Själv

Själv is a Swedish word meaning “self” or “oneself.” It functions as a pronoun, an adverb, and a productive base for compounds and fixed phrases. It derives from Old Norse sjálfr and is cognate with related Germanic words for self, such as English self.

In standard Swedish, reflexive reference to the subject is expressed with sig; själv appears in combination with sig to form sig själv, meaning “oneself.” For example: Hon såg sig själv i spegeln (She saw herself in the mirror). The independent form själv is also used to emphasize or indicate action performed by the subject alone: Gör det själv (Do it yourself), Jag vill göra det själv (I want to do it myself). The determiner form själva is used with plural or definite nouns for emphasis: Barnen själva hjälpte varandra (The children themselves helped each other).

Själv is a productive stem in many compounds and adjectives describing agency, identity, or self-directed qualities. Common examples include självständig (independent), självförtroende (self-confidence), självbild (self-image), and självmedvetenhet (self-awareness). These formations show how själv extends meanings related to personal authorship, responsibility, and inner states.

Usage notes: själv/self appears across spoken and written Swedish and is a basic element in describing how much of a person’s own doing, mindset, or identity is involved in an action or attribute. In translation, it typically corresponds to “self” or “oneself,” with nuances conveyed through word order and the choice of compounds.