Ways to say it
| Norwegian |
|---|
| adjø |
| farvel |
| avskjed |
| hadet bra |
| hadet |
| snakkes |
Norwegian offers different ways to express farewell depending on the situation and how soon you expect to see the person again. While adjø and farvel are used for leaving, snakkes is a common way to say goodbye to someone you will speak with again soon.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun avskjed literally refers to a farewell or a parting.
Which one should you use?
The forms vary significantly in tone and context. Farvel is a formal way to say goodbye, often implying a more permanent departure or parting from someone you may not see for a while. In contrast, snakkes (often used in the phrase vi snakkes) translates to 'We'll talk' and is used when you expect to see or speak with the person again soon. Unlike these direct greetings, avskjed is a noun used to describe a formal parting or a farewell ceremony.
Did you know?
- The formal goodbye adjø shares its DNA with the Spanish adiós and the French adieu, as all three originated from a plea to God for protection during a departure.
- While adjø is the textbook translation for 'goodbye', it is rarely used in spoken daily life and can sound overly formal or antiquated.
- When you use the phrase ha det bra to say goodbye, you are literally wishing someone 'have it well'.
Examples in context
- Hun smilte og sa farvel.She smiled and said goodbye.The first sentence shows the use of farvel in a narrative context.Tatoeba #2948573 by eirik174, translation #316602 by CK
- Jeg har kommet for å si farvel.I've come to say goodbye.The second sentence demonstrates using farvel to express the intent of saying goodbye.Tatoeba #2950167 by eirik174, translation #64018 by CK
- Tom og Mary vil ikke si farvel.Tom and Mary don't want to say goodbye.The third sentence illustrates how farvel is used in a sentence regarding a desire to say goodbye.Tatoeba #12576311 by elithyia, translation #6514561 by CT
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jakob and Ingrid are finishing a business meeting.
- JakobTakk for møtet, Ingrid.Thank you for the meeting, Ingrid.
- IngridBare hyggelig, Jakob. Adjø!You're welcome, Jakob. Goodbye!
- JakobAdjø, vi ses snart.Goodbye, see you soon.
- IngridJa, ha det bra!Yes, goodbye!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations and entries adjø, farvel, avskjed, snakkes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adjø, avskjed, bra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
