syfta

Syfta is a Swedish verb with meanings related to aiming, intending, or referring to something. It is used in two primary constructions: syfta mot, meaning to be aimed at or directed toward something; and syfta på, meaning to refer to or be about something. The verb is most common in formal or written Swedish, such as policy documents, academic texts, and journalism, but it also appears in everyday language.

In practical use, syfta describes intention or purpose, often in statements of goal or scope: “Rapporten syftar till att kartlägga energianvändningen” or “Vem är det som syftar på historiken?” In questions, “Vad syftar du på?” asks what someone is referring to. The phrase “syftar mot” indicates direction or target as in “åtgärden syftar mot att sänka utsläppen.”

Conjugation: infinitive syfta; present syftar; past syftade; supine syftat; participle forms include “syftande” as present participle, used in some constructions. The imperative is “syfta” (rare, usually in phrases like “syfta mot målet”).

Difference from related nouns: “syfte” is the noun meaning “purpose” or “intention” and is used when naming the goal itself, e.g., “Syftet med studien är…”; “syfta” expresses the action or orientation, while “syfte” names the aim.

Usage notes: Prefer “syfta” in formal contexts to discuss aims, purposes, or references; in everyday speech one might use “menar” (mean), “peka på” (point to), or “referera till” depending on nuance.