What does it mean word for word?
The part hvordan går det? literally translates to 'how goes it?'
Which one should you use?
While hvordan går det? is a general inquiry about one's life or general situation, the phrase Hvordan har du det? is used to focus more specifically on a person's internal state or feelings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Hei is a versatile greeting that can be used in both informal and semi-formal settings. For a more formal way to say 'good day, how are you?', you can use God dag, hvordan går det?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Western Norway, particularly in cities like Bergen and Stavanger, it is common to greet someone by saying Hei, ka skjer? which means 'hi, what's happening?'
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase hvordan går det?, the word det functions as a dummy subject meaning 'it'.
When do people say it?
When someone asks you hvordan går det?, a common and natural response is Bare bra, takk!, which means 'Just fine, thanks!'
Did you know?
- The word hei shares a surprising ancestral link with the English word 'heath', both stemming from Old Norse roots referring to open, uncultivated land.
- While English speakers often use 'how are you?' to actually start a conversation, Norwegians may use hvordan går det? more as a polite social lubricant where a short, positive answer is expected rather than a detailed life update.
- In Norwegian, the response Bare bra uses the word bare which usually means 'only' or 'just', creating a phrase that translates to 'just fine'.
Examples in context
- Hei, hvordan går det?Hi, how are you?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries det, går, hei, hvordan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
