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A1 pronoun 10 min read

ni

Examples ni in 30 Seconds
Explanation ni in your Level:
At the A1 level, the focus is on the most basic and essential use of ni: as the plural form of 'you'. Learners should understand that while 'du' is for one person, 'ni' is for two or more. This is vital for basic social interactions, such as greeting a group of friends or asking for directions from a couple. At this stage, the grammatical simplicity of Swedish verbs—which do not change for person—makes 'ni' easy to use. However, students must learn to pair 'ni' with plural adjectives (usually ending in -a). For example, 'Ni är glada' (You all are happy). A1 learners should avoid using 'ni' as a formal singular pronoun to prevent social awkwardness, as modern Swedish is overwhelmingly informal. The primary goal is to distinguish between 'du' and 'ni' in simple subject-verb-object sentences and basic questions.
Moving into A2, learners should begin to notice ni in more varied contexts, particularly in the service industry. When you enter a shop or a restaurant with someone else, the staff will address you as 'ni'. You should be able to respond appropriately. At this level, you also introduce the object form 'er' and the possessive forms 'er', 'ert', and 'era'. Understanding that 'ni' is only for the subject position is a key milestone. You will also start encountering common phrases like 'Hej på er' (Hello to you all) and 'Vad vill ni ha?' (What do you all want?). A2 students should practice using 'ni' in the inverted word order required for questions, such as 'Har ni tid?' (Do you all have time?). The cultural nuance of the 'Du-reform' may be introduced here to explain why 'ni' isn't used for individuals in most situations.
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At the B1 level, the learner should have a firm grasp of the 'du/ni' distinction and start to understand the subtle social cues involved. B1 students should be comfortable using ni in professional settings when addressing a team or a department. This includes written communication, such as emails to multiple recipients. You should also be aware of the 'Ni-reform' history in more detail, recognizing that some older Swedes might still have specific feelings about the word. You will start to see 'ni' used in more complex grammatical structures, such as with modal verbs and in subordinate clauses. For instance, 'Jag tror att ni kommer att gilla det här' (I think that you all will like this). At this stage, the use of 'ni' should feel instinctive when addressing a group, and the agreement of adjectives should be consistently correct.
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By B2, the learner is expected to navigate the 'formal ni' controversy with ease. You should understand when a shop assistant is trying to be 'extra polite' by using 'ni' for a single person and how to react to it (usually by continuing to use 'du' back). B2 learners should also be able to use ni in more abstract or rhetorical contexts, such as in a presentation where 'ni' refers to the audience's collective experience. You will encounter 'ni' in more literary or journalistic texts, where its usage might be more nuanced. The ability to switch between 'ni' (plural) and 'man' (generic 'one') is crucial at this level to avoid sounding like you are pointing fingers at specific groups when making general statements. Your command of the possessive 'er/ert/era' should be flawless, even in complex sentences with multiple clauses.
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At the C1 level, the student explores the sociolinguistic depths of ni. This includes analyzing historical texts where 'ni' was the standard formal address and understanding how the 'Du-reform' changed the power dynamics of the Swedish language. You should be able to discuss the pros and cons of the 'new-Niing' (niniande) trend among younger service staff. C1 learners can use 'ni' to create specific rhetorical effects in public speaking—for example, using it to create a sense of 'us vs. you' or to foster a collective identity among listeners. You should also be sensitive to regional variations; in some parts of the Swedish-speaking world (like parts of Finland), the formal 'ni' might have stayed more prevalent or have different connotations than in Stockholm. Your use of 'ni' in high-level academic or professional writing should be precise and culturally attuned.
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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for ni. You can read between the lines when 'ni' is used in a singular context—detecting whether it is meant to be respectful, sarcastic, or simply a sign of a non-native speaker or a specific corporate culture. You can engage in deep debates about the evolution of Swedish pronouns and the impact of social egalitarianism on language. C2 mastery involves the ability to use 'ni' in creative writing to evoke specific historical periods or to portray characters with particular social backgrounds. You understand the etymological roots of 'ni' (the fusion of the verb ending -en and the old pronoun I) and can explain these complexities to others. For a C2 speaker, 'ni' is not just a pronoun; it is a symbol of the Swedish social contract and its linguistic history.
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Examples

ni in 30 Seconds

  • Ni is the plural version of 'you' in Swedish, used for groups of two or more people.
  • Unlike English, Swedish requires a different word for addressing one person (du) versus many (ni).
  • It is also used as a formal singular 'you' in very specific luxury service contexts, though this is rare.
  • When using ni, remember that any adjectives in the sentence must also be in their plural form.

The Swedish word ni is primarily the second-person plural pronoun, used when addressing more than one person. In English, this translates to 'you' (plural), 'you all', or 'you guys'. Understanding ni is fundamental for any beginner because it allows you to interact with groups, whether they are friends, family, or colleagues. While English uses the same word 'you' for both singular and plural, Swedish makes a sharp distinction between du (singular) and ni (plural).

Plural Addressing
When you are speaking to a crowd, a couple, or even just two siblings, you must use ni. It signals that your statement or question is directed at everyone present in that group.
The Formal Singular Context
Historically, ni was used as a formal way to address a single person of higher status. However, after the social revolution known as the 'Du-reformen' in the 1960s, this usage largely vanished from daily life. Today, you might only hear it in extremely high-end service settings, such as luxury hotels or when the staff addresses a customer, though even this is debated among Swedes.

Hej, vad gör ni här idag?

Translation: Hello, what are you (all) doing here today?

The usage of ni is deeply tied to Swedish egalitarianism. Because the 'Du-reform' was so successful, addressing an individual as ni can sometimes feel distancing or even slightly rude to older generations who remember the rigid class structures of the past. For a learner, the safest rule of thumb is: use ni when there are two or more people, and du when there is only one. In a classroom, a teacher will say 'Kan ni öppna boken?' (Can you all open the book?) to the whole class, but will turn to one student and say 'Kan du läsa?' (Can you read?).

Kommer ni till festen på lördag?

Translation: Are you (plural) coming to the party on Saturday?
The Grammatical Role
Ni is the subject form. When the pronoun is the object of a sentence (the receiver of the action), it changes to er. For example: 'Jag ser er' (I see you all).

In written Swedish, particularly in older literature or formal documents from the early 20th century, you will see ni used frequently for individuals. However, modern professional emails, even to people you don't know, almost exclusively use du. The only common exception is in commercial newsletters or marketing where a brand addresses its entire customer base as ni.

Vart ska ni resa i sommar?

Translation: Where are you (all) going to travel this summer?

To wrap up, ni is a powerful tool for social coordination. It allows you to invite groups, ask for collective opinions, and recognize the presence of multiple people in a conversation. Its history as a formal singular pronoun adds a layer of depth to Swedish sociolinguistics, but for your daily interactions in Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmö, think of it as your primary way to say 'Hello everyone!'

Using ni correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Swedish word order and how pronouns function as subjects. Because Swedish is a V2 language (the verb usually comes second in a declarative sentence), ni will often appear at the very beginning of the sentence or immediately after the verb in a question.

Declarative Sentences
In a standard statement, ni acts as the subject. Example: 'Ni äter äpplen' (You all are eating apples). Here, the pronoun starts the sentence, followed by the present tense verb.
Inverted Word Order (Questions)
To ask a question, you swap the subject and the verb. Example: 'Äter ni äpplen?' (Are you all eating apples?). This inversion is the most common way to form questions in Swedish.

Varför skrattar ni så mycket?

Translation: Why are you (all) laughing so much?

When using ni with auxiliary verbs (helping verbs like 'kan', 'vill', 'ska'), the structure remains consistent. The auxiliary verb takes the second position, and ni either precedes it or follows it in a question. Example: 'Ni kan prata svenska' (You all can speak Swedish) vs. 'Kan ni prata svenska?' (Can you all speak Swedish?).

Här kan ni sitta och vänta.

Translation: You (plural) can sit and wait here.
Negation with 'Inte'
When you want to say 'you all are not...', the word inte usually comes after the verb. Example: 'Ni förstår inte' (You all do not understand).

One interesting aspect of ni is how it interacts with adjectives. Since ni is plural, any adjective describing the group must also be in its plural form (usually ending in -a). For example, 'Du är snäll' (You are kind - singular) becomes 'Ni är snälla' (You all are kind - plural). This is a common area where students make mistakes, forgetting to pluralize the adjective to match the pronoun.

Är ni redo för nästa steg?

Translation: Are you (plural) ready for the next step?

In commands or imperatives, ni is often omitted, just like in English. However, if you want to emphasize who should do the action, you can include it. 'Kom hit!' (Come here!) is a general command, whereas 'Kom hit, ni!' specifically targets the group you are pointing at. This adds a level of directness to your speech.

In the modern Swedish landscape, ni is heard everywhere from bustling city squares to quiet office meetings. Its most frequent occurrence is in social gatherings. Imagine walking into a room where three friends are sitting. Your first instinctual greeting would be 'Hej på er!' (Hello to you all - using the object form) or 'Vad gör ni?' (What are you all doing?).

In the Service Industry
If you walk into a restaurant with a partner, the host will almost certainly ask: 'Har ni bokat bord?' (Have you all booked a table?). This is the standard, polite way for staff to address a group of customers. In this context, ni is strictly plural.
Public Announcements
At train stations or airports, the voice over the loudspeaker addresses the passengers as ni. 'Vi ber er att hålla uppsikt över ert bagage' (We ask you [plural] to keep an eye on your luggage). Here, the collective 'you' is essential.

Nu måste ni gå ombord på tåget.

Translation: Now you (all) must board the train.

You will also hear ni in media and entertainment. Talk show hosts address their audience as ni, and YouTubers often start their videos with 'Hej på er, allesammans!' (Hello to you all, everyone!). It creates a sense of community. In sports, a coach will shout instructions to the team using ni: 'Nu kämpar ni på!' (Keep fighting/working hard, you guys!).

Kan ni hjälpa mig med de här väskorna?

Translation: Can you (plural) help me with these bags?

In a professional setting, a manager might send an email to their team starting with 'Hej! Jag hoppas att ni har haft en bra helg' (Hi! I hope you all have had a good weekend). This use of ni is vital for workplace communication, ensuring that everyone feels included in the message. It is the linguistic glue that holds group interactions together in Sweden.

Even though ni is a simple word, its usage can be a minefield for English speakers because of the lack of a plural 'you' in modern English. The most frequent error is using du when you should use ni, or vice versa.

Mistake 1: Addressing a Group as 'Du'
If you stand before a group of five people and ask 'Hur mår du?', you are technically only asking one person how they are. The others might feel ignored. Always use ni for the whole group: 'Hur mår ni?'.
Mistake 2: Over-Politeness
Learners from cultures with formal pronouns (like 'usted' in Spanish) often try to use ni for every stranger. In Sweden, this can feel cold. If you meet a new person at a party, use du. Using ni might make them wonder why you are being so formal.

Fel: Kommer du (till två personer)?
Rätt: Kommer ni?

Another common error involves the possessive and object forms. Many learners stick to ni even when the pronoun isn't the subject. You cannot say 'Jag älskar ni'. It must be 'Jag älskar er'. Similarly, 'your' (plural) is er/ert/era, not 'ni'.

Varför är ni så tysta?

Correct plural adjective agreement: 'tysta' (quiet).

Finally, avoid mixing du and ni in the same sentence when addressing the same group. Consistency is key. If you start a sentence addressing a couple as ni, don't switch to du halfway through. It confuses the listeners about who exactly you are talking to.

While ni is the standard plural 'you', there are other ways to address groups or individuals that carry different nuances. Understanding these alternatives will make your Swedish sound more natural and sophisticated.

Du vs. Ni
Du is singular and informal. It is the default for addressing any one person. Ni is plural or (rarely) formal singular. The choice between them defines the scope of your conversation.
Er (The Object Form)
Often confused with ni, er is used when the group is the object. 'Jag ser er'. It is also the possessive form 'your' in some contexts, though ert and era are also used depending on the gender and number of the noun owned.
Allesammans / Alla
If ni feels too brief, Swedes often use ni alla (you all) or allesammans (all of you together) to be more inclusive. 'Hej på er allesammans!' is a very warm and common greeting.

Kan ni båda komma hit en sekund?

Using 'ni båda' (you both) to be more specific.

In very formal or old-fashioned writing, you might encounter the pronoun I (capitalized). This is the archaic version of ni. You will see it in the Swedish Bible or in historical dramas, but never use it in modern speech unless you are joking or performing a play.

Lastly, consider the word man (one/you). Often in English, we use 'you' to mean 'people in general'. In Swedish, you should use man for this, not ni. 'Man kan inte köpa lycka' (One/you cannot buy happiness). If you used ni here, it would sound like you are specifically telling the group of people in front of you that they specifically cannot buy happiness!

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Examples by Level

1

Vad gör ni?

What are you (plural) doing?

Subject pronoun 'ni' is used for the group.

2

Är ni hungriga?

Are you (plural) hungry?

Note the plural adjective ending -a.

3

Ni talar svenska.

You (plural) speak Swedish.

Declarative sentence with 'ni'.

4

Hej, hur mår ni?

Hi, how are you (all)?

Standard greeting for a group.

5

Ni dricker vatten.

You (plural) drink water.

Simple present tense verb.

6

Kan ni hjälpa mig?

Can you (plural) help me?

Question with auxiliary verb 'kan'.

7

Ni bor i Stockholm.

You (plural) live in Stockholm.

Stating a fact about a group.

8

Sover ni?

Are you (plural) sleeping?

Verb-subject inversion for a question.

1

Vart ska ni resa?

Where are you (plural) going to travel?

Interrogative word 'vart' starts the question.

2

Har ni bestämt er?

Have you (plural) decided?

Reflexive use with 'er'.

3

Ni måste vänta här.

You (plural) must wait here.

Modal verb 'måste'.

4

Här är er mat.

Here is your (plural) food.

Possessive form 'er'.

5

Ser ni huset?

Do you (plural) see the house?

Direct object 'huset' follows the subject.

6

Ni får inte röka här.

You (plural) may not smoke here.

Negation with 'inte'.

7

Talar ni engelska?

Do you (plural) speak English?

Common polite inquiry.

8

Ni ser glada ut.

You (plural) look happy.

Phrasal verb 'se ut' (look/appear).

1

Jag hoppas att ni har det bra.

I hope that you (plural) are doing well.

Subordinate clause starting with 'att'.

2

Kan ni förklara varför?

Can you (plural) explain why?

Asking for a collective explanation.

3

Ni borde prova den här tårtan.

You (plural) should try this cake.

Conditional modal 'borde'.

4

Om ni vill, kan vi gå nu.

If you (plural) want, we can leave now.

Conditional 'om' clause.

5

Ni har gjort ett bra jobb.

You (plural) have done a good job.

Present perfect tense.

6

Vad tycker ni om förslaget?

What do you (plural) think about the proposal?

Asking for group opinion.

7

Ni är välkomna när som helst.

You (plural) are welcome anytime.

Plural adjective 'välkomna'.

8

Var har ni varit hela dagen?

Where have you (plural) been all day?

Perfect tense in a question.

1

Ni som arbetar här vet bäst.

You (plural) who work here know best.

Relative clause 'som arbetar här'.

2

Det är upp till er att bestämma.

It is up to you (plural) to decide.

Idiomatic expression 'upp till er'.

3

Ni förväntas vara på plats i tid.

You (plural) are expected to be on site on time.

Passive voice 'förväntas'.

4

Hade ni tänkt på konsekvenserna?

Had you (plural) thought about the consequences?

Past perfect tense.

5

Ni representerar hela företaget.

You (plural) represent the whole company.

Formal address to a collective.

6

Varken ni eller jag vet sanningen.

Neither you (plural) nor I know the truth.

Correlative conjunction 'varken... eller'.

7

Ni bör vara medvetna om riskerna.

You (plural) should be aware of the risks.

Formal recommendation.

8

Hur ska ni lösa det här problemet?

How are you (plural) going to solve this problem?

Future intent with 'ska'.

1

Ni torde finna detta intressant.

You (plural) would likely find this interesting.

Archaic/formal modal 'torde'.

2

Det åligger er att följa reglerna.

It is your (plural) duty to follow the rules.

Formal verb 'åligger'.

3

Ni har blivit vilseledda av media.

You (plural) have been misled by the media.

Passive perfect with 'blivit'.

4

Måtte ni finna lyckan i livet.

May you (plural) find happiness in life.

Optative mood with 'måtte'.

5

Ni utgör kärnan i vår verksamhet.

You (plural) constitute the core of our business.

Advanced vocabulary 'utgör'.

6

Trots att ni protesterade, genomfördes planen.

Despite you (plural) protesting, the plan was carried out.

Concessive clause 'trots att'.

7

Ni förefaller vara mycket kompetenta.

You (plural) appear to be very competent.

Formal verb 'förefaller'.

8

Skulle ni vilja redogöra för er ståndpunkt?

Would you (plural) like to account for your position?

Polite conditional request.

1

Ni är härmed kallade till förhör.

You (plural) are hereby summoned for questioning.

Formal legal language.

2

Giv mig, o ni gudar, styrka!

Give me, oh you gods, strength!

Poetic/archaic address.

3

Ni bär ansvaret för den rådande situationen.

You (plural) bear the responsibility for the current situation.

Abstract noun usage.

4

Vadan denna tvekan hos ni som vet?

Whence this hesitation among you (plural) who know?

Archaic interrogative 'vadan'.

5

Ni har förverkat er rätt till stöd.

You (plural) have forfeited your right to support.

Legalistic verb 'förverkat'.

6

Ack, att ni icke kunde se sanningen!

Alas, that you (plural) could not see the truth!

Archaic negation 'icke'.

7

Ni tvekar inför det oundvikliga.

You (plural) hesitate before the inevitable.

High-level abstract concepts.

8

Ni må vara starka, men vi är fler.

You (plural) may be strong, but we are more.

Concessive 'må' (may/might).

Common Collocations

Ni två
Ni alla
Ni som...
Kan ni...?
Är ni...?
Ni vet
Hör ni
Ser ni
Gör ni
Vill ni

Common Phrases

Hej på er!

— A standard, friendly way to say 'Hello' to a group of people.

Hej på er! Hur är läget?

Vad gör ni?

— A basic question asking a group what they are currently doing.

Hej kompisar, vad gör ni?

Är ni klara?

— Asking if a group has finished a task or is ready to go.

Är ni klara med läxan?

Välkomna ska ni vara!

— A warm, slightly formal way to welcome a group of guests.

Välkomna ska ni vara till vårt bröllop!

Tack ska ni ha!

— A plural way to say 'Thank you' to more than one person.

Tack ska ni ha för hjälpen!

Hur mår ni?

— Asking a group how they are feeling or doing.

Hur mår ni efter resan?

Ni har rätt.

— Agreeing with a group's statement or opinion.

Jag har tänkt efter, och ni har rätt.

Vad vill ni dricka?

— A standard service question or social offering for drinks.

Välkomna in! Vad vill ni dricka?

Kan ni förstå?

— Asking a group if they can comprehend a concept or situation.

Det är svårt, men kan ni förstå?

Ni är välkomna.

— Telling a group they are welcome (to come or as a response to thanks).

Ni är alltid välkomna hem till oss.

Idioms & Expressions

"Hör ni ni!"

— An informal, slightly old-fashioned way to get a group's attention, like 'Listen up, you guys!'

Hör ni ni, nu får vi vara tysta!

Informal
"Att vara ni med någon"

— To be on 'formal' terms with someone, addressing them with 'ni' instead of 'du'.

I den här butiken är vi ni med kunderna.

Formal/Service
"Ni ska bara veta!"

— An expression used to imply that the group has no idea how something really is.

Ni ska bara veta hur svårt det var!

Colloquial
"Som ni vill"

— As you (plural) wish; used to concede to a group's choice.

Okej, vi äter pizza, som ni vill.

Neutral
"Vem tror ni att ni är?"

— Who do you (plural) think you are? Used in confrontation.

Vem tror ni att ni är som kommer hit och bestämmer?

Aggressive
"Ni vet vad man säger"

— You (plural) know what they say; introducing a common proverb.

Ni vet vad man säger:

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