En-Ei-Et
In Norwegian, the prefixes “ei-“, “en-“, and “et-” are used to indicate the grammatical gender of nouns. Here is how each is used:
- Ei – This prefix is used for feminine nouns in the traditional gender system (Bokmål) of the Norwegian language. Examples: Ei jente (a girl), Ei kone (a wife)
- En – This prefix is used for masculine nouns in the traditional gender system (Bokmål). Examples: en mann (a man), en gutt (a boy)
- Et – This prefix is used for neuter nouns in both the traditional (Bokmål and Nynorsk) and common gender system (Riksmål and Samnorsk). Examples: Et barn (a child), Et hus (a house)
Note also that en mann (a man) & mannen (the man). So, it starts with en- and ends with -en
Example in common gender system (Bokmål):
- En lærer (a teacher, regardless of gender)
- En kone (a wife)
- Et barn (a child)
- Et hus (a house)
The traditional system is still used in some formal and literary contexts, and there are regional differences in the use of gendered nouns. However, the common gender system with two genders (common and neuter) is more widely adopted and facilitates learning for non-native speakers.
Outfit
In summary:
| Gender | Norwegian | English |
|---|---|---|
| en | en jakke | a jacket |
| en | en genser | a sweater |
| en | en skjorte | a shirt |
| en | en frakk | a coat |
| en | en dress | a suit |
| en | en bukse | a pair of pants |
| en | en blazer | a blazer |
| en | en lue | a beanie |
| en | en hatt | a hat |
| en | en slips | a tie |
| ei | ei t-skjorte | a t-shirt |
| ei | ei bukse | a pair of pants |
| ei | ei kåpe | a coat (for women) |
| ei | ei lue | a beanie |
| ei | ei skjorte | a shirt |
| et | et skjerf | a scarf |
| et | et belte | a belt |
| et | et slips | a tie |
| et | et skjørt | a skirt |
| et | et pannebånd | a headband |
| et | et plagg | a garment |
| et | et undertøy | underwear |
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