ok
The Old Norse word for and is ok.
ok is a conjunction used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera.
Meaning: used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj)
Did you know?
- While ok connects words, the language also uses the word ok to mean a 'yoke' used for oxen.
- While it functions as 'and', the word ok actually shares an ancestral root with the English word 'also', stemming from the Proto-Germanic *auk.
- In Old Norse poetry, authors often omitted ok and simply placed two nouns side by side to create a more rhythmic and urgent flow.
Examples in context
- Þeir fóru dag ok nótt.They travelled day and night.This example shows how to use ok to connect two time periods.Tatoeba #12600819 by Barend, translation #12600820 by Barend
- Hann sat á hesti ok var farbúinn.He sat on the horse and was ready to go.This sentence uses ok to link two different actions or states of being.Tatoeba #12600809 by Barend, translation #12600813 by Barend
- Hans hár ok skegg var svart sem bik.His hair and beard were black as pitch.This example demonstrates using ok to join two physical attributes.Tatoeba #12431524 by Barend, translation #12431526 by Barend
- Keypti hann naut ok eggHe bought a cow and an egg
- Þá gekk hann til borgarinnar en fann engan þarHe went to the city and found no one there
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Erik and Sigrid are preparing a meal together.
- ErikHöfum vit fisk ok brauð?Do we have fish and bread?
- SigridJá, ok epli líka.Yes, and apples too.
- ErikKjöt ok mjólk eru betri.Meat and milk are better.
- SigridSet þú þat á borðit.Put that on the table.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “and” translations and entries ok, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ok, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
