motsatta sidan'.

motsatt vs emot

Emot means 'against' or 'towards'. While related, it doesn't mean 'opposite' as an adjective.

Idioms & Expressions

"Som natt och dag"

— To be as different as night and day; effectively 'motsatta'.

De två bröderna är som natt och dag.

informal

"Två sidor av samma mynt"

— Two opposite but inseparable parts of a whole.

Kärlek och svartsjuka är två sidor av samma mynt.

neutral

"Gå mot strömmen"

— To go against the current/crowd; to act in a 'motsatt' way to others.

Hon vågar alltid gå mot strömmen.

neutral

"Vända kappan efter vinden"

— To change one's opinion to match the prevailing one (the opposite of staying 'motsatt').

Politikern vände kappan efter vinden.

informal/critical

"Helt på tvärs"

— To be completely contrary or opposite to something.

Hans förslag gick helt på tvärs mot våra planer.

neutral

"Svart på vitt"

— Black on white; used for clarity, often contrasting 'motsatta' colors.

Här har du beviset, svart på vitt.

neutral

"Som hund och katt"

— To be opposites who constantly fight.

De bråkar som hund och katt.

informal

"Slå bakut"

— To react in a strongly opposite/negative way to a suggestion.

När jag föreslog ändringen slog han bakut direkt.

informal

"Stå i bjärt kontrast"

— To stand in vivid/stark contrast to something.

Hans rikedom stod i bjärt kontrast till folkets fattigdom.

literary

"Vända på steken"

— To turn the steak; to reverse the situation or take the opposite view.

Låt oss vända på steken och se det från deras sida.

informal

Easily Confused

motsatt vs omvänd

Both can mean 'reverse'.

Omvänd is for processes or flipped states. Motsatt is for positions or inherent natures.

I omvänd ordning (In reverse order).

motsatt vs motstridig

Both imply difference.

Motstridig implies a conflict or clash. Motsatt just implies being at the other end of a spectrum.

Motstridiga uppgifter (Conflicting info).

motsatt vs konträr

Very similar meaning.

Konträr is strictly formal/academic. Motsatt is used everywhere.

Konträra motsatser (Contrary opposites).

motsatt vs gentemot

Sounds similar and involves 'mot'.

Gentemot is a preposition meaning 'towards' or 'in relation to'.

Snäll gentemot barnen (Kind towards the children).

motsatt vs annorlunda

Broadly means 'different'.

Annorlunda is just 'different'; Motsatt is 'specifically the other extreme'.

En annorlunda dag (A different day).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] ligger på motsatt sida.

Skolan ligger på motsatt sida.

Vi har [Adjective] motsatta [Noun].

Vi har helt motsatta åsikter.

I motsatt riktning [Verb] [Subject].

I motsatt riktning körde en röd bil.

Det gav den motsatta effekten.

Kritiken gav den motsatta effekten.

Ett motsatt förhållande råder mellan [A] och [B].

Ett motsatt förhållande råder mellan utbud och efterfrågan.

De är diametralt motsatta.

Deras visioner för framtiden är diametralt motsatta.

Trots de motsatta [Noun] lyckades vi...

Trots de motsatta intressena lyckades vi nå en lösning.

Det rör sig om en motsatt [Noun] av [Noun].

Det rör sig om en motsatt tolkning av lagen.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Highly common in journalism, science, and navigation; moderately common in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Jag tycker motsatt. → Jag tycker tvärtom.
You need an adverb to modify the verb 'tycker'. 'Motsatt' is an adjective.
Den motsatt sidan. → Den motsatta sidan.
In the definite form, adjectives need the '-a' ending.
Han bor motsatt skolan. → Han bor mittemot skolan.
'Motsatt' is not a preposition. Use 'mittemot' for 'opposite' as a location.
Ett motsattna resultat. → Ett motsatt resultat.
Don't over-inflect. Indefinite singular is just 'motsatt'.
Vi rör oss i motsatt håll. → Vi rör oss åt motsatt håll.
Direction with 'håll' usually takes the preposition 'åt'.

Tips

Watch the Definite Form

Always remember to add '-a' when you use 'den', 'det', or 'de'. It's 'den motsatta sidan', never 'den motsatt sidan'.

Motsatt vs. Tvärtom

If you can replace 'opposite' with 'contrary' in English as an adverb, use 'tvärtom'. If it's an adjective, use 'motsatt'.

The 'Mot' Sound

The 'o' in 'mot' is a long, closed vowel. Practice saying 'moooo-t' to get the Swedish 'o' correct.

Traffic Reports

Listen to P4 Trafik to hear 'motsatt riktning' used in real-time. It's great for natural listening practice.

Use for Contrast

Use 'motsatt' to structure your writing when comparing two different ideas or results.

Sat Against

Imagine something that was 'sat' (placed) 'mot' (against) something else. That's 'motsatt'.

Diametralt

Pair 'motsatt' with 'diametralt' for high-level academic discussions to sound like a C1/C2 speaker.

Not for 'Across'

Don't say 'Han bor motsatt mig'. Say 'Han bor mittemot mig'. 'Motsatt' is an adjective, not a preposition.

Result vs. Process

Use 'motsatt' for the resulting state and 'omvänd' for the process of reversing something.

Motsatser Lockar

Learn the phrase 'motsatser lockar' (opposites attract). It's a common Swedish idiom about relationships.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MOT' as 'MOving Toward' something to block it, and 'SATT' as 'SAT' (placed). If you 'SAT' something 'MOT' (against) something else, it is 'motsatt' (opposite).

Visual Association

Imagine a mirror. The reflection is 'motsatt' to the real object. Or imagine two magnets pushing away from each other—they are 'motsatta poler'.

Word Web

mot (against) sätta (place) motsats (the opposite) riktning (direction) åsikt (opinion) effekt (effect) sida (side) kön (sex/gender)

Challenge

Try to find five things in your room that have an 'opposite'. Name them in Swedish using 'motsatt'. For example, 'den motsatta väggen' or 'den motsatta färgen'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Swedish verb 'motsätta', which is a compound of 'mot' (against) and 'sätta' (to set/place). It literally means 'placed against'.

Original meaning: To be placed or set in a position facing or opposing something else.

Germanic (Swedish). Cognate with German 'entgegengesetzt'.

Cultural Context

When using 'det motsatta könet' (the opposite sex), be aware that modern Swedish often uses 'andra kön' or 'alla kön' to be more inclusive of non-binary identities, though 'motsatta' remains the standard linguistic term for the binary contrast.

English speakers often use 'opposite' as a preposition ('He lives opposite the park'). In Swedish, you must use 'mittemot' for this. 'Motsatt' is strictly an adjective.

August Strindberg's plays often feature characters with 'motsatta viljor' (opposite wills). The Swedish 'Polstjärnan' (North Star) is often contrasted with its 'motsatta' point in the sky in navigation lore. The 'motsatta' nature of the long, dark winters and the short, bright summers is a central theme in Swedish literature and art.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Giving Directions

Gå till den motsatta sidan av gatan.
Det ligger åt motsatt håll.
Följ vägen i motsatt riktning.
Ta den motsatta utgången.

Scientific Discussion

Vi såg en motsatt effekt.
Resultaten är motsatta våra förväntningar.
Motsatta laddningar attraherar varandra.
Hypotesen visade sig vara motsatt verkligheten.

Political Debate

Jag har en motsatt uppfattning.
De driver en motsatt politik.
Det finns motsatta intressen i frågan.
Vi ser på saken från ett motsatt håll.

Describing People

De är helt motsatta karaktärer.
Motsatser lockar varandra.
Han är min motsats.
De har motsatta livsstilar.

Navigation/Traffic

Körfältet i motsatt riktning är avstängt.
Se upp för trafik från motsatt håll.
Bussen går på den motsatta sidan.
Vänd och kör i motsatt riktning.

Conversation Starters

"Har du någonsin haft en helt motsatt åsikt än din bästa vän?"

"Vad gör du om du märker att du kör i motsatt riktning på en enkelriktad gata?"

"Tror du att personer med motsatta personligheter passar bäst ihop?"

"Har du någonsin tagit en medicin som gav dig den motsatta effekten?"

"Vilken är den mest motsatta platsen till din hemstad som du har besökt?"

Journal Prompts

Skriv om en gång när du ändrade din åsikt till den helt motsatta. Vad fick dig att ändra dig?

Beskriv din personliga motsats. Hur skulle den personen vara och hur skulle ni komma överens?

Reflektera över ett beslut du fattat som fick den motsatta effekten mot vad du hoppades på.

Tänk på ett problem i samhället och beskriv det från två helt motsatta perspektiv.

Hur känns det att gå i motsatt riktning mot vad alla andra gör? Berätta om en sådan erfarenhet.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Rarely. In Swedish, 'tvärtom' or 'i motsatt riktning' are used instead. For example, instead of saying 'He acted opposite', you say 'Han agerade tvärtom' or 'Han agerade på ett motsatt sätt'.

'Motsatt' is an adjective (opposite side), while 'motsats' is a noun (the opposite). Example: 'Svart är motsatsen till vitt' (Black is the opposite of white).

No, 'motsatta' is also the definite singular form. 'Den motsatta sidan' (the opposite side) is singular but definite, so it needs the '-a'.

You can say 'direkt motsatt' or 'mittemot' if you mean physically across from something. For abstract things, 'diametralt motsatt' is common.

Yes, to describe their nature or roles, e.g., 'de är motsatta karaktärer'. It's also used in 'det motsatta könet' (the opposite sex).

It is neutral. It's used in both everyday speech ('motsatt sida') and formal academic writing ('motsatt förhållande').

In the indefinite form, it remains 'motsatt' (ett motsatt resultat). In the definite form, it becomes 'motsatta' (det motsatta resultatet).

'I motsatt riktning' (in the opposite direction) is extremely common, especially in traffic and navigation.

It is grammatically possible but rare. Usually, things are either opposite or they aren't. If you need to, use 'mer' instead of an ending.

The opposite would be 'samma' (same) or 'likadan' (similar/same kind).