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A2 adjective Neutre 3 min de lecture

rund

/rʉn/
Entraîne-toi

Overview

The Norwegian word 'rund' is a versatile adjective that primarily translates to 'round' in English. However, its usage extends beyond simply describing a perfect circle, encompassing a broader range of shapes and even abstract concepts.

Core Meaning: Shape and Form

At its most fundamental, 'rund' describes something that has a circular, spherical, or cylindrical form. Examples include:

  • En rund ball: A round ball (spherical)
  • Et rundt bord: A round table (circular surface)
  • Runde kaker: Round cakes (circular shape)
  • En rund stamme: A round trunk (cylindrical)

Figurative and Extended Meanings:

Beyond literal shapes, 'rund' takes on several figurative meanings, enriching its usage:

  1. 1Completeness or Wholeness: It can imply something is complete, entire, or all-encompassing.
  • Et rundt tall: A round number (an integer ending in zero, often used to refer to an approximate or easily remembered number, e.g., 'ca. 1000' - 'around 1000', or 'et rundt antall' - 'a round number/total').
  • En rund sum: A round sum (a substantial or complete amount of money).
  1. 1Smoothness or Absence of Corners: In some contexts, 'rund' can suggest a lack of sharp edges or a smooth, continuous flow.
  • En rund sving: A gentle curve or turn (implying a smooth, not sharp, bend in a road).
  • Runde former: Rounded forms (often used to describe a person's physique, implying curves rather than angularity).
  1. 1Generosity or Kindness (less common but possible): In very specific, often older or idiomatic expressions, it can hint at being magnanimous or fair, though this is less frequent than its shape-related meanings.
  1. 1Around/Approximately (adverbial use): When used in phrases like 'rundt' (which is the neuter form but often functions adverbially), it means 'around' or 'approximately'.
  • Rundt to timer: Around two hours.
  • Rundt juletider: Around Christmas time.
  • Rundt omkring: Around (here and there, or approximately).

Grammatical Forms:

Like many Norwegian adjectives, 'rund' inflects according to gender and number:

  • Masculine/Feminine Singular: rund (e.g., en rund ball, ei rund dør)
  • Neuter Singular: rundt (e.g., et rundt bord)
  • Plural (all genders): runde (e.g., runde epler, runde stoler)
  • Definite Singular/Plural: runde (e.g., den runde ballen, de runde bordene)

Common Expressions and Phrases:

  • Å gå i ring/runde: To go in circles (literally or figuratively, meaning to make no progress).
  • Å snakke rundt grøten: To beat around the bush (literally 'to talk around the porridge', meaning to avoid the main point).
  • En rundkjøring: A roundabout/traffic circle.

Understanding 'rund' requires considering both its literal description of shape and its extended meanings related to completeness, smoothness, and approximation, making it a versatile and commonly used word in the Norwegian language.

Exemples

1

Hun har et rundt ansikt.

Describing physical appearance

She has a round face.

2

Bordet var rundt.

Describing an object's shape

The table was round.

3

De gikk rundt hushjørnet.

Describing movement

They went around the corner of the house.

4

Han er rundt 50 år.

Estimating age

He is around 50 years old.

5

Jorden er rund.

General knowledge/scientific fact

The Earth is round.

Collocations courantes

rund ball
rund form
rundt bord
runde former

Souvent confondu avec

rund vs rand
Meaning 'edge' or 'brim', often confused due to similar pronunciation.
rund vs runt
The neuter singular form of 'rund', but can also be an adverb meaning 'around'.

Modèles grammaticaux

en rund + noun (e.g., en rund bord - a round table) et rundt + noun (e.g., et rundt eple - a round apple) runde + plural noun (e.g., runde former - round shapes)

Expressions idiomatiques

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Comment l'utiliser

Notes d'usage

The adjective 'rund' can refer to both two-dimensional circular shapes and three-dimensional spherical or cylindrical shapes.

Erreurs courantes

One common mistake might be confusing it with 'ren' which means 'clean' or 'pure'. Another could be mispronouncing the 'u' sound, which in Norwegian is more like the 'oo' in 'moon' but shorter, rather than the 'uh' sound in English 'run'. Also, remember that 'rund' can describe both a circle and a cylinder, so its usage is quite broad. For example, a 'rund kake' is a round cake, and a 'rund stokk' is a round log (cylindrical). Finally, don't confuse it with 'runde' which can be a noun meaning a 'round' or 'lap' (e.g., 'første runde' - first round).

Astuces

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Grammar Note

'Rund' inflects for gender and number like other Norwegian adjectives. Remember to use 'rundt' for neuter singular nouns, and 'runde' for plural and definite forms.
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Common Mistake

Don't confuse 'rund' (adjective) with 'rundt' (adverb). 'Rundt' as an adverb means 'around' or 'approximately'.
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Pronunciation Tip

The 'u' in 'rund' is typically pronounced like the 'oo' in 'moon' in American English, but shorter and more closed.

Origine du mot

From Old Norse 'rundr', from Proto-Germanic '*rundaz'.

Contexte culturel

In Norway, the word 'rund' (meaning round) carries various cultural connotations beyond its literal shape. For instance, 'å gå rundt grøten' (to beat around the bush) illustrates how 'rund' can describe indirectness in communication, reflecting a cultural preference for directness, though often softened by politeness. Food plays a significant role, and many traditional Norwegian dishes are round, such as 'lefse' (a flatbread) or various types of cakes and cookies served during celebrations like Christmas ('julekaker'). The concept of 'runddans' (round dance) is also culturally significant, emphasizing community and togetherness in folk traditions. Even in design, the practicality and aesthetic of round shapes can be seen in traditional Norwegian craftsmanship, from wooden bowls to decorative elements, often symbolizing wholeness or completeness. The phrase 'en rund sum' (a round sum) implies an approximate, often generous, amount of money, hinting at a cultural appreciation for practicality and avoiding overly precise, potentially petty, figures in informal contexts. The cultural context of 'rund' therefore extends to communication styles, culinary traditions, communal activities, and even financial expressions, all underscoring its versatile and embedded nature in Norwegian life.

Astuce mémo

Think of the English word 'round' – it sounds and means something very similar to 'rund' in Norwegian. Imagine a 'round' object to remember 'rund'.

Questions fréquentes

4 questions
'Rund' is a Norwegian word that translates to 'round' in English. It describes something that is shaped like a circle or a cylinder. It can be used to describe a variety of objects, from the shape of a ball or a wheel to a person's physique, indicating a plump or full figure. The word is quite versatile and is a fundamental descriptor in the Norwegian language.
In a sentence, 'rund' can be used similarly to 'round' in English. For example, you might say 'en rund ball' (a round ball) or 'et rundt bord' (a round table). It can also be used metaphorically, such as 'en rund sum penger' (a round sum of money), implying an approximate or even amount. The usage adapts to the context, just like its English equivalent.
Yes, there are several common phrases and expressions in Norwegian that incorporate 'rund'. One example is 'rundt regnet,' which means 'approximately' or 'roughly calculated.' Another is 'gå rundt grøten,' which literally translates to 'walk around the porridge' but means to beat around the bush, avoiding the main point. These expressions demonstrate the word's integration into everyday language.
Beyond its primary meaning of 'round,' 'rund' can sometimes carry additional connotations depending on the context. For instance, when describing a person, 'rund' can suggest a well-fed or plump appearance. It can also imply completeness or wholeness in certain contexts. However, its core meaning always relates back to its spherical or cylindrical shape, making it a straightforward term to understand.

Teste-toi

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Eplet var helt ____.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
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Kaken var ____ og fin.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
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Barna lekte ____ om et tre.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Score : /3

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