häl

Hål is a Swedish neuter noun meaning hole, opening, or cavity. It can refer to a hollow space in a solid object, such as a hole in a wall or a hole in the ground, as well as to openings or perforations in materials. The term is also used figuratively to describe gaps or deficiencies, for example holes in knowledge or holes in an argument.

Pronunciation and inflection: The word is pronounced [hoːl]. It follows standard Swedish noun inflection for a neuter word. Indefinite singular: ett hål. Definite singular: hålet. Indefinite plural: hål. Definite plural: hålen. In usage, the definite forms are required when referring to a specific hole or set of holes.

Etymology and cognates: Hål derives from Old Norse and is related to related forms in other Scandinavian languages, such as Danish hul and Norwegian hull, all tied to the sense of a hollow space or opening. This reflects a common Germanic root for terms describing cavities and openings.

Usage and scope: Hål covers physical openings, such as holes through walls, fabric, or objects, as well as natural cavities and openings in geological or manufactured contexts. It can also denote perforations or gaps in non-physical senses, including gaps in explanations, plans, or knowledge. The term appears across everyday language, technical descriptions, and literary usage.

See also: Hole (in English), cavity, opening. Notes: While related terms exist in Danish and Norwegian, spelling and common usage differ in those languages; Swedish håll is not used for the same sense.