Góða nótt
The English phrase "good night" is expressed in Old Norse as Góða nótt.
This phrase is used as a farewell.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine accusative singular adjective góða and the feminine accusative singular noun nótt, literally meaning "good night".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the accusative case because it is an elliptical expression of "I wish (you) a good night" (ek óska þér góða nótt).
Did you know?
- In Old Norse mythology, Nótt is not just a word for 'night' but the name of a giantess who is the personification of the night itself.
- While Góða nótt is a farewell, Old Norse speakers used the word heill to wish someone general health and luck when meeting or parting.
- The word nótt is a direct linguistic ancestor to the English word 'night' and the German word 'Nacht'.
Example conversation
Sigrid and Olaf are ending their day by a fire.
- SigridEk mun nú fara.I am going now.
- OlafGóða nótt, Sigrid.Good night, Sigrid.
- SigridGóða nótt, Olaf.Good night, Olaf.
- OlafSofðu vel.Sleep well.
