hversu ferr þér?
hversu ferr þér? is the Old Norse way to say "how are you?"
This phrase is a common greeting used to inquire about a person's current well-being.
Did you know?
- Old Norse has a close relationship with Old English, where the word 'fare' in 'farewell' comes from the same root as ferr.
- Here þér is the dative of þú, so the question literally asks 'how does it go for you?'
Example conversation
Two friends meet on a path in a village.
- SigridHeill, Björn! Hversu ferr þér?Hail, Bjorn! How are you?
- BjornMér ferr vel, Sigríðr. En þér?I am well, Sigrid. And you?
- SigridMér ferr ok vel.I am well too.
- BjornGott er at sjá þik.It is good to see you.
