Everyday expressions and idioms
Little expressions Norwegians use all the time, with the meaning explained rather than translated word for word.
- Takk for sist!Good to see you again! (literally «thanks for last time»)
- Det er ikke så farlig.It's no big deal.
- Det ordner seg.It'll work out.
- Ikke noe problem.No problem.
- Så klart!Of course!
- Det er bare å si fra.Just let me know.
- Uff da!Oh dear!
- Det får så være.Oh well, never mind.
- Det er ikke bare bare.It's not as easy as it sounds.
- Det var på håret!That was close!
- Ingen ko på isen.No need to worry. (literally «no cow on the ice»)
- Alle gode ting er tre.Third time lucky.
- Kjekt å ha!Handy to have! (useful, even if you don't strictly need it)
- Ut på tur, aldri sur!Out on a hike, never grumpy! (a favourite Norwegian motto)
- Kos deg!Enjoy yourself!
- Lykke til!Good luck!
- God bedring!Get well soon!
- Takk for maten!Thanks for the meal! (said to the host after eating)
- Velbekomme!You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it! (the reply to «Takk for maten»)
- Morna!Bye! (casual)
More situations
👋 Greetings and politeness☀️ Small talk and weather🛍️ Shopping☕ Café and restaurant💊 Doctor and pharmacy🚑 Emergencies💼 At work📞 Phone and email🎒 School and kindergarten🏠 Housing and renting🚆 Transport and travel🏦 Bank, NAV and public offices💬 Feelings and opinions📅 Making plans🙏 Apologising and complaining😎 Slang and youth language