momentuak

Momentuak is the Basque plural noun meaning "moments," referring to specific points in time or brief intervals. The singular form momentua denotes "the moment." In everyday Basque, momentua and momentuak are used when discussing particular instants within a sequence or memory, and they are distinct from broader time expressions such as denbora (time) or iraupena (duration).

Etymology and form: Momentu is the Basque word for moment, and momentua is the definite singular form, with momentuak serving as the definite plural. The plural is formed with the suffix -ak, a common pattern for Basque nouns to indicate definiteness and plurality. The phrase momentu honetan, meaning "at this moment," illustrates typical usage of momentu as a time point in common expressions.

Usage and context: Momentuak is used across genres—conversational Basque, journalism, and literature—to point to particular instants within events or memories. It can convey immediacy or historical significance, depending on context. The term coexists with synonymous expressions such as une (moment, point in time) and with verbal constructions that specify timing or sequence.

Related concepts: The word belongs to the broader Basque lexicon for time and sequencing. Basque time terminology often relies on compounds and affixes to denote precise temporal relations, with momentuak serving as a natural reference for discrete instants within narrative or discussion.

See also: Basque language, Euskara, time, denbora, une, momentu.