Nästintillst

Nästintillst is a Swedish word that translates most closely to "almost" or "nearly" in English. It is an adverb used to describe a situation or state that is very close to being something, but not quite. For example, one might say "Det är nästintill omöjligt" which means "It is almost impossible." This indicates that while the task is extremely difficult, there might be a minuscule chance of success.

The word is formed from "nästan" (almost) and "till" (to), suggesting a movement or proximity towards a certain point or state. It conveys a sense of being on the verge of something or very close to a particular condition. The usage can apply to various contexts, from physical proximity to abstract concepts like impossibility or completion.

"Nästintillst" is a common term in everyday Swedish conversation and writing. Its nuance lies in the degree of closeness it expresses, suggesting a very high probability or similarity without reaching absolute certainty or identity. It is distinct from simply saying "almost" as it often carries a slightly stronger emphasis on how close the subject is to the described state. For instance, "kallt" means cold, while "nästintillst kallt" would imply it is so cold that it is on the brink of being freezing.