självsäkert

Självsäkert is a Swedish word that functions primarily as an adverb meaning “in a self-confident manner,” describing how an action is performed or how someone appears. It is also the neuter singular inflection of the adjective självsäker (self-confident) used attributively before a noun, as in ett självsäkert leende. The form thus covers both adverbial use and a neuter adjective form.

In usage, självsäkert typically describes manner, for example: hon talade självsäkert, han gick självsäkert fram, hon såg självsäkert ut. It implies poise, competence and self-assurance in the person or actor. Depending on context, it can be read as positive and confident or, if the behavior seems excessive, as arrogant or overconfident.

Relationer and nuance: The related adjective is självsäker (self-confident), while noun forms such as självförtroende or självkänsla refer to self-confidence or self-esteem. A common collocation is ett självsäkert leende, meaning a self-confident or assured smile. The English equivalent is “confidently.” Självsäkert is widely used in both everyday speech and formal writing, with a neutral to slightly evaluative tone depending on the surrounding context.