arbetsam

Arbetsam is a Swedish adjective meaning industrious, diligent, and hardworking. It describes a person who is inclined to work hard, is conscientious, and often productive. The noun form is arbetsamhet, referring to industriousness or diligence, while the adverbial form is arbetsamt, used to describe actions performed with effort or in a laborious manner.

Origin and usage: Arbetsam is a native Swedish word formed from the noun arbete (work) and the suffix -sam, which conveys the sense of a quality or characteristic. In everyday and formal language, arbetsam is used to praise or describe someone with a strong work ethic, though it can also apply to tasks or processes that require sustained effort when used metaphorically.

Synonyms and antonyms: Common synonyms include flitig (diligent) and noggrann (careful). An antonym is lat (lazy). The term is versatile and can describe a person, a group, or a situation.

Examples: It is common to say that someone is arbetsam, indicating consistent effort and reliability. The phrase arbetsamt can describe a demanding or labor-intensive project, though careful phrasing is needed to avoid implying excessive hardship.

See also: Industriousness, work ethic.