vær så snill og takk
vær så snill og takk is the Norwegian way to say "please and thank you".
This phrase serves as a polite combination of words for making requests and expressing gratitude. However, while English speakers often treat "please and thank you" as a single idiomatic unit, Norwegians typically use vær så snill for requests and takk for gratitude as separate instances rather than a single fixed phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the imperative vær så snill (be so kind) and the noun takk (thanks).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase vær så snill is used to make a request more polite, though it is more literally a command meaning "be so kind". The word takk can stand alone as a complete sentence to express gratitude, much like "thanks" in English.
Did you know?
- The word takk is so versatile that takk for sist is a common social greeting used to thank someone for the last time you met, even if that meeting was months ago.
- If you use the word vær as a noun, you might actually be talking about 'weather' or 'the wind'.
- In Norway, saying takk too frequently in a short conversation can sometimes feel overly formal or unnatural to native speakers, as the culture tends toward a more understated style of politeness.
Examples in context
- Takk skal du ha for hjelpen.Thank you for your help.
- Takk skal du ha for gaven.Thank you for the gift.
- Takk for rådet.Thank you for your advice.
- Takk for at du kom.Thank you for coming.
Example conversation
Kristoffer is asking Nora for a favor.
- KristofferNora, kan du sende meg saltet, vær så snill og takk?Nora, can you pass me the salt, please and thank you?
- NoraJa, selvfølgelig, her er den.Yes, of course, here it is.
- KristofferTusen takk, Nora!Thank you so much, Nora!
- NoraBare hyggelig, Kristoffer.You're welcome, Kristoffer.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries så, vær, CC BY-SA 4.0.
