sällan

Sällan is a Swedish adverb meaning rarely or seldom. It describes the low frequency of an action, event, or condition. Example: “Hon går sällan till gymmet.” “Vi ser sällan sådana väderförhållanden.”

It is invariable and modifies verbs. It can appear before the main verb or after the subject: “Hon sällan går ut” or “Hon går sällan ut.”

Usage and tone: Sällan is neutral and widely understood in both speech and writing. In everyday conversation, speakers often use “inte ofta” instead, but “sällan” is standard and common in formal or literary contexts. The contrast with “ofta” expresses higher frequency.

Etymology and cognates: The word has roots in older North Germanic varieties; related forms exist in other Scandinavian languages, such as Norwegian “sjeldent” or “sjelden,” and Danish “sjældent.” Related Swedish word “sällsynt” means “rare.”

See also: ofta, ofta; aldrig.