máni
masculine
The English word "moon" is translated into Old Norse as máni. If unsure, use máni. Wiktionary also lists tungl.
Meaning: the natural satellite of planet Earth (noun)
Ways to say it
| Old Norse | Note |
|---|---|
| máni | masculine |
| tungl |
The term is used to refer to the natural satellite of Earth.
Which one should you use?
máni is a masculine noun and serves as the most common term for the moon. In contrast, tungl is a neuter noun that refers to the moon but is more generally used to describe any celestial body or light in the sky.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the definite article in the dative singular case, the masculine noun máni becomes mánanum (to/for the moon).
When do people say it?
In Old Norse, máni is often personified in mythology.
Did you know?
- Old Norse describes the moon as being chased by a wolf named Hati, who intends to devour máni during the events of Ragnarök.
- The word máni is related to the English words 'moon' and 'month', which go back to the same old word for the moon as a measure of time.
- Because máni is masculine, it contrasts with the Old Norse word for the sun, sól, which is feminine.
Examples in context
- Máni skín á himni.The moon shines in the sky.
- Máni er mjök bjartr í nótt.The moon is very bright tonight.
Example conversation
Olaf and Helga are looking at the night sky.
- OlafSé þú, Helga, máni er fullr!Look, Helga, the moon is full!
- HelgaJá, hann er mjök bjartr.Yes, it is very bright.
- OlafFagr er máni í nótt.The moon is beautiful tonight.
- HelgaSannliga er hann fagr.He is truly beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moon” translations and entries máni, tungl, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries máni, tungl, CC BY-SA 4.0.
