Uppföra

Uppföra is a Swedish verb with several related meanings. The most common senses are to stage or perform a production, such as a theatre play or a concert, and to erect or build something, such as a building or monument. In broader use it can also mean to carry out or execute an action or plan.

Etymology and sense development: uppföra is formed from upp- (up, upwards) and föra (to carry, lead). The combination conveys bringing something into existence or into a public display, whether by staging a performance or by constructing a structure.

Conjugation and usage: uppföra is a transitive verb. Infinitive uppföra; present uppför; past uppförde; supine uppfört. The past participle used adjectivally is uppfört, as in ett uppfört hus. The reflexive form uppföra sig means to behave oneself or conduct oneself. The verb is most common in formal or written contexts, especially in relation to performances and construction projects.

Contexts and examples: In the performing arts, one speaks of uppföra en pjäs eller en föreställning. In construction, man kan uppföra ett hus eller en byggnad. Examples: Teatern uppförde en ny pjäs i helgen; Kommunen uppförde ett nytt bostadshus; Företaget uppförde en fabrik. Reflexive usage appears in uppföra sig, meaning to behave well or poorly during an occasion.

Related terms: uppfostra (to bring up/raise, though commonly used for upbringing), genomföra (to carry out), samt bygger upp, resa upp. Uppföra remains relatively specialized and is more typical in formal, institutional, or historical contexts.