härda

Hårda is a Swedish adjective form meaning "hard" or "tough." It functions as the plural form of the base adjective hård and is used with plural nouns in both indefinite and definite determinations. The basic forms are hård (common gender singular), hårt (neuter singular), and hårda (plural, used for both indefinite and definite plural in most contexts). In predicative constructions, such as describing a subject, the plural form remains hårda: for example, Reglerna är hårda (The rules are harsh).

Usage examples illustrate its meaning across contexts: hårda regler (strict rules), hårda tider (tough times), hårda ord (harsh words). The form is also found in fixed expressions and compounds where the adjective retains its meaning of severity, firmness, or rigidity.

Etymology and related forms: the Swedish hård derives from Old Norse harðr, itself from Proto-Germanic *harduz. It is cognate with Danish hård, Norwegian hard, and English hard, reflecting a common Germanic lineage for the concept of hardness or severity.

Grammar note: Swedish adjectives agree with the noun in gender and number. Hårda is used for plural nouns or definite plural phrases, such as de hårda reglerna. For ett-words in plural, the same form hårda applies. In a sentence where the subject is plural, adjectives in the predicate harmonize as hårda (e.g., Lagarna är hårda).

See also: Hard (English), hård, Swedish comparative and superlative forms of adjectives. This term is a standard grammatical inflection rather than a distinct lexical entry.