gjöf

Gjöf is an Icelandic noun meaning "gift" or "present." It denotes a thing given to another person without expectation of payment and is used in everyday language to refer to gifts exchanged on birthdays, holidays, and other occasions. The plural form is gjafir, and the phrase "góð gjöf" is used to describe a thoughtful or valuable present.

In addition to its material sense, gjöf can denote a natural talent or ability, especially when describing someone's gifts or aptitudes. For example, "hann hefur gjöf fyrir tónlist" translates as "he has a gift for music." The term thus covers both external objects and intrinsic capacities.

Etymology and related terms: gjöf is a Germanic word with cognates in other languages; it is related to Old Norse gjǫf and to English "gift." In Icelandic usage, the concept extends from the tangible to the abstract, including cultural and social practices around giving.