Ways to say it
| Norwegian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ektemann | masculine | |
| mann | /mɑnː/ | masculine |
| husbond | masculine |
The term refers to a male partner in a marriage. While ektemann is the standard term for the role, the word mann is frequently used in natural, everyday conversation to refer to one's husband, such as in the phrase mannen min (my husband).
What does it mean word for word?
The word ektemann is a compound of ekte, meaning married or true and mann, meaning man.
Which one should you use?
Ektemann is a more formal and precise term used in official contexts or when the legal marital status needs specific emphasis. In contrast, mann literally means 'man', but it is the most common way to refer to a husband in casual speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ektemann is used for formal or official precision, while mann is the preferred choice for natural, everyday conversation. The term husbond is archaic and is not used in modern daily Norwegian.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, including parts of Western Norway, the term Gubben may be used to mean 'old man' or 'husband'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun. The plural form of ektemann is ektemenn, and its definite form is ektemannen.
Did you know?
- The word mann did not always mean an adult male. In its earliest forms, it was used to describe any 'human' regardless of gender.
- The archaic term husbond is a direct relative of the English word 'husband', both sharing the same Germanic roots involving the concept of a 'master of the house'.
- While Gubben can be a term of endearment for a husband, its literal meaning is 'the old man'.
Examples in context
- Sami var mannen til Layla.Sami was Layla's husband.This sentence shows how to use mann to identify a husband.Tatoeba #12480743 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #7280078 by OsoHombre
- Er ikke du Mary sin ektemann?Aren't you Mary's husband?This sentence demonstrates a formal question using ektemann.Tatoeba #7195807 by Crash, translation #6094454 by CK
- Jeg vil du skal treffe mannen min.I'd like you to meet my husband.This sentence shows the common usage of mann to introduce a husband.Tatoeba #8799840 by solsikkeris, translation #2240435 by Hybrid
- Mannen min er den beste støtten min i livet.My husband is my greatest support in life.
- Jeg er utrolig glad i gubben min.I am incredibly fond of my husband.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Magnus are talking about a party.
- EmmaKommer ektemannen din på festen?Is your husband coming to the party?
- MagnusJa, han kommer sammen med meg.Yes, he is coming with me.
- EmmaSå hyggelig! Jeg gleder meg til å se ham.How lovely! I look forward to seeing him.
- MagnusDet gjør han også, Emma.He does too, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “husband” translations and entries ektemann, mann, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ektemann, mann, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
