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Questions & Answers about Bussen är tio minuter sen.
Why does the noun have the ending in Bussen?
In Swedish, the definite article is usually suffixed to the noun. Since buss is a common-gender (en-word) noun:
- en buss = a bus (indefinite)
- bussen = the bus (definite)
- Plural: bussar; definite plural: bussarna
Could I say just Buss instead of Bussen?
Not in normal sentences. Bare nouns are rare in Swedish. You need either the indefinite (en buss) or the definite (bussen). Bare buss appears mainly in headlines or lists.
Why is it sen and not sent?
Adjectives agree with the grammatical gender/number of the subject when used predicatively:
- Common gender (en-word): Bussen är sen.
- Neuter (ett-word): Tåget är sent.
- Plural: Bussarna är sena.
Is there a difference between sen and försenad?
- sen = late (broad, everyday word)
- försenad = delayed (explicitly “behind schedule”) Both work here. Bussen är tio minuter försenad sounds a bit more formal/official.
Why is there no preposition like “by” before tio minuter?
Swedish often says är X sen with the amount directly in front: är tio minuter sen. You can add a preposition if you want: är sen med tio minuter. Both are idiomatic.
Why is the measure before the adjective (tio minuter sen)?
That’s the usual pattern for expressing degree with stative adjectives: quantity/measure + adjective. Alternatives:
- Bussen är sen (med) tio minuter.
- Bussen är tio minuter (försenad/sen).
Why is it minuter and not minuterna?
After numbers you use the indefinite plural. Use minuter here. The definite plural minuterna (“the minutes”) doesn’t fit this structure.
Can I write 10 instead of tio?
Yes. Both tio and 10 are fine. In casual contexts you’ll also see 10 min. In formal writing, spell out lower numbers or follow your style guide.
How do I negate it?
Place inte after the finite verb:
- Bussen är inte sen.
How do I say it for plural “buses”?
- Bussarna är tio minuter sena.
What changes if the subject is neuter, like “the train”?
Use the neuter form of the adjective:
- Tåget (ett tåg) är tio minuter sent.
What if I want to describe the arrival (use an adverb) rather than the state?
Use sent as an adverb with a verb like komma/anlända:
- Bussen kommer tio minuter sent.
- Bussen anländer tio minuter sent.
How do I express the future (“will be late”)?
Common options:
- Bussen kommer att vara tio minuter sen. (neutral future)
- Bussen blir tio minuter sen. (becomes/ends up late; more dynamic)
Where do adverbs like “already,” “about,” or “probably” go?
Typical placements:
- Bussen är redan tio minuter sen.
- Bussen är ungefär/cirka tio minuter sen.
- Bussen är förmodligen tio minuter sen.
How do I avoid confusing “in 10 minutes” with “10 minutes late”?
- är tio minuter sen = is 10 minutes late.
- om tio minuter = in 10 minutes.
- i tio minuter = for 10 minutes (duration). Example: Bussen kommer om tio minuter (arrives in 10 minutes).
How is the sentence pronounced?
Approximate IPA and tips:
- Bussen [ˈbɵsːɛn] (u like French “eu”, double s)
- är [ɛːr] (long “air”)
- tio [ˈtiːʊ] (“TEE-oo” in one word)
- minuter [mɪˈnʉːtɛr] (long rounded “uu” in nu)
- sen [seːn] (long “ay”-like e)
What’s the difference between sen, senare, and senast?
- sen = late.
- senare = later (comparative; needs a reference: Bussen kommer tio minuter senare (än vanligt).)
- senast = latest / at the latest: Kom senast klockan fem.
Is minut always plural after numbers?
Yes: 1 minut, 2/5/10 minuter. The noun minut is an en-word that takes -er in indefinite plural: minuter (definite plural: minuterna).
Can I drop är like in a headline?
In informal signs or apps you might see: Buss 10 min sen / försenad. In full sentences, include är: Bussen är tio minuter sen.
How do I add a cause, like “due to traffic”?
Use på grund av:
- Bussen är tio minuter sen på grund av trafiken.