bróðir
masculine
The English word 'brother' is translated into Old Norse as bróðir. Wiktionary also lists barmi.
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Ways to say it
| Old Norse | Note |
|---|---|
| bróðir | masculine |
| barmi | masculine |
The term is used to refer to a male sibling.
Which one should you use?
bróðir is the standard term for a brother, while barmi is an alternative masculine form used for the same concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both bróðir and barmi are masculine nouns.
Did you know?
- The alternative word for brother barmi literally means 'co-bosomer', coming from the word barmr meaning 'bosom' or 'lap'.
- In Old Norse culture, the term bróðir was often used as a term of alliance for 'blood brothers', men who bonded through a ritual to create an artificial kinship.
Examples in context
- Hann er minn bróðirHe is my brother
- Hann er minn bróðir.He is my brother.
- Einn bróðir er hjá mér.One brother is with me.
- Hverr er þinn bróðir?Who is your brother?
Example conversation
Olaf and Astrid are talking about their family.
- OlafHverr er sá maðr?Who is that man?
- AstridÞat er minn bróðir.That is my brother.
- OlafEr hann sterkr?Is he strong?
- AstridJá, hann er mjǫk sterkr.Yes, he is very strong.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brother” translations and entries bróðir, barmi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barmi, bróðir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
