What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of the English 'best wishes', where beste means 'best' and ønsker means 'wishes'.
Which one should you use?
While beste ønsker is used for personal well-wishes, other phrases serve different purposes. Vennlig hilsen (kind regards) is the standard formal closing for business correspondence. Beste hilsen (best regards) is a more common and slightly more professional way to close an email or letter than beste ønsker. For informal settings, you can use Alt godt (All the best) or Ønsker deg alt godt (Wishing you all the best).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Beste ønsker feels more personal and warm than standard professional closings. For formal business correspondence, use vennlig hilsen. For a professional but slightly less formal tone, beste hilsen is preferred. In informal situations, you may use alt godt or ønsker deg alt godt.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this context, the plural form beste ønsker is the standard way to express the sentiment. The singular form beste ønske is rarely used for this purpose.
Did you know?
- While beste ønsker is used for wishes, the word beste is also a common colloquial clipping for bestefar (grandfather) and bestemor (grandmother).
- In Norwegian, the concept of 'wishing' someone well is often replaced by 'congratulating' them. For birthdays, Gratulerer med dagen is used instead of beste ønsker, literally meaning 'congratulations with the day'.
Example conversation
Kristoffer is writing a birthday card for Ingrid.
- KristofferJeg skriver kortet til Ingrid nå.I am writing the card to Ingrid now.
- IngridHva skriver du til slutt?What are you writing at the end?
- KristofferJeg skriver bare: beste ønsker, Kristoffer.I'll just write: best wishes, Kristoffer.
- IngridDet er en fin avslutning.That is a nice closing.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beste, CC BY-SA 4.0.
