lána

Låna is a Swedish verb meaning to obtain the use of something from another person with the intention of returning it, or to obtain money on loan. The act is transitive and typically requires an object, for example: Jag lånar en bok av dig, Kan jag få låna pengar av banken? The related noun lån denotes the loan itself, including money borrowed or an arrangement to borrow or lend, as in ett lån från banken.

Grammatical notes: in the present tense the form is lånar (jag lånar, du lånar), in the past tense lånade, and the supine form is lånat. The perfect tense is bildad: har lånat. Expressions such as låna av someone mean to borrow from someone, while låna ut means to lend to someone. Låna is also used figuratively, for example to låna idéer. It contrasts with hyra (to rent), where payment and terms for duration are the primary focus, whereas låna emphasizes temporary use and returning the exact item.

Usage examples: Jag lånar en bok av min granne. Kan jag få låna din penna? Hon lånade pengar av sin familj. In banking and law, the noun lån is common, and phrases like låneavtal describe loan agreements.

Etymology and related terms: the Swedish låna is cognate with Norwegian låne and Danish låne, and shares a common Germanic heritage. The verb and its derivatives appear throughout the Scandinavian languages with similar meanings, reflecting historical lending and borrowing practices.