Questions & Answers about När man är vuxen växer man inte.
Why is the word order växer man instead of man växer?
This is the V2 (verb-second) rule in action. The entire first clause, När man är vuxen (When one is an adult), acts as the first block of information. Because the verb must take the second position in the main clause, växer comes next, which forces the subject man to move after the verb.
Are the words vuxen and växer related?
Yes, they are! Similar to the stem vowel mutations you are currently learning about in adjectives, verbs can change their vowels too. Vuxen is actually the past participle of the verb att växa (to grow). So, an adult (en vuxen) is quite literally someone who is 'grown'.
Why is the word man used here?
The word man is a generic pronoun meaning 'one' or 'you' (in a general sense). It is incredibly common in Swedish when stating general facts or rules. The sentence literally translates to 'When one is adult, grows one not'. Just be careful not to confuse this pronoun with the noun en man (a man).
Would vuxen change if we used a plural pronoun like vi (we) instead of man?