Måste vi gå nu eller kan vi stanna?

Must we go now or can we stay?

Breakdown of Måste vi gå nu eller kan vi stanna?

• nu: now
• kunna: can
• måste: must
• gå: to go
• eller: or
• vi: we
• stanna: to stay

Questions & Answers about Måste vi gå nu eller kan vi stanna?

Why does the sentence start with Måste?

In Swedish, starting a question with a modal verb like måste, which means must, is common. You put the verb in the first position followed by the subject (vi) to form a yes/no question.

Why do we use kan here instead of another phrase meaning be able to?

In the context of this sentence, kan fits naturally because it directly translates to can. Swedish uses kan to express the ability or possibility to do something—in this case, to stay (stanna).

Can I say Måste vi nu gå eller kan vi stanna? and keep the same meaning?

While you might still be understood, placing nu (which means now) right after vi is more typical in Swedish language flow. So Måste vi gå nu eller kan vi stanna? sounds more natural, and that is how native speakers usually say it.

How do we pronounce måste?

Måste is typically pronounced /ˈmɔ.stɛ/ in Swedish. The å sounds like the vowel in the English word more, but shorter, and the e is pronounced like in the English word let, but with a slightly more open sound.

Is there a difference between using måste and behöver in a similar sentence?

Yes. Måste means must or have to and implies necessity or obligation. Behöver means need to and suggests a requirement rather than a strict obligation. For example, Behöver vi gå nu? would be more like Do we need to leave now?, which can sound slightly less urgent than Måste vi gå nu?.