Göst

Gäst is a noun in Swedish that refers to a person who is staying with or visiting another person, typically as a guest in a home, at an event, or in a hospitality setting. The term covers both social visits and formal arrangements, such as a guest speaker or a guest at a conference. It can also describe someone served by a host, such as a hotel guest.

Etymology and related forms: Gäst comes from Old Norse and is closely related to other Germanic languages. It is cognate with the English word guest and the German word Gast. The Swedish word has retained a clear sense of a person who is received or accommodated by a host. Grammatical forms include en gäst (singular, indefinite), gästen (singular, definite), gäster (plural), and gästerna (plural, definite).

Common compounds and usage: The word forms the basis of several everyday compounds in Swedish, such as gästabok (guestbook), gästhus or gästhusanordning (guest house), gästgiveri (inn), and gästspel (a guest performance). In hospitality and events, phrases like välkommen som gäst or gästen är inbjuden are typical. In hotels and restaurants, a gäst refers to a paying or complimentary guest staying or dining.

Social and cultural notes: The concept of hosting and receiving guests is a common social practice in Swedish culture, emphasizing hospitality and courtesy. The term gäst is neutral and widely used across formal and informal registers, from personal invitations to professional programs featuring guest speakers or performers.