nordlys
neuter
The English phrase "northern lights" is translated into Norwegian as nordlys. Wiktionary also lists nordljos.
Meaning: the aurora of the northern hemisphere (noun)
Ways to say it
| Norwegian | Note |
|---|---|
| nordlys | neuter |
| nordljos | neuter |
The term refers to the aurora of the northern hemisphere.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound consisting of nord, meaning north and lys, meaning light.
Which one should you use?
The form nordlys is the indefinite form used to say "northern lights", whereas nordlyset is the definite form used to say "the northern lights".
Is it said differently in some regions?
The spelling nordlys is used in Bokmål, while nordljos is the Nynorsk form.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a neuter noun, you can refer to specifically "the northern lights" by adding the definite suffix -et to the word, resulting in nordlyset.
Did you know?
- In older Norwegian folklore, the aurora was sometimes feared, and people believed that one should not whistle or sing at the nordlys for fear of attracting it.
- In Norwegian folklore, some traditions suggested that nordlyset was caused by the reflection of the sun on a shield of ice or the wings of a giant bird.
- While nordlys is common, the Sami people of Northern Norway have their own distinct terminology to categorize the specific movements and shapes of the lights.
Examples in context
- Eg skulle ynskja at Adriano kunne ha sett nordljoset.I wish Adriano could see the northern lights.This sentence is useful for expressing a wish regarding someone seeing the northern lights using the form nordljos.Tatoeba #12472940 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #11729204 by Amastan
- Jeg skal skrive en avhandling om Nordlyset.I am going to write a thesis about the Northern Lights.
- Nordlyset er et naturlig fenomen som oppstår i polare områder.The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that occurs in polar regions.
- Museet har en utstilling dedikert til Nordlyset.The museum has an exhibition dedicated to the Northern Lights.
- Vi så nordlys på ferien.We saw the northern lights on vacation.
- Det er vakkert med nordlys.The northern lights are beautiful.
Example conversation
Nora and Andreas are planning a trip to the north.
- NoraJeg vil dra nordover for å se nordlys.I want to go north to see northern lights.
- AndreasDet høres ut som en flott plan, Nora.That sounds like a great plan, Nora.
- NoraHvor er det best å se nordlys?Where is the best place to see northern lights?
- AndreasTromsø er et veldig bra sted, Nora.Tromsø is a very good place, Nora.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “northern lights” translations and entries nordlys, nordljos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
