far vel
The Old Norse way to say bye is far vel.
far vel is used as a way to say goodbye.
Meaning: short for goodbye (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb far (the imperative form of fara, meaning to go or fare) and the adverb vel (meaning well).
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, far is the singular imperative form of the verb fara.
Did you know?
- Unlike modern English 'bye', which is a contraction of 'God be with you', far vel is a direct wish for a safe journey.
- Because far is a singular imperative, you would use a different form of the verb if you were saying goodbye to a group of people.
- The word vel shares a common Indo-European root with the English word 'wealth', as both originally related to the concept of well-being or prosperity.
Examples in context
- Far vel.Bye.
- Far vel, vinr minn.Bye, my friend.
- Far vel, ok kom aptr.Bye, and come back.
Example conversation
Olaf and Sigrid are leaving each other's houses.
- OlafEk skal ganga nú, far vel.I shall go now, bye.
- SigridFar vel, Olaf.Bye, Olaf.
- OlafVit hittumsk síðar.We will meet later.
- SigridJá, svá skal vera.Yes, so it shall be.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries far, vel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
