vinsamlegast og takk
The English phrase "please and thank you" is expressed in Icelandic as vinsamlegast og takk.
This phrase is a polite combination of words used to make a request and express gratitude.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of vinsamlegast (please/kindly), og (and) and takk (thanks).
Which one should you use?
In the phrase, vinsamlegast serves as the formal translation for "please". While this is the direct translation, you may find that in natural spoken requests, speakers often replace it with gerðu svo vel (be so kind).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word vinsamlegast is a formal way to say "please" and is most commonly used in written requests or formal instructions. Conversely, takk is an informal way to say "thank you" used in everyday contexts.
Did you know?
- The formal vinsamlegast is rooted in the word for 'friendly', making the literal meaning closer to 'most friendly'.
- While vinsamlegast means 'kindly', using it in a restaurant can actually make you sound like a robot or a formal instruction manual rather than a person.
- The word takk shares the same distant ancestor as the English word 'thank', meaning they are very old cousins.
Examples in context
- Takk fyrir að hjálpa mér!Thanks for helping me!
Example conversation
Guðrún asks Gunnar to pass the salt at dinner.
- GuðrúnGunnar, geturðu gefið mér saltið?Gunnar, can you give me the salt?
- GunnarJá, hér er það.Yes, here it is.
- GuðrúnVinsamlegast og takk, Gunnar!Please and thank you, Gunnar!
- GunnarEkkert mál, Guðrún.No problem, Guðrún.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries og, takk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
