Kan du andas lugnt genom näsan?

Can you breathe calmly through your nose?

Breakdown of Kan du andas lugnt genom näsan?

• du: you
• kunna: be able to
• genom: through
• lugnt: calmly

Questions & Answers about Kan du andas lugnt genom näsan?

Why is it Kan du instead of Du kan?

In Swedish, yes/no questions usually start with the verb.

• Du kan andas lugnt genom näsan. = statement: You can breathe calmly through the nose.
• Kan du andas lugnt genom näsan? = question: Can you breathe calmly through the nose?

So the word order changes to show that it is a question.

Does Kan du ...? ask about ability, or is it more like a request?

It can be either, depending on context.

• In a neutral situation, it can ask about ability: Are you able to do this?
• In a medical, teaching, or coaching situation, it often works as a polite request: Can you / Could you please do this?

So this sentence could mean either:

• Are you able to breathe calmly through your nose?
• Please breathe calmly through your nose.

The exact meaning depends on tone and situation.

Why is there no att before andas?