avstand
avstand 30秒で
- Avstand measures physical space between points like cities or objects, typically quantified in meters or kilometers.
- It describes social and emotional boundaries between people, reflecting privacy or a lack of intimacy.
- The word is used metaphorically for gaps in opinions, status, or quality between different entities.
- Commonly used in traffic safety (hold avstand) and sports (gap between competitors).
The Norwegian word avstand is a foundational noun that primarily translates to 'distance' in English. At its core, it describes the physical space between two points, objects, or people. However, in the nuanced landscape of the Norwegian language, avstand extends far beyond mere meters and kilometers. It encapsulates social boundaries, emotional gaps, and even temporal intervals. Understanding avstand is crucial for navigating both the physical geography of Norway—a land of vast mountains and deep fjords—and the social geography of its people, who are often noted for their respect for personal space.
- Physical Measurement
- In a literal sense, avstand refers to the gap between point A and point B. Whether you are measuring the length of a room or the distance between Oslo and Bergen, this is the word you use. It is commonly paired with verbs like 'å måle' (to measure) or 'å beregne' (to calculate).
Det er en betydelig avstand mellom de to byene, så vi må kjøre tidlig.
- Social and Personal Space
- Norwegians are famous for their 'sosial avstand' (social distance), even before it became a global health term. It refers to the psychological and physical buffer zones people maintain in public spaces, such as at bus stops or in queues. Using avstand in this context implies a level of respect for privacy and individual autonomy.
Han holdt alltid en viss avstand til kollegene sine for å skille mellom jobb og privatliv.
- Abstract and Metaphorical Use
- The word is also used to describe differences in opinion, quality, or status. If two political parties have very different views, one might say there is a 'stor avstand' (great distance) between them. This usage highlights the versatility of the term in intellectual and professional discourse.
Det er stor avstand mellom det de lover og det de faktisk gjør.
Furthermore, avstand is essential in technical fields. In sports, it denotes the gap between competitors. In astronomy, it describes the vastness of the cosmos. In photography, 'avstandsinnstilling' refers to the focus distance. The word's adaptability makes it a B1-level staple because it transitions from concrete everyday observations to complex abstract thought. Whether you are navigating a GPS or discussing the emotional depth of a novel, avstand provides the linguistic framework to describe the 'space between'.
Hold avstand til bilen foran deg for å unngå ulykker.
Stjernene er i en ufattelig avstand fra jorda.
Mastering the usage of avstand involves understanding its grammatical placement and the prepositions that typically accompany it. As a noun, it can function as the subject, direct object, or part of a prepositional phrase. The most common preposition used with avstand is 'mellom' (between), which defines the two points of reference. Another critical preposition is 'på' (at), often used to describe something viewed from a distance.
- Using 'Mellom' (Between)
- When you want to specify the gap between two entities, 'avstand mellom' is the standard construction. This applies to both physical and abstract distances.
Hva er den nøyaktige avstanden mellom Oslo og Trondheim?
- Using 'På' (At/From)
- To describe observing something from a distance, we use 'på avstand'. This is a very frequent phrase in Norwegian literature and daily conversation.
Jeg foretrekker å observere situasjonen på trygg avstand.
- Verbal Pairings
- Common verbs that take 'avstand' as an object include 'å holde' (to keep), 'å øke' (to increase), 'å redusere' (to reduce), and 'å vurdere' (to assess/evaluate).
Vi må øke avstanden til konkurrentene våre i markedet.
In plural form, avstander is used when discussing multiple gaps or general concepts of distance. For example, 'lange avstander' (long distances) is a common phrase when discussing the geography of Northern Norway. When using the word as a subject, it often dictates the scale of an operation: 'Avstanden gjør det vanskelig å levere varene i tide' (The distance makes it difficult to deliver the goods on time).
I Finnmark er det ofte enorme avstander mellom naboene.
Han følte en voksende mental avstand til barndomsvennene.
You will encounter avstand in almost every facet of Norwegian life, from the mundane to the highly specialized. It is a word that rings through the speakers of public transport, appears on digital screens in cars, and features prominently in news reports and social commentary. Its frequency in daily life makes it an essential part of a learner's active vocabulary.
- In Traffic and Transport
- Norway's driving culture emphasizes safety, and 'hold avstand' (keep your distance) is a mantra taught in every driving school. You will see signs on tunnels and highways reminding drivers to maintain a safe gap. GPS systems will constantly update the 'avstand til målet' (distance to the destination).
Skiltene minner oss på å holde god avstand i tunnelen.
- In Sports Broadcasting
- Norway is a nation of cross-country skiers. During a race, commentators will obsessively discuss the 'avstand' between the leader and the chasing pack. 'Han har en avstand på ti sekunder' (He has a ten-second gap) is a phrase you will hear throughout the winter months.
Kommentatoren ropte at avstanden til teten økte.
- In Social Settings
- In social contexts, especially in post-pandemic Norway, 'avstand' is a frequent topic of conversation regarding comfort levels. 'Er du komfortabel med denne avstanden?' (Are you comfortable with this distance?) might be asked in a crowded room or during a formal meeting.
Vi må respektere folks behov for personlig avstand.
In academic and news settings, avstand is used to critique policy or social trends. A common headline might read 'Økende avstand mellom fattig og rik' (Increasing distance/gap between poor and rich). Here, it serves as a powerful metaphor for inequality. In literature, it often describes the 'avstand' between a character's dreams and their reality. Thus, hearing the word avstand signals that someone is measuring a relationship, whether it's between two cities, two athletes, or two social classes.
Det er stor avstand mellom partiene i spørsmålet om skatt.
Lyset beveger seg over enorme avstander i verdensrommet.
While avstand is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often make specific errors when translating directly or choosing between similar-sounding Norwegian words. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid confusion in critical situations like driving or navigating.
- Confusing 'Avstand' with 'Vei'
- In English, we often say 'It’s a long way to the shop.' In Norwegian, you would use 'vei' for the path/route, but 'avstand' for the measurement. Saying 'Det er en lang avstand til butikken' is grammatically correct but sounds slightly more formal than 'Det er lang vei til butikken'.
Feil: Det er en stor vei mellom oss. (Wrong if you mean distance). Korrekt: Det er stor avstand mellom oss.
- Using 'Distanse' Incorrectly
- Norwegian has the word 'distanse', which is a cognate of 'distance'. However, 'distanse' is more commonly used in technical, athletic, or formal contexts (e.g., 'langdistanseløp'). For everyday talk about how far away something is, avstand is the much more natural choice.
Bruk avstand når du snakker om plass, bruk distanse når du snakker om sport eller formelle målinger.
- Prepositional Confusion
- English speakers often try to use 'i avstand' (in distance). In Norwegian, we almost always use 'på avstand' when describing something seen from afar. Using 'i' makes the sentence sound translated and awkward.
Jeg så ham på avstand, ikke i avstand.
Another mistake is using avstand when you actually mean 'mellomrom' (gap/space). While avstand is the general distance, 'mellomrom' is specifically used for the physical gap between two physical objects, like the space between teeth or the space between words on a page. If you are talking about the distance between two cities, 'mellomrom' would be incorrect. Finally, be careful with the phrase 'ta avstand fra'. This is an idiom meaning 'to distance oneself from' (disassociate/disapprove). If you use it literally to mean walking away, you will be misunderstood.
Politikeren tok avstand fra de ekstreme uttalelsene.
Det er en kort avstand, men veien er veldig svingete.
To truly master Norwegian, you must know when to use avstand and when to reach for a synonym that offers more precision or a different tone. Norwegian has several words that touch upon the concept of space and distance, each with its own specific 'feel' and context. By comparing these, you can refine your expression and avoid repetitive language.
- Distanse vs. Avstand
- As mentioned before, 'distanse' is more formal and technical. It is used in sports (maratondistanse) or in abstract academic writing. Avstand is the 'everyday' word. If you use 'distanse' when asking for directions, you might sound like a textbook.
Han løper lange distanser, men han liker ikke den korte avstanden til naboen.
- Mellomrom vs. Avstand
- 'Mellomrom' refers to a physical gap, often one you can see through or put something into. Avstand is the measurement of that gap. You would say 'Det er et stort mellomrom mellom tennene' but 'Avstanden mellom tennene er to millimeter'.
Det er ikke nok mellomrom mellom ordene i denne teksten.
- Vidde vs. Avstand
- 'Vidde' refers to width or vastness, particularly of open landscapes (like 'Hardangervidda'). While avstand measures from A to B, 'vidde' describes the broadness of an area. It’s used metaphorically for 'horizons' or 'scope'.
Fjellet gir en følelse av uendelig vidde, selv om avstanden til toppen er kort.
Other alternatives include 'strekning' (a stretch of road or distance) and 'rekkevidde' (range/reach). 'Strekning' is used when describing the path itself: 'Denne strekningen er farlig om vinteren'. 'Rekkevidde' is used for how far something can reach, like an electric car's battery or a person's influence. Choosing between these words depends on whether you are focusing on the measurement (avstand), the path (strekning), the gap (mellomrom), or the capacity (rekkevidde). By diversifying your vocabulary, you can describe the world with the precision of a native speaker.
Elbilen har en god rekkevidde, så avstanden er ikke et problem.
Vi må vurdere avstanden mellom teori og praksis.
レベル別の例文
Det er kort avstand til skolen.
It is a short distance to the school.
Simple subject-verb-complement structure.
Hvor lang er avstanden?
How long is the distance?
Interrogative sentence using the definite form 'avstanden'.
Vi ser huset på avstand.
We see the house from a distance.
Uses the common phrase 'på avstand'.
Det er lang avstand mellom oss.
There is a long distance between us.
Uses 'mellom' to show the gap between two points.
Mål avstanden med en linjal.
Measure the distance with a ruler.
Imperative sentence.
Bussen kjører en lang avstand.
The bus drives a long distance.
Standard SVO sentence.
Hold avstand i køen.
Keep your distance in the queue.
Common social instruction.
Er det stor avstand til butikken?
Is there a great distance to the shop?
Yes/no question.
Vi må holde god avstand til bilen foran.
We must keep a good distance from the car in front.
Modal verb 'må' with 'holde avstand'.
Avstanden mellom byene er hundre kilometer.
The distance between the cities is one hundred kilometers.
Definite noun acting as the subject.
Han liker å se på fjellene på avstand.
He likes to look at the mountains from a distance.
Infinitive construction with 'å se'.
Det er for stor avstand til at vi kan gå.
The distance is too great for us to walk.
Result clause 'til at vi kan gå'.
Kan du beregne avstanden på kartet?
Can you calculate the distance on the map?
Question with the verb 'beregne'.
Det er små avstander i denne byen.
There are small distances in this city.
Plural form 'avstander'.
Hun holder avstand til fremmede.
She keeps her distance from strangers.
Present tense describing a habit.
Vi må øke avstanden for å være trygge.
We must increase the distance to be safe.
Infinitive of purpose 'for å være'.
Politikeren tok avstand fra volden.
The politician distanced himself from the violence.
Idiomatic use of 'ta avstand fra'.
Det er en mental avstand mellom generasjonene.
There is a mental distance between the generations.
Abstract usage of the noun.
Han følte en viss avstand til de andre i gruppen.
He felt a certain distance from the others in the group.
Describes emotional state.
Avstanden til målet virket uoppnåelig.
The distance to the goal seemed unattainable.
Subject with a descriptive adjective.
Vi må vurdere den sosiale avstanden i prosjektet.
We must evaluate the social distance in the project.
Professional context.
På trygg avstand så alt mye bedre ut.
From a safe distance, everything looked much better.
Adverbial phrase starting the sentence.
Det er stor avstand mellom teori og praksis her.
There is a great distance between theory and practice here.
Metaphorical comparison.
Læreren prøvde å minske avstanden til elevene.
The teacher tried to lessen the distance to the students.
Verb 'å minske' (to lessen/diminish).
Journalisten holdt en profesjonell avstand til kilden.
The journalist kept a professional distance from the source.
Adjective modifying the noun.
Avstanden mellom fattig og rik øker i mange land.
The gap between rich and poor is increasing in many countries.
Socio-economic context.
Han klarte ikke å overvinne den emosjonelle avstanden.
He managed not to overcome the emotional distance.
Focuses on emotional barriers.
Det er nødvendig å ha avstand til egne følelser av og til.
It is necessary to have distance from one's own feelings occasionally.
Reflexive pronoun 'egne'.
De diskuterte avstanden mellom de politiske blokkene.
They discussed the distance between the political blocs.
Political terminology.
Avstanden i tid gjør det vanskelig å huske detaljene.
The distance in time makes it difficult to remember the details.
Temporal distance.
Hun valgte å ta avstand fra hele miljøet.
She chose to distance herself from the entire environment.
Strong idiomatic expression.
Vi må måle avstanden nøyaktig for å lykkes.
We must measure the distance accurately to succeed.
Technical requirement.
Forfatteren skaper en ironisk avstand til sin protagonist.
The author creates an ironic distance to their protagonist.
Literary analysis term.
Den geografiske avstanden er ingenting mot den kulturelle.
The geographical distance is nothing compared to the cultural one.
Comparative structure.
Han betraktet hendelsen med en kjølig avstand.
He viewed the event with a cool distance.
Describes attitude/demeanor.
Det er en hårfin avstand mellom genialitet og galskap.
There is a hairline distance between genius and madness.
Philosophical proverb-like statement.
Forskningen belyser avstanden mellom ambisjon og resultat.
The research highlights the distance between ambition and result.
Academic context.
Hun har alltid hatt en sunn avstand til sosiale medier.
She has always had a healthy distance from social media.
Modern social commentary.
Avstanden til barndommens idealer ble tydeligere med årene.
The distance to the ideals of childhood became clearer with the years.
Reflective and complex.
De må minske avstanden mellom partene i konflikten.
They must reduce the distance between the parties in the conflict.
Diplomatic usage.
Verket utforsker den eksistensielle avstanden mellom selvet og den andre.
The work explores the existential distance between the self and the other.
High-level philosophical discourse.
Han navigerte i det politiske landskapet med en kalkulert avstand.
He navigated the political landscape with a calculated distance.
Metaphorical and strategic usage.
Den ontologiske avstanden mellom kart og terreng må aldri glemmes.
The ontological distance between map and terrain must never be forgotten.
Epistemological reference.
Språket fungerer her som en barriere som skaper avstand.
The language functions here as a barrier that creates distance.
Linguistic analysis.
Det er en uoverstigelig avstand mellom deres verdenssyn.
There is an insurmountable distance between their worldviews.
Extreme abstract gap.
Med historisk avstand kan vi se begivenhetene i et nytt lys.
With historical distance, we can see the events in a new light.
Temporal/analytical perspective.
Han artikulerte avstanden mellom de juridiske rammene og den moralske intuisjonen.
He articulated the distance between the legal frameworks and moral intuition.
Legal/ethical complexity.
Diktet tematiserer avstanden som oppstår når ordene ikke strekker til.
The poem themes the distance that arises when words are not enough.
Literary/poetic analysis.
よく使う組み合わせ
Summary
The word 'avstand' is a versatile noun meaning 'distance' that covers physical, social, and abstract gaps. A key example is 'å holde avstand' (to keep distance), which is vital for safety and social etiquette in Norway.
- Avstand measures physical space between points like cities or objects, typically quantified in meters or kilometers.
- It describes social and emotional boundaries between people, reflecting privacy or a lack of intimacy.
- The word is used metaphorically for gaps in opinions, status, or quality between different entities.
- Commonly used in traffic safety (hold avstand) and sports (gap between competitors).
関連コンテンツ
generalの関連語
advare
B1To warn someone about a danger or risk
akseptabel
B2許容できる
aktiv
B1engaged in physical or mental activity
aktsom
C1careful or cautious in one's actions
aktuell
B1「現在の」または「関連のある」を意味します。例:「時事問題」(en aktuell sak)。
allikevel
B2それにもかかわらず、やはり。 '雨が降っていますが、やはり外出します。'
alt
A1everything
altfor
B1Altfor は「~すぎる」や「過度に」を意味する副詞です。望ましい、または許容できる範囲を超えていることを示すのに使われ、しばしば否定的なニュアンスを伴います。例えば、「altfor varmt」は「暑すぎる」という意味です。
alvorlig
B1彼は真面目な人です。(Kare wa majime na hito desu.)
anbefale
B1誰かに何かを勧める。その作家は新しい本を勧めた。 (The author recommended the new book.)