kveðjur
kveðjur is the Icelandic word for greetings.
The term kveðjur is often used in written correspondence, such as emails or letters, as a sign-off meaning 'regards' or 'best wishes'. As a standalone noun, it is a formal way to refer to the act of greeting.
Meaning: formal way of saying "hello" (intj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While kveðjur serves as a formal sign-off or a formal way to refer to greetings, other options exist depending on the situation. For a formal 'hello' or 'good day', you can use Góðan daginn or the simpler Góðan dag. For informal situations, you might use Halló, the masculine sæll, the feminine sæl or bæ when parting ways with friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form kveðjur is derived from the singular noun kveðja, which means 'a greeting'.
Did you know?
- The root of kveðjur is the verb kveða, which means both 'to greet' and 'to recite poetry'. In Old Norse, this linked the act of formal greeting with the art of oral composition.
- While kveðjur is a general greeting, the words sæll and sæl literally mean 'happy' or 'blessed'. To say 'hello' in Icelandic is to essentially wish the other person a state of bliss.
- Icelandic greetings like Góðan daginn change based on the grammatical case of the noun. The 'n' at the end of Góðan signals the accusative case because the speaker is effectively wishing you 'a good day' as a direct object.
Examples in context
- Kveðjur eru grundvöllur góðra mannasiða.Greetings are the basis of good manners.This sentence shows the use of kveðjur in a general context regarding manners.Tatoeba #707559 by Swift, translation #28679 by Swift
- Góðan daginn, hvernig hefurðu það?Good day, how are you?
- Góðan dag, ég heiti Anna.Good day, my name is Anna.
- Halló, hvernig gengur?Hello, how are you?
- Sæl, hvar ertu að fara?Hello, where are you going?
- Við mætumst á morgun, bæ!We'll meet tomorrow, bye!
Example conversation
Katrín is starting her first day at a new office.
- KatrínKveðjur, ég er Katrín.Greetings, I am Katrín.
- JónSælir, ég heiti Jón.Hello, my name is Jón.
- KatrínMjög gott að kynnast þér, Jón.Very nice to meet you, Jón.
- JónGott að kynnast þér líka.Nice to meet you too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
