Emphasizing the noun (själva)

Emphasizing with själva

To emphasize a specific thing in contrast to its surroundings, use the word själva. It translates to "the actual" or "the [noun] itself."

Själva never changes its form, but the noun that follows it must be definite.

It is only the trick itself that is difficult, not the landing.
Det är bara själva tricket som är svårt, inte landningen.
Granted, the skatepark is new, but the skater himself has a lot of experience.
Visserligen är skateparken ny, men själva skejtaren har mycket erfarenhet.

Isolating the Details

Use själva to separate a core subject from its environment or point out a specific detail.

The asphalt is hard, so the actual surface requires good balance.
Asfalten är hård, så själva underlaget kräver bra balans.
We have only painted the railing itself in the skatepark.
Vi har bara målat själva räcket i skateparken.

It works just as well for physical objects and abstract concepts like agility (smidigheten).

The skateboard itself has lost its grip.
Själva skateboarden har tappat greppet.
I appreciate the actual agility and the body control.
Jag uppskattar själva smidigheten och kroppskontrollen.