tom
The English word 'empty' is translated into Norwegian as tom.
The adjective tom is used to describe something that is devoid of content. In casual speech, Norwegians often omit the preposition 'for' and simply say tom instead of 'tom for'. For a more formal way to express being 'without content', you can use the phrase Uten innhold. Additionally, tom serves as a prefix in the compound adjective tomhendt, which means 'empty-handed'.
Meaning: devoid of content (adj)
Which one should you use?
The adjective tom (empty) is distinct from the verb tømme, which means 'to make empty' or 'to empty'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural or definite form of the adjective is tomme.
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, using tom to describe a person can be quite insulting, suggesting they lack intelligence or character.
- The Old Norse ancestor of tom was tómr, which has remained remarkably consistent in its core meaning for over a thousand years.
- In certain dialects, tom can be used to describe a feeling of boredom or spiritual emptiness, not just a physical container.
Examples in context
- Stedet var helt tomt.The place was completely empty.This sentence shows how to describe a place that was completely empty using tom.Tatoeba #4784651 by Meggie, translation #3737588 by CK
- Bussen var nesten tom.The bus was almost empty.This sentence illustrates using tom to say a bus was almost empty.Tatoeba #8159304 by vikvaering, translation #3393041 by CK
- Eg opna eska – ho var tom.I opened the box, it was empty.This sentence demonstrates the use of tom to describe an empty box.Tatoeba #6015414 by jonernm, translation #6443440 by RudeGuyGames
- Vannflasken er tomThe water bottle is empty
- Rommet er tomtThe room is empty
- Posen er tomThe bag is empty
- Skuffen er uten innholdThe drawer is without content
- Jeg har tømt koppenI have emptied the cup
- Bilen er tom for bensinThe car is out of gas
- Kjøleskapet er tomt for matThe fridge is empty of food
- Kofferten er tom. Jeg må pakke den før turen.The suitcase is empty. I have to pack it before the trip.
- Helt tomCompletely empty
- Fullstendig tomtUtterly empty
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Magnus and Sofie are checking the kitchen supplies.
- MagnusEr det mer mel igjen?Is there any more flour left?
- SofieNei, posen er helt tom.No, the bag is completely empty.
- MagnusDa må vi dra i butikken.Then we must go to the store.
- SofieJeg kan bli med deg.I can go with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “empty” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tom, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
