inntrykk

Inntrykk is a Norwegian noun that denotes an impression or perception formed as a result of experience, observation, or exposure to something. The term can refer to the subjective sense one gets from a person, a place, an event, or a work of art, and it may also describe the overall atmosphere or mood conveyed by something. In everyday language, inntrykk is often used to describe first impressions or the general sense a person forms after an encounter. It is also common in journalism, marketing, and cultural criticism to summarize audience or reader responses, or to describe an perceived quality of a film, exhibit, or product.

Etymology and form: Inntrykk combines inn- meaning “in, into” and trykk, meaning “press” or “pressure.” The sense evolved from an imprint or imprinting to a figurative impression. In Norwegian, inntrykk can be used in reference to a single impression or to a set of impressions, with constructions such as å gjøre et inntrykk (to make an impression) or å gjøre inntrykk på noen (to impress someone).

Usage notes: Common expressions include å gjøre inntrykk på noen, og å danne seg et inntrykk av noe (to form an impression of something). The phrase av noe (an impression of something) is also frequent: Jeg fikk et inntrykk av stedet. In more academic or critical writing, inntrykk can be used alongside oppfatning or opplevelse, though it often conveys a stronger perceptual or evaluative sense rather than a purely factual one.

See also: oppfatning, opplevelse, erfaring.