selvfølgelig
/sɛlˈfœlːɡ(ə)liː/
The English phrase "of course" can be translated into Norwegian using several forms, most commonly selvfølgelig. Wiktionary also lists selvsagt and naturligvis.
Meaning: indicates enthusiastic agreement (intj)
Ways to say it
| Norwegian | IPA |
|---|---|
| selvfølgelig | /sɛlˈfœlːɡ(ə)liː/ |
| selvsagt | |
| naturligvis |
These words are used to indicate enthusiastic agreement. They can also function as adverbs meaning "naturally".
What does it mean word for word?
The word selvfølgelig is composed of selv (self) and følgelig (following/consequently), literally meaning "self-following" or "self-evident".
Which one should you use?
Selvfølgelig is the most common and versatile option for both spoken and written Norwegian. Selvsagt is slightly more informal and punchy, often used for quick, affirmative responses. Naturligvis carries a more formal or sophisticated tone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Western and Central Norway, sjølvsagt is used as an alternative to selvfølgelig.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/sɛlˈfœlːɡ(ə)liː/
Did you know?
- While selvfølgelig is common, Norwegians often use the word jo to express 'of course' when contradicting a negative statement or confirming something the other person should already know.
- The term selvfølge refers to a 'matter of course' or an axiom in a mathematical or logical sense, separate from its use as an interjection.
- Using naturligvis can sometimes make you sound like a character in a historical novel or a very formal speech. In a casual chat at a coffee shop, using it might strike Norwegians as unintentionally dramatic or overly posh.
Examples in context
- Hva? Nei selvfølgelig ikkeWhaat? No, of course not.This sentence shows how to express "of course not" using selvfølgelig.Tatoeba #10297880 by Lehon, translation #3301162 by Hybrid
- Det er et levende vesen, så selvfølgelig driter det.It's a living being, so of course it shits.This sentence demonstrates the use of selvfølgelig to state a natural consequence.Tatoeba #2874867 by eirik174, translation #327767 by rul
- Selvfølgelig.Of course.This sentence shows a standalone affirmative response using selvfølgelig.Tatoeba #10940518 by Mayk, translation #433492 by CK
- Selvfølgelig!Of course!
- Naturligvis, takk!Of course, thank you!
- Selvsagt, ingen problem!Of course, no problem!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kristoffer and Nora are planning a trip.
- KristofferKan du hjelpe meg med bagasjen?Can you help me with the luggage?
- NoraSelvfølgelig kan jeg det!Of course I can!
- KristofferTakk, det er veldig snilt av deg.Thanks, that is very kind of you.
- NoraBare hyggelig, Kristoffer.You're welcome, Kristoffer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “of course” translations and entries selvfølgelig, selvsagt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries selvfølgelig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
