Cette page dans ta langue
English العربية Deutsch Español 日本語 한국어 Português हिन्दी فارسی 中文
B1 noun Neutre 3 min de lecture

figur

/fiˈɡuːr/
Entraîne-toi

Overview

The Norwegian word 'figur' is a versatile noun with a rich semantic range, reflecting its Latin origins 'figūra', meaning 'shape, form, figure'. This breadth of meaning makes it a word that can describe both tangible and abstract concepts, making it a valuable term for expressing a variety of ideas in Norwegian. Its grammatical gender is common, meaning it can take either masculine or feminine agreement depending on dialect or speaker preference, though it's typically treated as masculine in most formal contexts (en figur - figuren).

One of the most fundamental uses of 'figur' is to denote a 'shape, form, or outline'. This can range from simple geometric shapes like circles ('sirkler') and squares ('kvadrater') to more complex or indistinct forms, such as 'en mørk figur' (a dark figure) appearing in a doorway. In this sense, it is often interchangeable with words like 'form' and 'skikkelse', emphasizing the visual aspect of something's structure.

Beyond physical appearance, 'figur' also commonly refers to a 'character' in narratives. This could be the 'hovedfiguren' (main character) in a novel or a 'historisk figur' (historical figure) like a king or queen. In this context, it aligns closely with the English 'character' when referring to individuals within stories or historical accounts. This usage highlights the role an individual plays or their representation in a fictional or historical context.

In a more technical or academic setting, 'figur' is used to mean a 'diagram, illustration, or graph'. When a text refers to 'figur 3', it directs the reader to a visual representation that clarifies a point, much like 'figure' is used in English academic writing. This demonstrates its utility in presenting data or explaining complex processes visually.

Furthermore, 'figur' can describe a 'notable or prominent person', often in public life. Someone who is 'en kjent figur i det politiske landskapet' is a well-known personality in politics, indicating their importance and recognition within a particular sphere. This usage often carries a connotation of influence or public presence.

Finally, 'figur' can also refer to a 'figure of speech' or a 'rhetorical device' in linguistics and literature. When discussing 'retoriske figurer' like irony, the word points to specific stylistic choices made in language to achieve a particular effect. This showcases the word's application in analyzing the structure and impact of communication.

The versatility of 'figur' is further enriched by common phrases and idioms. 'Holde figuren' means to stay in shape, connecting the word to physical well-being. 'Gjøre en god figur' and 'gjøre en dårlig figur' are excellent examples of how 'figur' is used to describe making an impression, good or bad, illustrating the social implications of one's presentation or performance. Understanding these various facets of 'figur' is crucial for grasping its full meaning and appropriate usage in Norwegian.

Exemples

1

Danseren hadde en slank figur.

Describing a person's physical form.

The dancer had a slender figure.

2

Hun er en viktig figur i norsk politikk.

Describing a prominent character or personality.

She is an important figure in Norwegian politics.

3

Barnet tegnet enkle figurer.

Referring to geometric or drawn shapes.

The child drew simple shapes.

4

Romanens hovedfigur var en ensom mann.

Referring to a character in a story.

The novel's main character was a lonely man.

5

Han er en interessant figur.

Describing someone's personality or demeanor.

He is an interesting character.

Collocations courantes

geometrisk figur
menneskelig figur
abstrakte figurer
tredimensjonal figur

Souvent confondu avec

figur vs skikkelse
Both can mean 'figure' or 'form', but 'skikkelse' often implies a more distinct or recognizable human or animal shape, sometimes with a sense of presence or appearance. 'Figur' is more general and can refer to any shape, diagram, or character.
figur vs form
While 'form' can be used interchangeably with 'figur' in some contexts (meaning shape), 'form' is broader and can also refer to the structure, manner, or type of something, as well as a mold or a state of being. 'Figur' specifically emphasizes the visual outline or representation.
figur vs karakter
When referring to a 'character' (e.g., in a story), both 'figur' and 'karakter' can be used. However, 'karakter' is more commonly used for a person's personality or a grade/mark, whereas 'figur' specifically denotes a character as a person in a narrative or a diagrammatic representation.
figur vs gestalt
This is a more formal and psychological term, often referring to a whole or a unified configuration that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts. While related to 'form' and 'figure', it carries a more specific academic connotation than the general 'figur'.

Modèles grammaticaux

en figur (indefinite singular) figuren (definite singular) flere figurer (indefinite plural) figurene (definite plural)

Comment l'utiliser

Notes d'usage

The word 'figur' can be used in various grammatical contexts in Norwegian. As a masculine noun, its forms are 'figur' (singular indefinite), 'figuren' (singular definite), 'figurer' (plural indefinite), and 'figurene' (plural definite). When referring to a shape or form, it can be used in sentences like 'Geometriske figurer er interessante' (Geometric shapes are interesting) or 'Hun tegnet en figur i sanden' (She drew a shape in the sand). In the context of a character, especially in literature or theater, one might say 'Hovedfiguren i boken er modig' (The main character in the book is brave) or 'Skuespilleren spilte en kompleks figur' (The actor played a complex character). 'Figur' can also describe a person's physical figure, as in 'Hun har en slank figur' (She has a slender figure). The specific meaning often depends on the surrounding context, so it's important to consider the broader sentence or conversation when interpreting the word.

Erreurs courantes

One common mistake might be confusing 'figur' with 'ansikt' (face) if thinking about a 'figure' of a person. While a face is part of a figure, 'figur' is a broader term. Another mistake could be mixing up 'figur' with 'nummer' (number) or 'tall' (number/digit) if you're thinking of 'figure' as in a numerical value. 'Figur' specifically refers to a shape, form, or character, not a number.

Origine du mot

From Old Norse *figura, from Latin figūra, meaning 'shape, form, figure'. Cognate with English 'figure'.

Contexte culturel

The Norwegian word 'figur' is a versatile term that can refer to a wide range of concepts, from tangible shapes and forms to abstract characters and symbolic representations. In Norwegian culture, 'figur' is often encountered in artistic contexts, such as in sculpture, painting, and literature, where it denotes the representation of a person, animal, or object. It can also be used in a more general sense to describe the overall shape or outline of something. In folklore and mythology, 'figur' can refer to mythical beings or symbolic characters that play a significant role in traditional narratives. The term also finds its place in everyday language, where it might describe a person's physical appearance or a distinctive characteristic. Its broad applicability reflects a cultural appreciation for both concrete and abstract forms of expression.

Astuce mémo

Visualize a 'figure' or 'shape' in your mind. Imagine a 'character' from a story. Connect the Norwegian word 'figur' to these English meanings by picturing them.

Questions fréquentes

4 questions
The Norwegian word for 'figure' is 'figur'. It's a versatile term that can refer to a variety of concepts, much like its English counterpart. For example, it can denote a shape, form, or even a character in a story or a prominent person in society. Understanding the context in which 'figur' is used is key to grasping its precise meaning, as its applications are quite broad across different areas of the language, from art to mathematics to literature.
When 'figur' is used to describe a shape or form, it often refers to the outline or external appearance of something. This could be a geometric shape like a circle or a square ('geometrisk figur'), or it could be the form of a human body ('menneskelig figur') or an animal. In art, it might refer to the shape of an object within a painting or sculpture. It essentially captures the visual representation and structure of an entity, distinguishing it from its surroundings.
Yes, absolutely! In the context of literature, theater, or film, 'figur' very commonly refers to a character. This includes protagonists, antagonists, and supporting roles within a narrative. For instance, 'hovedfigur' means 'main character' or 'protagonist'. The term emphasizes the role and identity of an individual within a fictional work, contributing to the development of the plot and themes. It's a direct equivalent to the English 'character' in this sense.
Beyond shapes and characters, 'figur' can also refer to a prominent or influential person, often in a public or historical context, like 'en viktig figur i historien' (an important figure in history). It can also denote a diagram or illustration ('en figur i en bok') or even a figure of speech ('språklig figur'). In a more abstract sense, it can refer to a representation or symbol. Its broad applicability makes it a fundamental word in Norwegian vocabulary, requiring attention to context for accurate interpretation.

Teste-toi

fill blank

En ____ kan være en geometrisk form eller en person i en historie.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
fill blank

Se på denne ____en; den er et kvadrat.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
fill blank

Hoved____en i boken er veldig interessant.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Score : /3

Contenu associé

C'tait utile ?

Commentaires (0)

Connectez-vous pour Commenter
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier à partager vos idées !