Carl XVI Gustaf

1 6.5

A person who has been king of Sweden since 1973 and was born in 1946

proper noun

: Carlos XVI Gustavo

King Carl XVI Gustaf has ruled Sweden since 1973.

Examples

Carl XVI Gustaf has served as the king of Sweden since 1973.
Many Swedes celebrate the birthday of Carl XVI Gustaf each year with official events.
During his reign, Carl XVI Gustaf has focused on environmental issues and youth engagement.
Carl XVI Gustaf celebrated his 75th birthday last year.
Carl XVI Gustaf has served as the king of Sweden since 1973.
During his reign, Carl XVI Gustaf has focused on environmental issues and youth engagement.
Many Swedes celebrate the birthday of Carl XVI Gustaf each year with official events.

Surface Forms

Carl XVI Gustaf main

Morphology

Carl + XVI + Gustaf

Although a learner who knows 'Carl', 'Gustaf', and the Roman numeral 'XVI' can tell this is a personal name with a regnal number (hinting at a monarch), that information does not allow them to infer the specific meaning 'the king of Sweden since 1973; born in 1946'. The referential, encyclopedic content (identity, country, and dates) is language- and culture-specific and cannot be derived from the constituent words alone.

Etymology

Carl XVI Gustaf is a royal name: Carl and Gustaf are traditional Swedish king names, and XVI is a Roman numeral meaning 16 that shows he is 'the 16th' king with that name. So the full name tells you he is the current king of Sweden.