øyeblikk

Øyeblikk is a Norwegian noun meaning a moment or a very short period of time. It denotes a brief interval and is used in both literal and figurative senses. The singular form is et øyeblikk, and common expressions include i et øyeblikk, meaning in a moment or for a moment.

Etymology and cognates: The word combines an eye-related element with a term for a glance or look, reflecting the idea of a moment as perceived by the eye. It has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, such as Swedish ögonblick and Danish øjeblik, which convey the same sense of a brief point in time. The term is established in Norwegian from old Scandinavian roots and remains the standard word for a short time interval in contemporary usage.

Usage and meaning: Øyeblikk is used for precise moments as well as more general brief intervals. It can function in literal statements, for example describing a short passage of time, or figuratively to indicate something happening quickly, such as a change that occurs in a moment. It contrasts with longer time units like minutt (minute) and is a common feature of everyday speech, journalism, and literature.

Translations and equivalents: In English, øyeblikk is usually rendered as moment or instant; in some contexts, idioms like blink of an eye are used to convey speed or brevity. The term remains a core part of Norwegian vocabulary for expressing time intervals that are short but definite.