annars

Annars is a Swedish adverb and conjunction meaning mainly “otherwise,” “else,” or “in other respects.” It is used to indicate a consequence if the current course of action is not followed, or to refer to other aspects of a situation. The word is common in both spoken and written Swedish and functions in several related senses without changing form.

As a conjunction, annaras links two clauses to express what would happen if the first clause does not occur. Examples: “Vi måste gå nu, annars missar vi bussen.” and “Ska vi ta tåget, annars kan vi bli sena.” As an adverb, it can refer to other aspects of what is being discussed or signal a contrast with what has been stated: “Det känns bra, men annars är allt som vanligt.” or “Hur mår du annars?” In these uses, annaras is invariable and does not decline.

Common uses and nuances include:

- Indicating an alternative outcome: “annars” introduces the consequence if the action is not taken.

- Referring to other aspects of a situation: “annars” meaning “in other respects” or “apart from that.”

- Appearing at the end of a clause or after the first clause in a sentence.

Etymology traces annaras back to the adjective annan meaning “other,” with a derived adverbial function forming the sense “in other respects” or “otherwise.”

See also: annat, ell, eller.