liv
/liːʋ/neuter
The English phrase 'life' is translated into Norwegian as liv.
liv refers to the state of being alive.
Meaning: the state of being alive (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
liv is a neuter noun. To say 'a life', use the indefinite form et liv. When referring to a specific life or 'the life', use the definite form livet. The word also has plural forms: use liv for the indefinite plural (lives) and livene for the definite plural (the lives).
How do you pronounce it?
/liːʋ/
Did you know?
- The word liv is a homonym in Norwegian, also meaning 'the bodice' or the upper part of a dress or garment.
- The Norwegian word liv shares a surprising ancestor with the English word 'slimy', tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to stick or slip'.
- The expression liv og røre uses the word for 'life' to describe a state of chaotic, positive energy, much like the English 'hustle and bustle'.
Examples in context
- Prøv å nyta livet.Try to enjoy life.This sentence is useful for showing how to use liv in the context of enjoying life.Tatoeba #13013843 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #13013434 by Aghanim
- Vi vil nyta livet.We want to enjoy life.This sentence is useful for showing how to use liv in the context of wanting to enjoy life.Tatoeba #13013845 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #13013417 by Aghanim
- Livet er ein draum.Life is a dream.This sentence is useful for showing how to use liv when describing life as a dream.Tatoeba #12486690 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #453515 by CM
- Livet er en fantastisk gaveLife is a wonderful gift
- Dagliglivet kan være både hektisk og rutinepregetDaily life can be both hectic and routine-oriented
- Greia mi har alltid vært å leve i nuetMy thing has always been to live in the present
- Opplevelsen av livet er viktigere enn materielle tingThe experience of life is more important than material possessions
- 101 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andreas and Sofie are sitting in a park discussing their future.
- AndreasDet er mye liv i parken i dag.There is much life in the park today.
- SofieJa, det er veldig hyggelig.Yes, it is very pleasant.
- AndreasJeg føler virkelig at jeg nyter mitt liv.I really feel that I am enjoying my life.
- SofieDet er bra å høre, Andreas.That is good to hear, Andreas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “life” translations and entries liv, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries liv, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
