hei, jeg heter
The Norwegian phrase 'hello, my name is' is translated as hei, jeg heter.
This phrase is used to introduce yourself to another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The component jeg heter literally translates to 'I am called'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Trøndersk Dialect, one may say Hei, æ hete[r] [your name].
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb heter is the third-person singular present tense of å hete (to be called).
Did you know?
- In Norway, it is common to use only your first name during an introduction, even in professional settings, which can feel much more informal to English speakers.
- The word hei is surprisingly related to the English word 'heath', as they both trace back to Old Norse roots involving open, uncultivated land.
- Depending on the region, the pronoun jeg can change drastically, such as becoming æ in the Trøndersk dialect or i in parts of Western Norway.
Examples in context
- Hallo, mitt navn er Anna.Hello, my name is Anna.
- Hei, jeg heter Lars.Hi, I am called Lars.
- Hei, jeg heter Erik.Hello, my name is Erik.
Example conversation
Nora and Kristoffer meet for the first time at a party.
- NoraHei, jeg heter Nora.Hello, my name is Nora.
- KristofferHei, jeg heter Kristoffer. Hyggelig å møte deg!Hello, my name is Kristoffer. Nice to meet you!
- NoraTakk, i like måte, Kristoffer.Thanks, likewise, Kristoffer.
- KristofferEr du ny her?Are you new here?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hei, jeg, CC BY-SA 4.0.
