At the A1 level, 'kasta' is a basic action verb. You learn it primarily in the context of physical play or simple instructions. You should know that 'kasta' means 'to throw' and be able to use it in very simple present tense sentences like 'Jag kastar bollen' (I throw the ball). You might also encounter it in simple commands like 'Kasta inte!' (Don't throw!). The focus here is on the physical movement and the most common objects associated with it, such as balls, stones, or trash. You don't need to worry about complex idioms yet, just the basic 'Subject + Verb + Object' structure. Understanding that it is a regular verb that ends in -ar in the present tense is the key grammatical goal for an A1 learner. You might also see it in very basic recycling contexts, like knowing where to 'kasta' your empty bottles.
At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'kasta' to include simple phrasal verbs and more varied contexts. You should be comfortable with its past tense form 'kastade' (threw) to describe things you did earlier, such as 'Vi kastade boll igår' (We threw the ball yesterday). You will also start to see 'kasta bort' (throw away) used for cleaning or decluttering. This level introduces the idea that 'kasta' isn't just for toys, but also for chores and daily life. You should be able to follow instructions that involve throwing, like in a gym class or a simple game. You will also learn the reflexive 'kasta sig' in simple contexts, like 'Hunden kastade sig efter bollen' (The dog threw itself/lunged after the ball). The A2 learner understands that 'kasta' is a versatile tool for describing energetic actions.
At the B1 level, you start using 'kasta' in more abstract and idiomatic ways. You'll learn expressions like 'kasta ett öga på' (take a quick look at) and 'kasta bort tid' (waste time). Your grammatical range should include the perfect tense ('har kastat') and the use of 'kasta' in subordinate clauses. You will also encounter 'kasta' in more formal settings, such as news reports about sports or social issues (e.g., 'kasta sten' in a protest). You should be able to distinguish between 'kasta' and its synonyms like 'slänga' based on the situation. This level also introduces more complex phrasal verbs like 'kasta om' (to rearrange or change completely), which is very useful in professional or planning contexts. You are now moving beyond the literal act of throwing into the realm of figurative language.
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'kasta' and its role in Swedish idioms. You will encounter phrases like 'kasta pärlor för svin' (throw pearls before swine) or 'kasta sten i glashus' (throw stones in a glass house). You should be able to use the verb in the passive voice ('kastas') and understand its use in more literary or technical texts. Your ability to use 'kasta' with various particles (av, in, ut, om, loss) should be fluid and natural. At this stage, you understand the rhythmic and stylistic impact of choosing 'kasta' over 'slänga' or 'hiva'. You can also use the noun form 'ett kast' (a throw) in various expressions. Your vocabulary is rich enough to describe the trajectory, force, and intent behind the action of throwing in detail.
At the C1 level, 'kasta' becomes a tool for sophisticated expression. You understand its historical roots and its use in classical Swedish literature. You can use it to create vivid imagery, such as 'kasta en skugga över' (cast a shadow over) or 'kasta tvivel på' (cast doubt on). You are familiar with rare or specialized phrasal verbs and can use them correctly in academic or professional writing. Your understanding of 'kasta' includes its role in complex grammatical structures and its stylistic variations in different Swedish dialects or registers. You can discuss the etymology of the word and how it relates to other Germanic languages. For a C1 learner, 'kasta' is not just a verb, but a versatile building block for high-level rhetorical devices and precise communication.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like mastery of 'kasta'. You can use it with absolute precision, catching every subtle nuance and cultural reference. You understand the word's place in the history of the Swedish language and can appreciate its use in poetry and high-level prose. You are comfortable using 'kasta' in any register, from street slang to the most formal legal or scientific Swedish. You can play with the word, creating puns or creative metaphors that feel natural to a native speaker. Your mastery of all idiomatic expressions involving 'kasta' is complete, and you can even recognize regional variations in its usage. At this level, the word is an integrated part of your linguistic identity, allowing you to express complex ideas with the same ease as a native Swede.

kasta em 30 segundos

  • Kasta is the standard Swedish verb for 'to throw'.
  • It is a regular Group 1 verb (kasta, kastar, kastade, kastat).
  • It is used for physical throwing and many figurative expressions like 'kasta ett öga'.
  • Common phrasal verbs include kasta bort (waste/discard) and kasta ut (evict).

The Swedish verb kasta is the primary word for the physical act of throwing or casting an object through the air using one's hand or arm. While its core meaning is identical to the English 'to throw', its usage extends into various metaphorical and idiomatic domains that are essential for a learner at the A2 level and beyond to master. In its most literal sense, it describes the motion of propelling a ball, a stone, or even a piece of trash. However, the Swedish language frequently employs kasta in phrasal verb constructions that change its meaning significantly, such as kasta bort (to throw away/waste) or kasta ut (to throw out/evict).

Literal Action
The physical movement of releasing an object from the hand with force. This is the first meaning children learn, often in the context of play or sports like 'kasta boll' (throw a ball).
Disposal
Used when getting rid of things. While 'slänga' is perhaps more common for 'tossing' trash, 'kasta' is perfectly acceptable and often implies a more deliberate act of discarding something no longer needed.
Metaphorical Casting
Used for abstract concepts like 'kasta en blick' (throw a glance) or 'kasta ljus över' (throw light upon/clarify). These uses mirror English closely, making them intuitive for speakers of Germanic languages.

Pojken valde att kasta macka vid sjön.

Translation: The boy chose to skip stones (literally 'throw sandwich') by the lake.

Understanding the nuances of kasta requires looking at the intensity of the action. Unlike 'tappa' (to drop), 'kasta' always implies intent and force. If you 'kastar' something, you are the active agent directing its trajectory. In sports like 'handboll' (handball) or 'friidrott' (athletics/track and field), 'kasta' is the technical term for events like the javelin or discus throw. It is a word that suggests energy and movement.

Du får inte kasta skräp i naturen.

Furthermore, 'kasta' is the root of many compound words. A 'kastbana' is a trajectory, and a 'kastvind' is a sudden gust of wind that seems to 'throw' itself at you. In nautical contexts, 'kasta loss' means to cast off the ropes of a boat, signaling the start of a journey. This versatility makes it one of the most functional verbs in the Swedish lexicon, appearing in everything from children's stories to technical engineering manuals.

Using kasta correctly involves understanding its conjugation and its relationship with direct objects. As a Group 1 verb (the most common and regular group in Swedish), it follows a predictable pattern: kasta, kastar, kastade, kastat. Because it is a transitive verb, it almost always requires an object—the thing being thrown.

Direct Object Construction
[Subject] + [Kasta] + [Object]. Example: 'Jag kastar bollen' (I throw the ball). This is the simplest and most common structure.
Directional Adverbs
Adding words like 'iväg' (away), 'in' (in), or 'ut' (out) specifies the destination. 'Hon kastade iväg brevet' (She threw the letter away).
Reflexive Use
'Kasta sig' means to throw oneself. 'Han kastade sig i vattnet' (He threw himself into the water/dived in). This is often used for sudden, dramatic movements.

Kan du kasta nycklarna till mig?

When using 'kasta' with particles, the stress usually falls on the particle, which changes the meaning. For instance, 'kasta OM' means to rearrange or change completely (like a schedule), whereas 'kasta UT' means to physically eject something or someone. These phrasal verbs are a hallmark of natural-sounding Swedish.

In more advanced contexts, you might see the passive form 'kastas'. 'Bollen kastas av spelaren' (The ball is thrown by the player). While Swedish speakers prefer active voice, the passive is common in news reporting or formal descriptions of processes. Another important aspect is the perfect participle 'kastad' (thrown), used as an adjective: 'En kastad sten kan inte tas tillbaka' (A thrown stone cannot be taken back).

Vi måste kasta om hela vår planering.

You will encounter kasta in a wide variety of everyday Swedish environments. From the playground to the office, the word adapts to its surroundings. In a domestic setting, parents might tell their children: 'Kasta inte maten!' (Don't throw the food!). In a sports context, especially during a broadcast of 'handboll' or 'basket', you will hear the commentator shout about players 'kastande' (throwing) the ball toward the goal.

The Recycling Center (Återvinningscentralen)
You'll hear people asking where to 'kasta' specific materials like 'kartong' (cardboard) or 'metall' (metal). Signs might say 'Kasta endast tidningar här' (Throw only newspapers here).
The Office
While digital, people still talk about 'kasta' files into the 'papperskorg' (trash can) on their computers. You might also hear 'Vi kan kasta ett öga på rapporten senare' (We can throw an eye on/take a quick look at the report later).

Ska vi kasta lite pil ikväll?

Context: Suggesting a game of darts at a pub.

In Swedish literature and news, 'kasta' is used to describe dramatic events. A person might 'kasta sig ut' (throw themselves out) from a building or 'kasta anklagelser' (throw accusations) during a political debate. It carries a sense of immediacy and force that more passive verbs lack. If you are watching a Swedish crime drama ('Beck' or 'Bron'), you might hear a suspect being told to 'kasta ner vapnet' (throw down the weapon).

Finally, in maritime Sweden—a country with a vast coastline—'kasta loss' is a common phrase heard at docks. It literally means to untie the ship's lines, but it is also used figuratively to mean 'let's get started' or 'let's head out'. Whether you're in a boat in the Stockholm archipelago or just starting a new project at work, 'kasta loss' is a phrase that resonates with the Swedish spirit of adventure and pragmatism.

While kasta is straightforward, English speakers often stumble on its nuances compared to related Swedish verbs. The most frequent error is the confusion between kasta and slänga. While often interchangeable, 'slänga' is more informal and often implies tossing something carelessly, whereas 'kasta' is the more 'pure' verb for the act of throwing.

Kasta vs. Slänga
Mistake: Using 'kasta' for 'tossing' a salad. Correct: Use 'blanda' (mix) or 'vända' (turn). 'Kasta' would imply throwing the vegetables across the room!
Particle Misplacement
In English, we say 'throw it away'. In Swedish, the particle 'bort' (away) usually stays close to the verb: 'kasta bort det'. Putting the particle at the very end of a long sentence can sound unnatural.

Fel: Jag ska kasta i soporna. Rätt: Jag ska kasta soporna.

Explanation: You throw the trash, you don't 'throw in' the trash unless you are throwing it into a specific container.

Another common pitfall is the use of 'kasta' when 'tappa' (to drop) is intended. If you accidentally let go of your phone, you 'tappade' it. If you 'kastade' it, you did it on purpose, perhaps in a fit of rage! Learners often mix these up when they mean they 'lost' or 'dropped' something. Remember: kasta is always intentional.

Lastly, be careful with the idiom 'kasta upp'. In English, 'throw up' is a very common phrasal verb for vomiting. In Swedish, 'kasta upp' is also used, but 'kräkas' is the more common clinical/standard term, and 'spy' is the more common informal term. Using 'kasta upp' is correct but can sometimes sound a bit literal or dramatic depending on the context.

Swedish has a rich vocabulary for movement, and several verbs share semantic space with kasta. Choosing the right one depends on the weight of the object, the distance, and the level of formality. Here is a comparison of the most common alternatives.

Slänga
The most common synonym. It implies a more casual or careless 'toss'. 'Slänga skräp' is very common. It can also mean to 'throw' something on, like clothes: 'slänga på sig en tröja'.
Hiva
Used for heavy objects. It implies effort, like 'heaving' something over a fence or into a truck. You wouldn't 'hiva' a feather, but you might 'hiva' a sack of potatoes.
Dänga
A more violent or forceful throw, often implying that the object hits something with a bang. 'Han dängde igen dörren' (He slammed/threw the door shut).

Istället för att kasta bollen, rullade han den försiktigt.

In specific contexts, you might use 'passa' (to pass, as in sports) or 'skicka' (to send/pass, as in passing the salt). If you are talking about 'throwing' a glance, 'ge' (give) or 'rikta' (direct) can sometimes be used, though 'kasta en blick' is a very standard expression. For 'casting' a fishing line, the specific term is 'kasta ut', but the act of fishing itself is 'fiska'.

Finally, consider 'sprida' (to spread) for things like seeds or light, where 'kasta' might imply too much force or directionality. If you 'kastar' seeds, you are throwing them in a specific direction; if you 'sprider' them, you are distributing them evenly. Choosing between these words will help your Swedish sound more precise and native-like.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The English word 'cast' (as in casting a fishing line or casting a spell) is a direct cognate of the Swedish 'kasta'. They share the same Viking-era roots!

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈkasta/
US /ˈkɑːstə/
Stress is on the first syllable: KAS-ta.
Rima com
fasta masta pasta rasta lasta nasta vasta blasta
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the 'a' like the English 'a' in 'cake'.
  • Missing the aspiration on the 'k'.
  • Making the 'st' sound too soft.
  • Stress on the second syllable.
  • Pronouncing it like the English word 'cast'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'cast'.

Escrita 2/5

Regular conjugation makes it easy to write correctly.

Expressão oral 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though the aspirated 'k' needs practice.

Audição 1/5

Distinct sound that is easy to pick out in speech.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

boll hand inte här skräp

Aprenda a seguir

slänga fånga tappa hämta skicka

Avançado

projicera omkullkasta förkasta utkasta bortkastad

Gramática essencial

Group 1 Verbs

Verbs ending in -a often follow the kasta-kastar-kastade-kastat pattern.

Phrasal Verbs (Partikelverb)

The stress is on the particle: kasta BORT.

Reflexive Pronouns

Jag kastar MIG, du kastar DIG, han kastar SIG.

Imperative Mood

The imperative of -a verbs is usually just the stem: Kasta!

Passive with -s

Bollen kastas (The ball is being thrown).

Exemplos por nível

1

Jag kastar bollen.

I throw the ball.

Present tense: kastar.

2

Kasta inte stenen!

Don't throw the stone!

Imperative: kasta.

3

Kan du kasta hit den?

Can you throw it here?

Using 'hit' for direction.

4

Vi kastar skräp här.

We throw trash here.

Simple present.

5

Hunden vill kasta boll.

The dog wants to play fetch (literally 'throw ball').

Infinitive after 'vill'.

6

Hon kastar en liten boll.

She throws a small ball.

Adjective agreement: liten boll.

7

Pojken kastar vatten.

The boy is throwing water (or slang for urinating).

Common expression.

8

De kastar snö på varandra.

They throw snow at each other.

Preposition: på.

1

Han kastade nycklarna till mig.

He threw the keys to me.

Past tense: kastade.

2

Vi måste kasta bort gamla kläder.

We must throw away old clothes.

Phrasal verb: kasta bort.

3

Hon kastade sig i sängen.

She threw herself onto the bed.

Reflexive: kasta sig.

4

Kasta ut maten som är gammal.

Throw out the food that is old.

Phrasal verb: kasta ut.

5

De har kastat papper i papperskorgen.

They have thrown paper in the trash can.

Present perfect: har kastat.

6

Ska vi kasta pil på puben?

Shall we play darts at the pub?

Idiomatic: kasta pil.

7

Barnen kastade macka vid sjön.

The children skipped stones at the lake.

Idiom: kasta macka.

8

Kasta inte bort din tid.

Don't waste your time.

Metaphorical use.

1

Han kastade ett öga på tidningen.

He glanced at the newspaper.

Idiom: kasta ett öga på.

2

Vi fick kasta om hela schemat.

We had to rearrange the whole schedule.

Phrasal verb: kasta om.

3

Båten kastade loss tidigt på morgonen.

The boat cast off early in the morning.

Phrasal verb: kasta loss.

4

Hon kastade fram ett förslag under mötet.

She put forward a suggestion during the meeting.

Phrasal verb: kasta fram.

5

Vinden kastade om i sista minuten.

The wind changed direction at the last minute.

Intransitive use with particle.

6

Han kastade sig in i diskussionen.

He threw himself into the discussion.

Reflexive with 'in i'.

7

Varför kastade du bort chansen?

Why did you throw away the chance?

Abstract object.

8

De kastade loss från vardagens stress.

They broke free from everyday stress.

Figurative use of kasta loss.

1

Man ska inte kasta sten i glashus.

One shouldn't throw stones in glass houses.

Proverb.

2

Artikeln kastar ljus över problemet.

The article sheds light on the problem.

Idiom: kasta ljus över.

3

Han kastade in handduken efter förlusten.

He threw in the towel after the loss.

Idiom: kasta in handduken.

4

Det är som att kasta pärlor för svin.

It's like throwing pearls before swine.

Proverb.

5

Hon kastade en misstänksam blick på honom.

She cast a suspicious glance at him.

Noun-adjective collocation.

6

Vågorna kastade båten fram och tillbaka.

The waves tossed the boat back and forth.

Descriptive action.

7

Vi kastar oss ut i det okända.

We throw ourselves into the unknown.

Metaphorical reflexive.

8

Anklagelserna kastades mot politikern.

The accusations were hurled at the politician.

Passive voice: kastades.

1

Händelsen kastade en skugga över festligheterna.

The event cast a shadow over the festivities.

Metaphorical 'skugga'.

2

Författaren kastar läsaren direkt in i handlingen.

The author throws the reader directly into the plot.

Literary device.

3

Han kastade en sista, vemodig blick på sitt barndomshem.

He cast a final, melancholy glance at his childhood home.

Complex modifiers.

4

Beslutet kastades om av högre instans.

The decision was overturned by a higher authority.

Passive phrasal verb.

5

De kastade lott om vem som skulle gå först.

They cast lots to see who would go first.

Idiom: kasta lott.

6

Vinden kastade vilt i de trånga gränderna.

The wind gusted wildly in the narrow alleys.

Intransitive 'kasta'.

7

Hon kastade huvudet bakåt och skrattade.

She threw her head back and laughed.

Body language description.

8

Kritiken kastades åt sidan utan eftertanke.

The criticism was cast aside without thought.

Abstract phrasal verb.

1

Hans teorier kastar tvivel på tidigare forskning.

His theories cast doubt on previous research.

Formal academic use.

2

Staden kastades in i ett tillstånd av totalt kaos.

The city was plunged into a state of total chaos.

Plunged/thrown metaphor.

3

Det kastade ett förklarat sken över hela hans levnad.

It cast a clarifying light over his entire life.

High literary style.

4

Man kan inte bara kasta omkull decennier av tradition.

One cannot simply overturn decades of tradition.

Compound phrasal verb: kasta omkull.

5

Hon kastade fram tesen med en nästan provocerande säkerhet.

She put forward the thesis with an almost provocative certainty.

Nuanced adverbial phrase.

6

Våra fördomar kastas ofta på ända när vi reser.

Our prejudices are often turned upside down when we travel.

Idiom: kastas på ända.

7

De kastade glåpord efter den flyende mannen.

They hurled insults after the fleeing man.

Specific noun: glåpord.

8

Han kastade sin röst i den politiska hetluften.

He threw his voice (influence) into the political heat.

Metaphorical 'röst'.

Colocações comuns

kasta boll
kasta skräp
kasta pil
kasta sten
kasta en blick
kasta bort tid
kasta loss
kasta macka
kasta om
kasta ut

Frases Comuns

Kasta inte yxan i sjön

— Don't give up too easily.

Ge inte upp än, kasta inte yxan i sjön!

Kasta ett öga på

— To take a quick look at something.

Kan du kasta ett öga på min text?

Kasta ljus över

— To clarify or provide information about something.

Rapporten kastar ljus över situationen.

Kasta bort

— To discard or waste something.

Kasta inte bort maten.

Kasta in

— To throw in (literally or figuratively).

Kasta in en kommentar.

Kasta ut

— To eject or throw out.

De kastade ut honom från klubben.

Kasta om

— To rearrange or reverse.

Kasta om bokstäverna.

Kasta av sig

— To quickly take off (clothes).

Han kastade av sig jackan.

Kasta sig över

— To pounce on or start something eagerly.

De kastade sig över maten.

Kasta loss

— To cast off / to start.

Dags att kasta loss.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Kasta sten i glashus"

— To criticize others for faults one has oneself.

Att han pratar om punktlighet är att kasta sten i glashus.

standard
"Kasta in handduken"

— To give up or admit defeat (from boxing).

Efter tre timmar kastade han in handduken.

informal
"Kasta pärlor för svin"

— To offer something valuable to those who don't appreciate it.

Att förklara konst för honom är som att kasta pärlor för svin.

literary
"Kasta ett getöga på"

— To keep a brief, watchful eye on something.

Kasta ett getöga på kastrullen medan jag är borta.

informal
"Kasta yxan efter skaftet"

— To give up in frustration when things go wrong.

Gör inte så, kasta inte yxan efter skaftet.

idiomatic
"Kasta pengar i sjön"

— To waste money on something useless.

Att köpa den där bilen var som att kasta pengar i sjön.

standard
"Kasta vatten"

— To urinate (polite/old-fashioned euphemism).

Han gick bakom trädet för att kasta vatten.

euphemism
"Kasta omkull"

— To knock over or overturn (plans/theories).

Nyheten kastade omkull alla våra antaganden.

standard
"Kasta sig ut i"

— To start something new and risky without hesitation.

Hon kastade sig ut i det nya projektet.

standard
"Kasta lott"

— To decide something by chance (casting lots).

Vi får kasta lott om vem som diskar.

standard

Padrões de frases

A1

Jag kastar [sak].

Jag kastar bollen.

A2

Kan du kasta [sak] till mig?

Kan du kasta nycklarna till mig?

B1

Vi måste kasta bort [sak].

Vi måste kasta bort de gamla tidningarna.

B2

Han kastade ett öga på [sak].

Han kastade ett öga på klockan.

C1

[Sak] kastar en skugga över [sak].

Händelsen kastade en skugga över hans rykte.

C2

Att [handling] är att kasta pärlor för svin.

Att ge honom råd är att kasta pärlor för svin.

B1

De kastade loss från [plats].

De kastade loss från bryggan.

A2

Hunden kastade sig efter [sak].

Hunden kastade sig efter pinnen.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

kast (a throw)
kastande (throwing)
kastare (thrower)
bakfickekast (back-pocket throw)

Verbos

kasta (to throw)
omkasta (to reverse)
utkasta (to draft/throw out)

Adjetivos

kastad (thrown)
bortkastad (wasted)

Relacionado

boll
sten
kraft
rörelse
riktning

Como usar

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'casting' a fishing line. You 'kasta' the line into the water.

Associação visual

Imagine a Viking 'kasta' (throwing) a spear. The 'k' sound is sharp, like the tip of the spear hitting a target.

Word Web

boll sten skräp blick ut bort om loss

Desafio

Try to use 'kasta' three times today: once for trash, once for a glance, and once for an abstract idea like wasting time.

Origem da palavra

From Old Norse 'kasta', which is related to Middle English 'casten'. It is a common Germanic word for the act of throwing.

Significado original: To throw, to cast, or to drive.

North Germanic / Indo-European.

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using 'kasta vatten' in formal modern settings as it's quite old-fashioned.

The Swedish 'kasta' is more versatile than 'throw' in some phrasal contexts but less used in others (e.g., 'throw a party' is NOT 'kasta en fest').

The proverb 'Kasta inte sten i glashus' is used in many Swedish films. The song 'Kasta loss' by various Swedish artists. Sports commentators during the Olympics.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Sports

  • Kasta bollen!
  • Ett bra kast!
  • Kasta långt.
  • Kasta i mål.

Cleaning

  • Kasta soporna.
  • Kasta bort det gamla.
  • Kasta ut skräpet.
  • Ska vi kasta det här?

Nature

  • Kasta sten i sjön.
  • Kasta macka.
  • Kasta inte skräp.
  • Vinden kastar.

Work

  • Kasta om schemat.
  • Kasta ett öga på.
  • Kasta fram en idé.
  • Kasta loss projektet.

Social

  • Kasta en blick.
  • Kasta glåpord.
  • Kasta in handduken.
  • Kasta lott.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Hur långt kan du kasta en boll?"

"Brukar du kasta macka när du är vid en sjö?"

"Är det dags att kasta ut de gamla möblerna?"

"Kan du kasta ett öga på mitt CV?"

"Har du någonsin behövt kasta in handduken?"

Temas para diário

Skriv om en gång när du var tvungen att kasta om dina planer helt och hållet.

Vad är något du borde kasta bort från ditt liv just nu?

Beskriv känslan av att kasta loss och börja en ny resa.

Varför är det viktigt att inte kasta skräp i naturen?

Vem brukar du kasta boll med, bokstavligt eller bildligt?

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