Far vel
The English phrase "goodbye" is Far vel in Old Norse.
Far vel is used to say farewell. For a more polite alternative, you can use Vertu sæll, which carries the meaning of "Be well" or "Be happy".
Meaning: farewell (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Far vel is composed of the verb far (the imperative form of fara, meaning to go or travel) and the adverb vel (meaning well).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Far vel uses the singular imperative of the verb fara.
Did you know?
- Old Norse speakers used Vertu sæll for men and Vertu sæl for women when wishing someone to 'be well'.
- The adverb vel is cognate with the Gothic word 𐍅𐌰𐌹𐌻𐌰, showing how this specific word for 'well' spread across different Germanic tribes.
Examples in context
- Far vel, vinr minn.Farewell, my friend.
- Far vel, ok kom aptr.Farewell, and come back.
Example conversation
Ivar is leaving the village after a long journey.
- HelgaFar vel, Ivar.Farewell, Ivar.
- IvarÞǫkk, Helga. Far þú vel.Thanks, Helga. Farewell to you.
- HelgaVit munum hittask aptr.We will meet again.
- IvarJá, víst munum vit þat.Yes, surely we will.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries far, vel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
