kjære
The Norwegian word for darling is kjære.
The term is an affectionate way to address someone who is very dear to you. Depending on the context, it can be translated as dear, darling or beloved.
Meaning: often used as an affectionate term of address: person who is very dear to one (noun)
Which one should you use?
While kjære is the standard term for darling or dear, you may also use Skatt, which translates to treasure or sweetheart and Snuppa, which is used to say darling or sweetie.
Did you know?
- The word skatt literally means 'treasure' or 'tax'. This means a Norwegian might call their partner the same word used for government revenue.
- While kjære is used for romantic partners, it is also the standard, formal way to open a letter or an email to someone you do not know well, such as in 'Dear Mr. Smith'.
- The word kjær shares a linguistic root with the English word 'care', reflecting a shared Germanic origin of affection and concern.
Examples in context
- Kjære, jeg er veldig glad i deg.Darling, I love you very much.
- Jeg savner deg, kjæreste.I miss you, my dearest.
- Kan du handle for meg, skatt?Could you shop for me, honey?
- Kom hit, snuppa!Come here, sweetie!
- Du er min kjære.You are my darling.
- Min kjære, vil du med?My darling, do you want to come?
Example conversation
A couple is preparing to go out for a walk.
- AndreasEr du klar, min kjære?Are you ready, my darling?
- EmmaJa, jeg er klar nå.Yes, I am ready now.
- AndreasSkal vi gå nå?Shall we go now?
- EmmaJa, la oss gå.Yes, let's go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kjære, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
