min/mitt/mina
My/mine
Use 'min' for 'en' words, 'mitt' for 'ett' words, and 'mina' for all plural nouns.
How It Works
In Swedish, you can't just use one word for 'my'. The form changes to match the noun's gender and number. This is a key feature of Swedish grammar.
Here are the rules:
- Use min with singular en-words.
- Use mitt with singular ett-words.
- Use mina with all plural words (regardless of their original gender).
This concept of agreement is crucial and is also seen in adjective agreement. Understanding noun genders and plural endings is essential for using these possessive pronouns correctly.
These words can be used before a noun (e.g., 'min bil' - my car) or on their own to mean 'mine' (e.g., 'Bilen är min' - The car is mine).
After A Possessive
In the ordinary construction, use the noun without its definite ending: min bok, mitt hus, mina böcker. A preceding adjective normally takes its definite form: min nya bok, mitt nya hus, mina nya böcker. The noun still has no definite suffix.
Whose Gender Matters?
The form agrees with the thing possessed, not the speaker: anyone can say min bil or mitt pass. When the noun is understood, keep the same agreement: Bilen är min, Passet är mitt, Böckerna är mina.
Examples (6)
- Det är min bok.
It is my book.
Word by Word: It is my book.
'Bok' is an 'en' word, so 'min' is used.
- Var är mitt pass?
Where is my passport?
Word by Word: Where is my passport?
'Pass' is an 'ett' word, so 'mitt' is used.
- Jag älskar mina vänner.
I love my friends.
Word by Word: I love my friends.
'Vänner' is plural, so 'mina' is used.
- Är det här din katt? Ja, den är min.
Is this your cat? Yes, it is mine.
Word by Word: Is this here your cat? Yes, it is mine.
- Det här är mitt hem.
This is my home.
Word by Word: This here is my home.
- Mina skor är nya.
My shoes are new.
Word by Word: My shoes are new.
Common Mistakes
Using the wrong form for the noun's gender.
Jag gillar min hus.Jag gillar mitt hus.'Hus' is an 'ett' word, so you must use 'mitt'. 'Min' is only for 'en' words.
Using a singular form ('min' or 'mitt') with a plural noun.
Jag ska träffa min kompisar.Jag ska träffa mina kompisar.For all plural nouns, regardless of their gender in the singular, you must always use 'mina'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'min', 'mitt', and 'mina' correctly, you must first understand that Swedish nouns are divided into two genders (en/ett) and know how to form their plural versions, as the possessive pronoun must agree with the noun in both gender and number.
- -or/-ar/-er/-nPlural Endings
The form 'mina' is used specifically with plural nouns, so understanding how to form plurals is necessary.
Level 1 - Basic pronouns
Possessive pronouns are an extension of personal pronouns; understanding the concept of 'I' (jag) is foundational to learning 'my' (min).
Foundations
Related Patterns
- Noun genders
The choice between 'min' and 'mitt' depends directly on whether a noun has 'en' or 'ett' gender. This is the most fundamental related concept.
Foundations - din/ditt/dinaYour/yours (Singular)
This is the possessive pronoun for 'your' (singular 'you') and follows the exact same agreement rules as min/mitt/mina.
Level 1 - Adjective agreement
The possessive follows the possessed noun’s gender and number. A following adjective normally uses its definite form: min nya bok, mitt nya hus, mina nya böcker. The noun itself has no definite suffix in this ordinary pattern.
Level 1 - sin/sitt/sinaHis/her/its/their (Reflexive)
Another possessive pronoun that follows the same agreement pattern (sitt for ett-words, sin for en-words, sina for plural) but is used reflexively.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice min/mitt/mina in Bubblegum
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