nei takk
The English phrase "no thank you" is translated into Norwegian as nei takk.
nei takk is used as a polite way of saying no.
Meaning: polite way of saying no (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the word nei (no) and takk (thanks/thank you).
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike English, which often uses a comma between "no" and "thank you", Norwegian typically does not require a comma between nei and takk in this short phrase.
When do people say it?
A common way to extend the refusal more naturally is to add det er greit (it is fine/okay).
Did you know?
- The word nei is used in common idioms that mean the opposite of a refusal, such as expressing surprise or disbelief.
- Norwegian shares the word takk with Danish and Swedish, making the phrase almost identical and mutually intelligible across Scandinavia.
- The word nei can be stretched into a long neeee to signal that a refusal is soft or hesitant, rather than a firm 'no'.
Examples in context
- Nei takk.No, thank you.This sentence shows how to use the phrase nei takk.Tatoeba #368836 by contour, translation #31390 by CK
- Takk, men jeg må dessverre takke neiThank you, but unfortunately I have to decline
- Det er veldig snilt av deg, men jeg må takke neiThat is very kind of you, but I have to decline
- Jeg setter pris på tilbudet, men jeg må nok takke neiI appreciate the offer, but I have to decline
- Takk, men jeg orker ikkeThanks, but I don't feel like it
- Nei takk, jeg skal ikke haNo thanks, I don't want any
- Nei takk, det går braNo thanks, I'm fine
- Nei takk, jeg er mett.No thank you, I am full.
- Nei takk, jeg vil ikke ha mer.No thank you, I do not want any more.
Example conversation
Sofie offers Jakob a piece of cake.
- SofieVil du ha et stykke kake, Jakob?Do you want a piece of cake, Jakob?
- JakobNei takk, det går fint.No thank you, I am fine.
- SofieEr du helt sikker?Are you completely sure?
- JakobJa, jeg er mett.Yes, I am full.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no thank you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nei, takk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
