ögonblick

ögonblick is a Swedish noun meaning a moment or an instant, referring to a very short span of time. In common usage it can convey both a concrete moment and a fleeting, almost instantaneous change or perception. The term is versatile in everyday speech as well as in journalism and literature.

Etymology and form: the word is a compound of öga (eye) and blick (glance), originally evoking a brief gaze but extended in meaning to a brief point in time. It is a neuter noun; the indefinite singular is ett ögonblick and the definite singular is ögonblicket. Plural forms exist, but usage often remains in the singular when speaking of a general short interval.

Usage and examples: ögonblick is typically used with prepositions such as i and på. Common phrases include i ett ögonblick (in an instant) and på ett ögonblick (in a moment). Examples: Det hände i ett ögonblick. Allt förändrades på ett ögonblick. The word emphasizes brevity and immediacy, and can be heightened in literary contexts to reflect the suddenness of events or memories.

Cultural note: ögonblick has a broad, neutral tone, suitable for descriptions of quick events as well as reflective or poetic prose. While it denotes a short interval, its metaphorical use can highlight the fragility of moments and the swift passage of time.