apa
/²ɑːˌpa/common gender
The English word monkey translates to Swedish as apa.
apa is used to refer to a primate.
Meaning: primate (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form apa is common-gender. To specify a single monkey, use the definite form apan (the monkey). For more than one monkey, use the plural form apor (monkeys) or the definite plural form aporna (the monkeys).
How do you pronounce it?
/²ɑːˌpa/
Did you know?
- The Swedish verb apa sig means to mimic or imitate someone, often in a mocking way. It transforms the noun apa into an action of behaving like a monkey.
- Swedish uses apa for both 'monkey' and 'ape', whereas English distinguishes between the two animals.
- The word apa descends from the Old Norse word api, which was used by the Vikings to describe primates.
Examples in context
- Apan är i trädet.The monkey is in the tree.This sentence shows how to use apa to describe a monkey in a tree.Tatoeba #11234524 by Pineapple, translation #8272880 by Amastan
- Jag äter inte apa.I don't eat monkey.This sentence uses apa to express that one does not eat monkey.Tatoeba #10949000 by Pineapple, translation #8013616 by OsoHombre
- Du ser ut som en apa.You look like a monkey.This sentence uses apa to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #4335967 by richke, translation #3348067 by CK
- Forskaren studerade beteendet hos en apa.The researcher studied the behavior of a monkey.
- Barnet klättrade i trädet som en apaunge.The child climbed the tree like a little monkey.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Oscar and Linnea are visiting the zoo.
- OscarTitta på den där lilla apan!Look at that little monkey!
- LinneaJa, hon är verkligen söt.Yes, she is really cute.
- OscarTror du att apan är hungrig?Do you think the monkey is hungry?
- LinneaJag tror det, Oscar.I think so, Oscar.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monkey” translations and entries apa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
