Själva

Själva is the emphatic form of the Swedish pronoun själv and functions as both an attributive determiner and a pronoun. It is used to add emphasis or specificity, translating roughly to “themselves,” “the very,” or “the thing itself” depending on the context. It can refer to people or to objects and ideas, and it often signals that no others are involved or that the noun should be considered in its own right.

Etymology and forms: Själva derives from the older form själv and is related to the English self. In modern Swedish, själva can appear before a definite noun (själva huset, själva frågan) to emphasize the noun, or with plural demonstratives (de själva) or pronouns to mean “themselves” or “we/you/they themselves.” The form is chosen to agree with the noun it modifies and the surrounding syntax.

Usage: Själva has two main functions. First, as an intensifier with pronouns: Vi själva kan ordna allt. This means “We can arrange everything ourselves.” Second, as an intensifier before a definite noun: Själva huset står kvar efter ombyggnaden. This conveys “the house itself remains standing” or “the very house.” In many contexts, själva adds a contrast or emphasis that the subject or object stands apart from others or deserves special attention.

Limitations: Själva is not used as a generic substitute for själv in all contexts; its use tends to convey emphasis, emphasis linked to definiteness, or a contrastive nuance. In everyday speech, it often appears in the emphasized pronoun form (vi själva) or before definite nouns (själva huset).

See also: själv, sig själv, självt.