høflig

Høflig is a Norwegian adjective meaning polite or courteous. It describes behavior that shows respect for others and follows commonly accepted social norms. A høflig person uses courteous language, gestures, and tone, and may adjust formality to the situation. The noun form is høflighet, referring to politeness or courtesy as a quality or social practice.

In Norwegian, høflig is used in both Bokmål and Nynorsk contexts. It can describe people, actions, or speech: for example, "Hun var veldig høflig mot hotellpersonalet" or "Det var høflig å si takk." It contrasts with more direct or blunt speech in casual contexts, though Norwegian culture often values straightforwardness in everyday conversation. In service or formal contexts, a higher degree of høflighet is common, such as using courteous phrasing, polite requests, and proper address.

Etymology: the term is related to other Scandinavian languages, with cognates such as Danish høflig and Swedish höflig, reflecting a shared Germanic linguistic heritage. The broader concept is expressed by words like høflighet or etiquette in talking about social manners.

Usage notes: beyond individual behavior, høflighet encompasses social codes of conduct, including greetings, respectful language, and manners in interactions with elders, guests, or strangers. While politeness is universal, specific norms can vary by region or context, so adaptability is often part of being høflig.

See also: høflighet, etiquette, social norms, address forms.