alltså

Alltså is a Swedish word that functions primarily as a discourse marker and adverb. In everyday language it can signal a consequence or conclusion, roughly translating to "therefore" or "thus," but it is also widely used as a sentence-initial filler meaning "I mean," "well," or "you see." Its dual function means it helps guide the listener through reasoning or clarifies the speaker’s intent, depending on intonation and context.

Etymology and usage notes: The form is a compound of all and så, reflecting a tendency in Scandinavian languages to fuse elements for logical or explanatory purposes. In Swedish, al- ett form with different spellings exists in neighboring languages as well (for example, Norwegian and Danish have alstå/altså with similar meanings). In Swedish, allmännare use is in spoken language; in formal writing, its appearance is more restrained and can be perceived as colloquial or filler rather than a precise logical connector.

Examples and registers: As a filler, it frequently appears at the start of a clause: Alltså, vad jag försöker säga är att vi behöver en ny plan. It can also introduce a clarification: Det är alltså inte sant. As a connector with a consequential nuance: Det regnade, alltså konserten ställdes in. The word can carry a softening or bridging effect in conversation and is common in informal speech, while its formal use to denote deduction is less frequent in written Swedish.

See also: discourse marker, Swedish language, Norwegian alstå, Danish altså.