How to Say “Hi” in Old Norse

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heill
The Old Norse way to say "hi" is heill.
The greeting functions as a wish for the person to be in a state of health or wholeness.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)

What does it mean word for word?

The word heill literally means healthy, whole or lucky.

Did you know?

  • A person who was heill was not just healthy but considered 'unbroken' or 'complete' in their social and legal status.
  • In Old Norse poetry, the state of being heill often describes a hero who has survived a great battle unscathed.

Examples in context

  • Heill, vinr!
    Hi, friend!
  • Heill ok sæll!
    Hi and be well!

Example conversation

Olaf and Sigrid meet on a path.

  1. Olaf

    Heill, Sigrid!
    Hi, Sigrid!
  2. Sigrid

    Heill, Olaf!
    Hi, Olaf!
  3. Olaf

    Hvert ferr þú?
    Where are you going?
  4. Sigrid

    Ek fer heim.
    I am going home.

Sources

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Rebecca Debbie
Rebecca DebbieHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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