jeg kan godt lide dig
The phrase "I like you" in Danish is translated as jeg kan godt lide dig.
jeg kan godt lide dig is used to express both platonic liking and romantic interest. The specific meaning is often determined by the context in which it is spoken.
Meaning: I like you (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, jeg kan godt lide dig translates to "I can well like you".
Which one should you use?
You should use jeg kan godt lide dig to say "I like you", but reserve the phrase jeg elsker dig for the much stronger expression "I love you".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using this phrase, you must use the object form dig instead of the subject form du because "you" is the object of the verb.
Did you know?
- The verb lide shares an unexpected history with the English word 'suffer'. While it means 'to like' in Danish, its Germanic roots involve the concept of 'passing through' or 'enduring' something.
- If you only said jeg lide dig without the words kan godt, you would sound like you are saying 'I suffer you' or 'I endure you' rather than expressing affection.
- In Denmark, saying jeg kan godt lide dig to a romantic interest is often a safer, more gradual step than saying jeg elsker dig, which is considered extremely intense.
Examples in context
- Jeg kan godt lide dig.I like you.
Example conversation
Lucas and Freja are talking in a park.
- LucasJeg kan godt lide dig, Freja.I like you, Freja.
- FrejaTusind tak, Lucas!Thanks a lot, Lucas!
- LucasMener du det samme?Do you feel the same?
- FrejaJa, jeg kan også godt lide dig.Yes, I like you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jeg, lide, CC BY-SA 4.0.
