vinr minn
The English phrase "my friend" is translated into Old Norse as vinr minn.
A term used to refer to a person with whom one has a bond of friendship.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes gender to match the gender of the friend being referred to. vinkona mín is the feminine form. The phrase must agree in number and gender. vinkonur mínar is the feminine plural form.
Did you know?
- The word vinr is related to the Old English wine, 'friend', a word unrelated to the drink and long lost from English.
- In Old Norse society, a vinr was not just a casual acquaintance but someone bound by a formal social contract of mutual aid and loyalty.
- In Old Norse poetry, calling someone a vinr can imply a much deeper, spiritual bond than the casual English 'friend' does today.
Examples in context
- Hann er vinr minn.He is my friend.
Example conversation
Two people meeting in a village.
- GunnhildHeill, vinr minn!Hello, my friend!
- IvarHeill, Gunnhild!Hello, Gunnhild!
- GunnhildHversu ferr þér, Ivar?How are you, Ivar?
- IvarMér ferr vel.I am doing well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vinr, CC BY-SA 4.0.
