Questions & Answers about Vi vill åka hem.
Why isn't there a word for "to" between vill and åka?
In English we say "want to go", but Swedish works differently here. Vill (want) is a modal verb. In Swedish, modal verbs are followed immediately by the base form of the next verb (the infinitive) without using the word att (to).
Why use åka for "go"? Can I use gå?
You could use gå, but it changes the meaning! In Swedish, gå specifically means to walk or go on foot. Åka means to travel or go using a vehicle (like a car, bus, or train). This sentence implies they are taking transit or driving home.
I thought the word for "home" was hemma. Why is it hem here?
Swedish has two different words for "home" depending on whether you are moving or staying still. Use hem when there is a destination or movement involved (going home). Use hemma when describing a location where you already are (being at home).
Does vill mean "will"?
No, this is a very common false friend! The Swedish word vill means "want". If you want to say that you will do something in the future, you would use the word ska.