Breakdown of Jag vill vara säker när jag cyklar i stan, särskilt på natten.
jag
I
vara
to be
i
in
vilja
to want
staden
the city
när
when
cykla
to bike
säker
safe
särskilt
especially
på
at
natten
the night
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Questions & Answers about Jag vill vara säker när jag cyklar i stan, särskilt på natten.
What does the word cyklar mean in this sentence, and why is it in the present tense?
Cyklar is the present tense form of the verb cykla, which means "to cycle" or "to ride a bike." In Swedish, the present tense is often used to describe habitual actions or general truths. Even though the action of cycling isn’t necessarily happening at the moment of speaking, it indicates a regular activity.
What does the phrase i stan mean, and why is this form used instead of a longer version?
I stan is a contracted, informal form of i staden, meaning "in the town" or "in the city." It’s commonly used in everyday spoken Swedish to refer to an urban area. This shorthand makes the sentence feel more natural and colloquial.
How does the subordinating conjunction när function in this sentence?
När introduces the dependent clause när jag cyklar i stan ("when I cycle in town"). It links the condition or time frame during which the main clause (Jag vill vara säker) applies. This usage is directly comparable to the English word "when" in clauses that describe circumstances or time.
Why is there a comma before särskilt på natten, and what role does this phrase play?
The comma before särskilt på natten helps to separate or emphasize additional information that specifies a condition—in this case, the time when extra caution is needed. Särskilt på natten ("especially at night") refines the overall meaning by highlighting that the desire for safety is particularly important during the nighttime.
What is the difference between säker and trygg, and why is säker chosen in this context?
Both säker and trygg relate to the concept of being safe, but with different nuances. Säker emphasizes an objective state of security, meaning being free from physical danger. Trygg usually conveys a feeling of comfort or emotional security. In this sentence, säker is used to stress the importance of avoiding risks or hazards while cycling.
Why is the preposition på used in på natten, and is its function similar to any English preposition?
The preposition på is used with expressions of time in Swedish, much like the English preposition "at" when saying "at night." Thus, på natten literally means "at night." This usage is standard in Swedish when referring to parts of the day or specific time periods.