Ways to say it
| Icelandic | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gerðu svo vel | ||
| plís | slang | |
| takk | [ˈtʰahk] (narrow) | |
| með leyfi | formal | |
| gerðu það | informal | |
| vinsamlega |
Icelandic offers various ways to express politeness or make a request. While gerðu svo vel is a standard way to say 'please', it is also the phrase used when handing an object to someone, similar to saying 'here you go'. In many situations where an English speaker would use 'please' to be polite, an Icelander might simply use takk (thanks) instead. To make a formal request, you can use the adverb vinsamlegast or the phrase Vertu svo vænn að … followed by the specific action you are requesting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase gerðu svo vel literally translates to 'do so well'.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the intended tone and situation. Gerðu svo vel is a polite way to say 'please', whereas gerðu það is a more direct, informal imperative meaning 'do it' or 'please do it'. For very informal or colloquial settings, the slang term plís is used, which is a direct loanword from English.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality varies significantly between these terms. Með leyfi and vinsamlegast are used for formal requests, and Vertu svo vænn að … is another formal option. Gerðu svo vel is a standard polite form, while gerðu það is informal. Plís is considered slang and is used only in very casual settings.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverb vinsamlegast is used to form polite requests or written instructions. To express a request more formally, you can use the structure Vertu svo vænn að … followed by the desired action.
When do people say it?
When handing something to another person, it is customary to say gerðu svo vel as a way of saying 'here you go'. Additionally, Icelandic speakers often express politeness through gratitude by using takk (thanks) in contexts where an English speaker would typically use 'please'.
Did you know?
- The word vinsamlega is rooted in the word for 'friend', making a polite request essentially 'friendly'.
- The formal request Vertu svo vænn að … literally appeals to the person's kindness or 'being kind'.
- Icelandic lacks a single, dedicated word that functions exactly like the English 'please' in every context.
Examples in context
- Láttu mig vera, gerðu það.Leave me alone, please.This example shows the use of gerðu það to express a direct request.Tatoeba #4171529 by lifind, translation #249676 by CK
- Má ég vinsamlegast fá tómatsósu?Can I have ketchup, please?This sentence demonstrates how to use vinsamlega to ask for something politely.Tatoeba #10359791 by nipbud, translation #10359789 by Amastan
- Vinsamlegast bættu við nýrri setningu.Please add a new sentence.This is an example of using vinsamlega for a written-style instruction or request.Tatoeba #11304821 by nipbud, translation #4817874 by Arondayot
- Vinsamlegast gefðu mér saltið.Please pass me the salt.
- Vertu svo vænn að opna gluggann.Please open the window.
- Vertu svo vænn að hjálpa mér.Please help me.
- Gerðu svo vel og gefðu mér hendið.Please give me your hand.
- 152 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sigríður is handing a document to Ólafur.
- SigríðurHér er skjalið, gerðu svo vel.Here is the document, please.
- ÓlafurTakk fyrir, Sigríður.Thank you, Sigríður.
- SigríðurErtu tilbúinn að fara núna?Are you ready to go now?
- ÓlafurJá, ég er tilbúinn.Yes, I am ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries takk, vinsamlega, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
