bruke

Bruke is a Norwegian verb meaning to use, employ, or apply something for a purpose. It covers using objects, tools, time, energy, or resources, and appears in many everyday expressions such as using money, using a tool, or using time efficiently. The word also appears in phrases describing how something is used, for example “å bruke tid” (to spend time) or “å bruke penger” (to spend money).

Etymology and related forms: Bruke comes from Old Norse brūka or a related form and is cognate with Danish bruge and Swedish bruka. The noun form bruk means use or usage. The word has cognates across Scandinavian languages and has developed into the modern Norwegian verb system found in Bokmål and Nynorsk.

Conjugation and grammar: In Bokmål, the infinitive is å bruke. Present tense is bruker, past tense is brukte, and the past participle is brukt. The imperative form is bruk. The passive voice is formed with blir brukt (is/are used). The verb is commonly followed by prepositional phrases such as å bruke noe til noe (to use something for something).

Usage notes: Bruke is highly versatile and occurs in many idiomatic expressions. Common patterns include bruke tid, bruke penger, bruke verktøy, and bruke opp (to use up). As a noun, bruk denotes use or utilization, as in i bruk (in use). The word also appears in technical or instructional contexts, such as bruksanvisning (instruction manual) or brukerinformasjon (user information).

See also: bruk (noun), bruker (user or user of something), bruksanvisning (instruction manual).