Hodet

Hodet is the definite singular form of the Norwegian noun hode, meaning the head—the upper part of the body that contains the brain and the sensory organs. It can refer to the physical head as well as to the figurative sense of the mind or leadership.

Grammatical notes: Hode is a neuter noun. The indefinite form is et hode, and the definite singular is hodet. The plural forms are hoder (indefinite) and hodene (definite). The word derives from Old Norse höfuð and is cognate with the English word head.

Usage and related terms: In everyday Norwegian, hodet is used for both literal and figurative purposes. Common phrases include jeg har vondt i hodet (I have a headache) and hodet mitt dunker av smerte (my head is pounding). In anatomical and medical contexts, related terms include hodeskalle (skull) and hjerne (brain). The word also appears in idioms such as bruke hodet (to use one’s head, i.e., to think). Although hodet refers to the entire head, more specific terms distinguish parts or functions, such as hodeskalle for the skull or hjernen for the brain.

Etymology and cross-linguistic notes: The term hode originates in Old Norse höfuð. Hodet is the definite form in Norwegian; it is related to the English head and the German Kopf as cognates.

See also: hode, hodeskalle, hjerne, norsk grammatikk.