góða skemmtun
[ˈkouːða ˈscɛm̥tʏn]word by word
The English phrase "have fun" can be expressed in Icelandic as góða skemmtun.
Use this phrase to wish someone a good time.
Meaning: wish someone a good time (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase góða skemmtun is composed of góða (good, feminine accusative) and skemmtun (fun, entertainment or amusement).
Which one should you use?
góða skemmtun functions as a noun phrase meaning "a good time". In contrast, you can use the reflexive verb phrase skemmtið ykkur vel (enjoy yourselves well) as a more active way to tell a group of people to enjoy themselves.
Did you know?
- The root of skemmtun is shared with words meaning 'to spoil' or 'to damage' in other Germanic languages, illustrating a strange linguistic shift from 'breaking' a mood to 'breaking' the boredom.
- Icelanders often respond to góða skemmtun with a reciprocal wish even if the two people are attending entirely different events.
- While góða skemmtun is the standard translation, it can sound like a scripted greeting from a professional host, making it feel less natural between close friends than in a theater.
Examples in context
- Góða skemmtun í ferðinni!Have fun on the trip!
- Góða skemmtun á veitingastöðinni!Have fun at the restaurant!
Example conversation
Katrín is leaving for a party.
- KatrínÉg er á leið í pallý.I am heading to a party.
- JónÓ, góða skemmtun, Katrín!Oh, have fun, Katrín!
- KatrínTakk, Jón!Thanks, Jón!
- JónSjáumst seinna.See you later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “have fun” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (góða, skemmtun) and can differ in connected speech.
