affärerna

Affärerna is the definite plural form of the Swedish noun affär, and is most commonly used to mean the shops or stores in a town, district, or shopping center. In everyday language it is typically employed when referring to multiple retail establishments that are known to the speaker and listener, for example in descriptions of a city center or a market area.

Besides its primary meaning related to retail, affär can also denote a business deal or transaction in other contexts. When referring to such meanings, speakers usually use the indefinite plural affärer or rephrase to avoid ambiguity. The definite plural affärerna, however, is most often understood as “the shops” rather than “the deals” in ordinary retail or urban contexts.

Etymology and grammar: affär is a common gender noun (en affär). The definite plural affärerna is formed with the definite suffix -erna. The singular definite form is affären, and the plural indefinite is affärer. This pattern is typical for many en-words in Swedish.

Usage notes: Affärerna is frequently found in descriptions of commercial districts, shopping streets, and retail history. In contrast, discussions about individual deals or transactions are usually phrased differently to avoid confusion with the plural noun for shops. The term is not used to denote personal relationships; that sense is expressed with other words or phrases.

See also: affär, butik, handelsplats, handel.