kära
/ˈɕɛːˌra/
The Swedish word for dear is kära.
kära is used as an adjective meaning loved or lovable. It is the most common and versatile term for dear in Swedish.
Meaning: loved, lovable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While kära is the standard versatile term, Ärade is used to emphasize a higher level of respect, specifically when addressing someone with high authority or in official correspondence. For the utmost level of formality, such as in formal ceremonies or official invitations, use Högt ärade.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the noun it describes: kära is used for plural nouns and for definite singular nouns. Use the form kärt when describing neuter singular nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɕɛːˌra/
Did you know?
- While kära is used for loved ones, the word dyr is used for things that are 'dear' in terms of price. Using dyr to describe a person's value would be a mistake and would imply they are expensive.
- In very traditional or old-fashioned Swedish letters, kära might be replaced by bäste for men and bästa for women, which literally means 'best' but functions as 'dear'.
- When using kära in a formal greeting like Kära [Name], it is customary in Sweden to follow the name with a comma, but the next sentence must start with a lowercase letter.
Examples in context
- Kära barn har många namn.Dear children have many names.This sentence illustrates the use of kära with a plural noun.Tatoeba #5943970 by herrsilen, translation #9306336 by Lillith
- Bli inte lurade, mina kära vänner.Don't be deceived, my dear friends.This sentence shows how to use kära when addressing friends.Tatoeba #9309300 by morbrorper, translation #9309027 by CK
- Kära Fru AnderssonDear Mrs. Andersson
- Ärade Professor JohnsonDear Professor Johnson
- Ärade StyrelsenDear Board
- Högt ärade GästerDear Guests of Honor
- Kära SaraDear Sara
- Kära Professor Johansson, Tack så mycket för mötet igår.Dear Professor Johansson, thank you so much for the meeting yesterday.
- Mina kära föräldrar bor i Malmö.My dear parents live in Malmö.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Erik and Linnea are talking about a family gathering.
- ErikHar du skrivit ett brev till dina kära kusiner?Have you written a letter to your dear cousins?
- LinneaJa, jag skickade ett kort till dem igår.Yes, I sent a card to them yesterday.
- ErikDet var snällt av dig, Linnea.That was kind of you, Linnea.
- LinneaDe betyder mycket för mig.They mean a lot to me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kära, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
