självvald

Självvald is a Swedish adjective meaning self-chosen or voluntarily selected. It is formed from själv, meaning self, and vald, the past participle of välja (to choose). The term signals that the choice or action originates with the person themselves rather than being imposed by others.

The word is used to describe decisions, paths, or commitments taken by an individual of their own accord. It appears in personal, educational, cultural, and professional contexts. For example, a självvald väg, självvald livsstil, or självvald utbildning indicates choices made through personal preference and agency. The nuance often suggests deliberation, autonomy, and voluntary commitment rather than necessity or external pressure.

In relation to other terms, självvald is distinct from frivillig, which also conveys voluntariness but with emphasis on willingness rather than the origin of the choice. Related expressions include självbestämd (self-determined) and, less commonly, egenvald (rare). The term is widely understood in contemporary Swedish and can appear in media, essays, and everyday speech to highlight personal agency.

Examples of usage include statements such as “hon valde en självvald väg i livet” and “självvald utbildning” to describe choices pursued independently by the individual. While the form commonly appears before nouns in common gender, the phrase is readily understood across contexts as indicating voluntary, self-directed action.