gjester

Gjester is the Norwegian word for "guests" or "visitors." It is the plural form of gjest and is commonly used in Bokmål. The singular is gjest, while the definite plural is gjestene and the definite singular is gjesten.

Etymology and cognates: Gjester derives from Old Norse gestr or gestr. It is cognate with Danish gæst and Swedish gäst, all tracing back to a Proto-Germanic root related to guest or host. The term has parallels in many Germanic languages, reflecting a long-standing social concept of inviting and hosting.

Usage and variants: Gjester is used when referring to people invited to one’s home, events, or places where someone is hosted. Examples include: "Vi venter gjester i kveld" (We are expecting guests tonight) and "Gjestene ble varmt tatt imot" (The guests were warmly received). In Bokmål, the standard plural is gjester, with the definite plural form gjestene. In Nynorsk, the plural form is often gjestar, and regional dialects may vary in usage, so consult a contemporary dictionary for strict form guidance.

Cultural and linguistic context: The word is a common part of everyday speech and hospitality-related phrasing in Norwegian. It also appears in literature, media, and social discourse about hosting, events, and social visits. As a basic noun for social visitors, gjester is a staple term across various registers of the language.